I don’t know if you’ve noticed but regular family pictures have become a very popular thing. I can count on one hand how many times my family got pictures taken growing up. Now it seems like family pictures are a yearly event trend. Don’t get me wrong, I like the idea of having cute, regular family pictures just as much as the next gal but it can sometimes be an event that comes close to giving me an ulcer! From finding the right photographer that is affordable; figuring out what everyone will wear; convincing my husband that family pictures are as necessary as I think they are; to stressing over if my kids will be good so it’s not a waste of time and money– in the end it has left me most often dreading family pictures.
With some experience being both behind the camera taking the pictures and in front having my picture taken, I’ve learned a few tips that will make the process easier and more stress free while getting the most for your money.
1. Find a photographer that fits your style and charges a price that you are comfortable paying. If you look hard enough there is a photography out there that will fit within just about any price range. However, most often the more a photographer charges the better the quality you will get. If you’re wanting to get pictures done regularly maybe choose a more experienced photographer every couple of years and do cheaper/ less experienced photographers in between. (For example, this photo shoot of Sara’s family I did while I was in Oregon since I am be NO means a real photographer!) Also, I have learned that each photographer has their own style of taking and editing pictures. This will make a huge difference on whether you like your pictures or not so make sure you choose one you like.
2. Decide what’s going to look the best in your house. I often look to the color scheme and style of my house to draw inspiration for pictures and what we will wear. By doing this you can be assured that your family pictures will work great hanging up in your house.
3. If mamma’s happy everyone is happy! I read somewhere that the mother should dress herself first in something she loves and then dress everyone else to match. I couldn’t agree more! Let’s be honest, we’re the most self-conscious when it comes to having our pictures taken so if we’re wearing something we feel awesome in we’ll be happy and so will the rest of the family.
4. Don’t stress your kids out by threatening them if they don’t smile. I once took pictures for a family where the mother was threatening her kids the whole time that they wouldn’t get ice cream after the shoot if they didn’t smile. I think this just stressed the kids out more. Treat pictures like a family outing. Perhaps even go early to the location to give the kids time to explore, have fun and get their wiggles out.
5. Have a game plan of how you are going to use your new family pictures. Don’t let the money you spend on getting your family pictures taken go to waste by letting them sit on your computer. Having an idea of what poses you want and where you will be hanging them will allow you to have an idea of what you want to get out of your photo session. For example, I prefer a traditional close up shot of the family to hang in a big frame in my living room.
*For those of you who are really confused. While you get to enjoy picture’s of Sara’s adorable family, it’s actually me, Hanna, writing the post. As for a little back story behind these photos Sara was brave enough to have me take some family pictures for her while I was out in Oregon last weekend. I haven’t done something like this for a while and again I am NO pro-photographer! We decided to drive around to find some open fields for pictures. Long story short, after tramping around in the fields for a few pictures Sara’s husband ended up having a major allergic reaction to it all (the fields, not the family photos) and ended up with red swollen eyes and legs deeming the end of family pictures. Luckily we were able to get some good shots before the outbreak… What men do to please their wife’s!
