Comments on: Family Portraits Do’s and Don’ts

By: Carol

Carol — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:48:49 +0000

a sure fire laugh line “okay, now everybody say Mom has stinky feeeeeeeeet!” works every time : )

By: Catherine

Catherine — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:50:55 +0000

A one-liner for bridal party groups…. “Can the bride and groom have a kiss please (click). Now EVERYBODY have a kiss (laugh – click)”

By: Bill

Bill — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 03:46:00 +0000

I have successfully used an idea that sounds like it won’t work, but for me it did. When taking a picture of a lot of people, it is almost impossible to get one with no one blinking. Tell everyone to blink on the count of three and then take the picture on four. Tell them ahead of time what you are going to do so they understand the purpose of it all.

By: Mary Wano

Mary Wano — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 02:25:48 +0000

Fantastic article – I just happened to come across it this evening while prepping for a shoot tomorrow. Really great tips and tricks. I’m still a young photographer, and I’m still super nervous about paying clients, so it was nice to have the “3.) Don’t sound insecure” rule reiterated. Thanks for the valuable information.

By: Kraig Henry

Kraig Henry — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 21:22:59 +0000

Great tips…I’ve only been taking photos seriously for approx. 4 years. I’ve never really had any formal training, and I usually use one of the programmed settings on my Nikon D80. It all started with my sons playing football, soccer and baseball, so I specialize in Sports Photography. Well needless to say taking pics outside on a sunny day is so easy that a monkey to do it, but when the sun is not out, it’s cloudy and overcast or it’s a night game with cheesy lights everything gets alittle complicated. I guess the point I’m trying to make is f-stops and ISO’s are very important, when you have to manually set them. I’ve been asked to do weddings, family portraits, proms, baby showers, suprise birthday parties etc. but I’m intimidated because of f-stops, ISO, etc. The tips pointed out here are very informative, however some have stated that they inadvertantly shot in the wrong settings. Are there specific ISO’s for indoor, outdoor, overcast, cloudy, bright sun, field lights, moon light etc. How can you determine ISO so you won’t be dependant on the programed settings. I usually shoot ISO 1000-1600 to freeze the action when I do go M or AP and adjust the WB for Flourcent of incandecent light for indoor games but i really try to avoid them.

By: Hussey Photography

Hussey Photography — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 13:34:02 +0000

This is a great article to keep in the back of your mind as a good reference for shooting families!
I’d def’ recommend the having fun aspect of it. If your clients only want formals, offer to have them to some fun/crazy as well to loosen them up! And then stick to what they hired you for :)

-Tim

By: Fiona

Fiona — Mon, 11 May 2009 13:43:45 +0000

I am pretty new to photography (have always loved it but only recently have taken it up seriously) and have had my first request for a family portfolio shoot. I work with a Canon 40D, 17-85mm lens but also have my Canon 2.8 100mm macro lens which I know is good for portraiture (have done some self portraits and portraits of my husband etc). I also use the wireless remote (Hahnel).
I don’t have a studio, I don’t have all the other photographic equipment like reflectors etc.
How on earth do I quote on something like this – husband and wife with 2 kids – they are worried that they haven’t taken many ‘family photos’ and time goes by etc … so I’m sure whatever I do will be fine, but as its my first request I’m nervous and scared that I’m going to stuff things up and also how do I quote?
Any ideas, suggestions, tips etc would be appreciated. Also aware that as a new photographer I need the experience and to also build my portfolio …

By: PRH

PRH — Fri, 08 May 2009 09:01:27 +0000

“don’t let mum run the show…”
hehehe that’s hilarious….
no running, no jumping, no dirt, no fun…hold on, I’m that mum ;)

By: Joe

Joe — Wed, 06 May 2009 09:04:38 +0000

Excellent tips. Thanks for this post.

By: Simon

Simon — Tue, 05 May 2009 15:33:09 +0000

Tame the beast! Yes don’t let the mother take over, or anyone else for that matter. One thing that always bugs me is the control freak in the family that has to check for themselves that everyone else is smiling correctly just as I take the shot.

Usually a punch in the nose fixes it, then photoshop out the bruises.

Simon ;)