Lately we’ve been photographing more  family portrait sessions and I’m really enjoying the experiences and getting to know each family we photograph.  WAY back when, after I graduated college, family photography was actually the first paid job I took.  I’ll never forget that family.  I was living in Chicago and the sweet and kind-hearted Mom was in publishing but battling cancer so she wasn’t working much.  She had 2-year-old twins that were absolutely adorable.  After documenting their family moments several times during those next few years, crying tears with them and laughing with them, I realized how close I had gotten to this family.   We kept in touch for a little while after I moved  but I often wonder about and pray for this amazing and strong family and it blows my mind that those sweet little twins are 17 years old now.

It’s been a long time since I first began photographing family portraits and I’ve learned so much but something I’ve always understood, maybe from the extreme circumstances of this first family, that the moments are cherished and SO very important to capture.  The little curls, the baby faces, the love you share develops and changes along the way.  This is even more apparent to me when I walk by my own family portraits that hang on our walls.  Those moments captured are more endearing to me as time passes.  Shameless photo sharing of my family and kids.

 

When I’m photographing a family, my goal is for everyone to relax and have fun.  There are several things we think about during the planning process including locations, outfits, timing, etc. I know location and outfits are important.  I’m always considering the best lighting for every location and choosing the best time of day to photograph a session based on lighting.  We work together to choose a family portrait session location that is perfect.

Planning your outfits for family portraits sometimes needs more than simple inspiration so I’m also including some tips below.

Family Portrait Outfit Tips

1. The goal is to coordinate, not match.  You don’t wear the same shirts every day and you shouldn’t in your session either.  We recommend choosing a color palette you enjoy and staying within that palette.  For example blush, pastel tones and neutrals always photograph beautifully and stay timeless.
2. When I’m choosing outfits for my own family, I find my outfit first.  Let’s just call it a Mom perk.  Once I’ve picked out my outfit, I can then plan my husbands and kids based on mine.  A friend recently shared something she learned about that Mom outfit…wear a dress!  Feel beautiful.  It’s worth it.  It’s special.  And, I love this advice!
3. Be careful with too many patterns.  I was rushed one year and chose too many different plaids.  The images are still amazing but I always wished I had taken more time for choosing the outfits.  One or two patterns are great, especially if they compliment each other.  Paired with denim and/or solid shirts is always classic.
4. Although we don’t always have time or the convenience to change clothes during a family portrait session, bringing layers and different textures is a great way to change your look, quickly.  For example, bring a sweater or puffer vest to put over a button up shirt or a scarf to take off later in the session.
5. Think about the scenery.  If we’re going to a park with lots of green, don’t wear green and expect to stand out from the background.

 

 

1-2 days before your session

Before your session begins, give yourself plenty of time.  I fully understand how hard it is to get everyone in your family looking amazing at the same time, especially with littles!  The day before the session, I have all the outfits laid out and I’ve delegated what I can to my husband or older kids.

The day before I also pack a bag that includes a hairbrush, lip gloss, wipes, non-messy snacks and water bottles. If our dog is joining us (and he always does!) I also pack dog treats, doggie bags and a bowl for water. This bag is in my car a day before the session otherwise I would leave it in the mudroom.  Just a Mom tip.

The BEST advice I can give for your session:   RELAX AND HAVE FUN BEFORE YOUR SESSION.  I’ve worked with many families and we will create beautiful portraits that will be cherished for years. I want you to enjoy the moments too. Relaxing and having fun before the session with your family is like warming up and stretching for a jog.  The session will go much smoother if you’re enjoying time with each other already.  This one is  tough when you’re trying to get everyone out of the door on time.  But it’s equally important.

During your session

Give yourselves an extra 30 minutes of time to arrive so you have plenty of time.  We usually work around the golden hour of sunlight and therefore we want plenty of time.  I always arrive about 15 minutes early to our session to scope out the location and lighting.

We focus on many different combinations of portraits.  Including several portraits of the entire family, siblings together, parents together and children alone.  We also do some fun photos for the kids to enjoy, like dog piles and tickle fights.  Trust me, if they’re having fun, you are too.   The smiles will be authentic and that’s what we want.  Even if the image doesn’t turn out perfectly, the next one will  because we’ve let the kids be in charge some.

We never say cheese because we’re not going for forced expression.  I want to engage your kiddos in what they like and get them to warm up and have fun.  If we’re having trouble getting your kids to warm up, don’t stress!  I have kids and have a few tricks up my sleeve for young and older children.  If you really feel inclined to have them say something to smile, mix it up.  Try asking them to say broccoli, peas, or fart.  I have no hesitation to make them laugh.

 

After your session

Once your session is complete, I’m working hard to finish your images and have them released to you as soon as possible.  Our turn around time is between 3 and 4 weeks.  You can expect about 50-60 images from a full family session. You’ll receive a link when your gallery is ready.  From inside your gallery you may download full size images, order prints, mounted prints, print wraps canvas gallery wraps, custom cards and coffee table books.  The beauty of hiring a local studio is, I’m available to help with any and all product questions you may have along the way.  By the way, Print Wraps are shown below and what we print for our walls.  They come ready to hang and look classic and timeless.  I love them!

 

 

Looking for a family photographer?  I’m located in Kansas City and have photographed family portraits in Chicago, St. Louis, Colorado, and Boston.

Cheers, Heather Brulez

913-948-3918  |  heather@heatherbrulez.com