12/01/2023
Any time that your family is all together, in the same location, is a GREAT time to take family portraits. One thing that the Covid-19 pandemic has taught me is to not take these moments for granted. There are many times throughout the year where your family may gather to celebrate a birthday, the holidays, graduations, etc. These moments are the perfect time to also schedule family portraits. Here are five tips on planning family portraits with extended family.
1. SCHEDULE THE SESSION WELL IN ADVANCE
One of the ways to make planning family portraits with extended family stress-free is by planning the session well in advance. I recommend giving everyone at least 2-4 weeks notice. This allows everyone to put the session on their calendars. If your family consists of a lot of kids, this is especially important! Most families with kids are juggling hectic schedules โ so giving ample notice is important.
2. MAKE COORDINATING OUTFITS EASY ON EVERYONE
Another thing to consider when planning family portraits with extended family is to make coordinating outfits as easy as possible. I recommend giving everyone two color choices. For example, everyone can wear blue jeans and a neutral colored top. Chances are people will already have an outfit that meets this type of description. Planning outfits around clothing that people most likely already have will eliminate the stress of buying a new outfit just for the session.
3. PLAN ON ARRIVING AT LEAST 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE START OF THE SESSION
Perhaps the one factor that adds stress to family portraits with extended family is making sure everyone arrives on time. One way to minimize this from happening is by telling people to arrive at least 15 minutes early. If you know that certain family members are prone to being late, tell them the session actually starts 15 minutes before the actual start time. That way if they arrive โlateโ it will not cut into the session ๐
4. IF THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE, MAKE SURE TO WRITE A LIST OF EACH COMBINATION YOU WANT PHOTOGRAPHED
Another tip I recommend is to make a list of all of the family groupings you would like photographed. Since you will know more about your family than the Photographer, this is a good idea for large groups. This is especially the case with families consisting of step parents, mixed families, etc. Creating a list will ensure that all of the desired groups are captured at least once and it will also minimize stress.
5. PLAN SOMETHING AFTER THE SESSION
Last but not least, I recommend planning something fun for after the session. Believe it or not, there may be a family member or two who may not be excited for the session. Planning something fun after the session will incentivize cooperation and create excitement around the session. Some examples of fun things to do after the session are miniature golf, going to ice cream, or making reservations for lunch or dinner.
If you are planning family portraits with extended family, I hope to be able to help capture those moments of your family to cherish for generations to come.
