-What does Good Look Like to you-
One of my favorite turns-of-phrase is that coordinating people is like herding cats. I’ve done many family portrait sessions and gala portraits in my career and often remind folks of something quite wonderful: your family photo session doesn’t have to be a Herculean task—or even as challenging as herding cats. It can feel overwhelming because people tend to lack a clear vision of what a “good” result will look like. This is where a good photographer comes in handy.
First, we’ll develop your vision. Where do you envision displaying your portrait? Is this a small photo album for your coffee table? Or will it be a larger print hung on the wall? Maybe it will live in a 4x6 frame on the mantle or dresser? How will the photo complement the current look and feel of your home? If this feels overwhelming, start small! Aim for those 4x6 or 5x7 grouped frames, like this example from Ikea! https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/yllevad-collage-frame-for-4-photos-black-50429768/
(As seen above, it is easy!)
Now that we have an idea of the vision—let’s say four photos, some vertical, some horizontal—it’s easier to envision which family members will be in each frame and which photo could be the whole group! Will the photos be taken at home, in the living room, study, or perhaps the front yard? Maybe they’ll be at a local park or in a cute location downtown? Perhaps they’ll be individual shots, with each family member sharing the hobby that brings them joy? These photos aren’t just for wall art, but a snapshot of who you are in this moment.
Next, we’ll schedule the session. Scheduling depends on the location. If we’re outdoors, we’re fighting the elements and will schedule a late afternoon or early morning session. (You know your family best; what time is easiest to get everyone together, dressed comfortably with hair brushed?) If the session is indoors, we have much more flexibility. The actual photo session at a home usually runs 30 minutes to an hour (which is less time than most TV shows these days, it seems!)
The big day
Finally, the big day arrives! By now, you have a vision of the photos on the wall, your family members are all informed, calendars are marked, and time is allotted for any drive time, hair, and makeup needs. On the day of the session, I’ll show up, set up the lighting, and make quick work of the session. We’ll do a quick review to ensure we have the desired shots, and then we’ll set a meeting date for image review and print selections over either coffee or Zoom. And just like that, your family memories and moments are captured for the year!
The above photos are all from family portrait sessions we've done in 2024, and would love to help make your memories tangible.
