When I receive a request for a family photo session, I always like to have a conversation with the family — mom or dad, to get to know them and my focus is on the expectations they might have in terms of the style of the session. I try to find out if they prefer the classic look of the portraits, or more lifestyle look.
I’m sure everyone has an image in their heads of what family portrait they prefer to have for their family. Sometimes they have already had certain style of the family portraits done and now they are ready to experiment!
Let me tell you a secret (not so much of a secret) that I’ve mentioned in my other blog post — Lifestyle photographers love real, natural interactions between family members! Those natural and unposed moments are Gold. And I’m All about it!
I’m the photographer who would encourage your child to do whatever s/he wants — be playful, jump, run, pick up the umpteenth rock and show it to me. If the kid is into it so much, so why not?! I also love capturing candid moments of connection, laughter, and playfulness among family members if that happens.
But of course, not everyone are so comfortable in front of the camera to be able to express themselves freely as if nobody watching! Lol! At least not from the start. Some warm up is necessary, so the family can get used to the photographer’s energy and vise versa.
I think this warm up time is perfect for more guided poses, when everyone is looking in the camera, all are smiling and well behaved:) Sometimes it takes 5-10 minutes (mostly with kids), sometimes a full hour for people to get comfortable and forget about a photographer.
If that happens, photographer becomes a fly on a wall, just capturing the moment after moment. People are now free to be themselves and express their emotions and personalities! To think about it, it is a magical moment during a photo session. It can lead to more genuine moments that allow the family’s true dynamics to shine through. And I’m learning how to create this moment and I think I’m getting better and better each and every time.
Let’s find out! Contact me for a chat:)
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Why I love dark and moody looks.
