My Style
I have a casual, more documentary style of photography. I enjoy capturing the special moments between families, which are most likely the expressions that you see most in one another every day. You will find me talking to you and your family a lot, with special attention in engaging your children in the moment.Please allow me to keep them focused on me, rather than being firm with them; I have a few tricks to help kids forget the camera is even there, thus producing more natural expressions and smiles from them. If you have younger children, I may tell some jokes or act silly. With teens, I may pull them off to the side and get to know a bit about them first. I know family portrait-time can be thought of as a stressful time, but I want you to not only enjoy your images, but also the experience of making those images.
I gravitate towards the natural posing that families do, but may offer posing suggestions as needed, in order to benefit the final look of your portraits. Also, attitude is everything. A grumpy disposition, whether a child’s or a parent’s, can show up in your final images, so I ask that you come to your session with an open mind, keeping in mind that you are creating precious memories that you will cherish for decades to come.
Clothing Suggestions
Photographs are special, a legacy for future generations to enjoy. I want you to enjoy your experience with me, and here are few things to remember before your photo session.Clothing choices are an important decision for your session. Please be wary of stripes, plaid, words, and logos on your clothing. These things can be a distraction. Also, white or very light colors can take away from the face and the details of a white top or dress tend to get lost. Bold pinks and purples tend to appear very hot/bright looking in photos so be careful with those colors also.
Clothing choices are just as important for family sessions, as other sessions. I highly suggest clothing for each family member that has the same tone, but not necessarily the same color. Photos are more interesting when everyone is dressed a little different. Just keep it natural. Another great clothing tip is to wear a shirt of a contrasting color under a long sleeve shirt or a sweater/vest over it. Scarves are great too.
Don't come as a couple, one wearing white and one wearing black.
Don't wear color(s) that are in strong darkness/lightness contrast to skin color. If you are ivory-skinned, avoid black or other very dark colors. If you are African-American, avoid white or very light colors. At the same time, don't wear a color that is very similar to your skin color. For example, if you are light-skinned, don't wear colors like light orange or yellow; if you are dark-skinned, avoid medium-dark brown.
Guys, please shave an hour or so before the session. Your five o'clock shadow will show!
Oh, and bare feet are great for family sessions too! (If you don’t have a foot fetish!)
As a general rule, bright colors tend to work better on children as accents to parents clothing choices.
Like Wardrobe Wednesday's for more ideas.
