Erie Photography

Great Family Photos

A family portrait is something that will hang in your home for a long time. So, you want to ensure the result is one that you like. Whether you want something serious or fun, it’s important to have a strategy when you work with the photographer.

I’m here with some tips to help you get the best family photography possible.

How to Choose a Photographer for Family Photography

If you’re hiring a professional photographer in Erie, PA, be sure to interview several candidates so you choose the right one. You also want to determine his or her specialties to make sure they do a lot of family portraits.

Talk to them and learn about their family portrait ideas to make your shoot is special. Above all, you want to be comfortable with the person so the shoot will go well and you end up with images you love.

Cost of Family Portrait Photographers

Many people make the mistake of deciding on family photography based only on price. While everyone has a budget in mind, not every photographer is equal. Basing your decision on cost alone can result in a disappointing experience when your Family Photos are delivered. You can read a little more about what to expect for Family Photography cost by reading our helpful article about it.

Choosing a Location for a Family Portrait

Choosing the best location for a family portrait is one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make. You need to choose the setting that will best suit your family.

Do you want the session to be inside or outside? In your home or some other outdoor setting, such as the beach, park, or a field of flowers? Think about the type of background you want, too. 

If you don’t have a specific location in mind, ask the photographer for suggestions. No doubt he or she has shot in many different places. 

Choosing What to Wear

You want to choose your wardrobe carefully. That doesn’t mean you have to wear matching outfits. I don’t recommend that.

It’s better to choose coordinating or complementing colors. Maybe everyone can wear a shirt in a shade of blue or go with something basic like black and white. I suggest you choose no more than two main colors and then mix it up with neutral tones such as khaki.

Take Advantage of Your Surroundings

You want to make sure you use the best features of your surroundings. If you’re on a beach, use things like the water and patterns of the sand. Find other features such as tall grass, rock formations, or things in the background, such as a lighthouse or boat on the water. 

Maybe you want to frame the family under the branch of a tree or the rising hillside in the background. 

Best Types of Portrait Photography

The Art of Posing

Coming up with poses can be a challenge, especially when you’re dealing with kids or pets. Little ones will have limited patience for being still. One good tip is to stay away from “posing” and instead let the photographer capture everyone acting naturally.

If you’re in the woods or a field, try walking together. With children, try to capture their interest with a flower, shells, or some other object in your surroundings. This may help them slow down long enough for the photographer to get in a few good shots.

It’s also best to stay away from straight lines or rows. Groupings and diagonal lines work better in pictures, adding interest and dynamics to the shot. You can also try different heights, with some people sitting while others stand or lean.

The photographer will also have family photographer poses to try.

Bend Those Body Parts

A bunch of people standing around will result in stiff, awkward poses. One good rule of thumb is to bend body parts whenever possible. Not only will it make the subjects more comfortable, but it will also result in more natural-looking photographs.

Some ideas:

• Shift your weight to one foot and aim your hip away from the camera
• Put one hand in your pocket, leaving your thumb on the outside
• Hook a finger through your belt or belt loop
• Lean forward and put your weight on one hip
• Sit down and rest the elbow farthest from the camera on a raised knee
• Sit down and raise one knee, keeping the other foot flat on the ground
• Lean back against an object and cross one foot over the other
• Crouch on the ground

These poses will create interesting angles that draw the eye across the portrait.

Dealing with Kids

I touched on this briefly, but the subject deserves more attention. Children can be notoriously difficult to capture. Simply telling them to be good and smile can turn the session into torture, resulting in tears and tantrums.

Instead, make the session a fun outing. Bring props to keep them entertained, which equals smiling and laughing subjects for the camera. Things like bubbles, a ball, flowers, or a favorite toy work well.

Rather than have kids sit still and pose, allow them to run around and leave it to the photographer to capture them at the right moment. Good family photographers have a lot of experience wrangling kids so they may have their own tricks and suggestions. 

Dealing with Pets

Photographing pets is also challenging, and talking to them doesn’t always work. 

It’s a good idea to prepare your pets in advance. Get them used to the camera by taking lots of pictures beforehand. You also want to make sure your pet is clean, particularly dogs who tend to get dirtier. 

If you’re using a photographer, allow him or her to get to know your pet before the shoot. Some dogs are naturally nervous or unsure around strangers, while others will jump up and lick anyone. Again, a good family photographer will have worked with animals before so he or she should have their own tricks.

If you’re planning to include your dog or cat, make sure to inform the photographer. He or she should have ideas for how to get the best results.

Book Erie Photography, Photographer Services for Your Wedding or Next Event.

Erie Photography™

Erie Wedding & Event Services
Wedding Disc Jockey | Erie Photography | Wedding Photo Booth | Wedding Videography
1001 State Street, Suite 1400, Erie, PA 16501
814.246.2148 | info@general-mead.flywheelstaging.com | www.general-mead.flywheelstaging.com

Your Family Photo Shoot

Begin Planning Your Family Portraits

A family portrait is something that will bring back memories for years to come. Make sure you plan ahead so you get the best results. If you’re looking for a professional photographer for family portraits, weddings, or newborn photographs in Erie, PA, Erie Photography is here to capture the special moments in your life.

Erie Photographers’ Blog

Sit Still: Newborn Photography Tips

During the first six months of life, average newborns grow at a rate of about a half to one full inch per month. Almost every day they appear different as they put on weight and outgrow each little stage of being.

When to Schedule Your Newborn Photos

For this reason, you should get in your newborn photos as soon as possible to capture them in all their newness. Photo sessions with little ones pose obvious challenges as they do not always cooperate the way we want them to.

This absolutely does not mean that you should forgo the photo op. Follow these seven newborn photography tips that will help you get the perfect picture.

1. Book Early On

Schedule your newborn photography session prior to giving birth. This will ensure that your photographer is available when you need them.

Try to make your session right before or at the baby’s two-week mark. This allows you time to adjust to bringing your new family member home.

Not only will you make sure to get them tiny and new at this point, but they will most likely make the photo session easy. At this age, newborns mostly sleep.

A sleeping baby makes for a precious photograph. It also allows you to indulge in capturing just about any adorable pose you can think of.

2. Schedule Around Naptime

While you need to book your appointment early on, see if your photographer can wait until your little one comes into the world to solidify the time. After the first few days, you should get a feel of when your baby sleeps.

Adjusting to their schedule will work much better than making them adhere to yours. This is one of the best tips for newborn photography.

3. Diaper Them Prior

Nobody feels comfy with a wet bottom. Make sure your baby has a fresh diaper for the photoshoot. Also make sure you leave it very loose this will keep the marks and red lines from the diaper appearing in the newborn photography.

Change them about a half-hour prior to the session. If they dirty the diaper again, then simply clean them up. If you try to save time by keeping them in a dirty diaper, you may not get the results you want.

4. Have a Backup Plan

Many parents go into a photoshoot with a very specific plan. Pencil those plans in and leave room for adaptations.

Prepare for anything that can go wrong to happen. Bring extra diapers and outfits in case of a blowout or spit-up situation. This will keep them comfortable and cute for the pictures.

Also, know that they may not cooperate for the exact picture you wanted. Stay open for alternative pictures during your newborn photography session.

5. Practice Poses Ahead of Time

If you think of a picture-perfect position for your little one, test it out ahead of time. See whether or not they find comfort in the pose before you get disappointed during your newborn photography.

If you absolutely want something specific, try putting them in that position often during the days leading up to your session. This will get them used to it’s it feels comforting to them.

6. Use Practical Props Creatively

When choosing props, think in terms of practicality. What will make your baby most comfortable so they enjoy the session or sleep through it?

Swaddle them up in a blanket so they feel secure. Place fluffy blankets inside of a basket to lay them on. Keep a teddy close by for comfort during newborn photography.

7. Feed Your Baby

Try to feed your baby on-site, right before your session begins. This will make it less likely that they will get hungry and cranky while your newborn photographer works their magic.

Feeding infants milk releases a hormone called cholecystokinin. This causes drowsiness, making them much more likely to sleep through getting photographed.

What if they still get hungry again? Simply feed them. Come completely prepared with anything you may need, like an extra bottle or a nursing cover.

Remember Your Newborn Photography Tips

Bringing a new baby home can create a little bit of chaos at first. Make sure you review your newborn photography tips ahead of time so that you properly plan and prepare for your session. As long as you prepare, let baby lead, and remain flexible, you will leave with unforgettable keepsakes.

We want to capture these perfect little memories for your growing family! Look through our photo galleries for amazing photograph ideas.

Book Erie Photography, Photographer Services for Your Wedding or Next Event.

Erie Photography™

Erie Wedding & Event Services
Disc Jockey | Erie Photography | Photo Booth Rentals | Videography
1001 State Street, Suite 1400, Erie, PA 16501
814.246.2148 | info@erie-photography.com | www.erie-photography.com

Erie Photographers’ Blog