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5 Tips For Fall Family Session Success

Looking to update your family photos this year? Here are some simple tips that can help you accomplish that!

Fall is here and this is generally the time of year families start to think about having updated family photos taken.  As well, get that key photo to be used on the holiday cards. Whether you are a small family or a large one, these simple tips and ideas should help get you started in capturing something fun and memorable for this year.


Have a Plan

Coordinating a good shoot takes some planning. “But I want things to be spontaneous”, you say. You can still be spontaneous and in the moment, a plan just helps to at least get you going.  Get an idea of the location, clothing, accessories figured out and then go about having fun creating your photos.

Wardrobe

Do you want to be more casual or dressed up?  Either way, for a more timeless look, keep to solid colored outfits. Stripes, plaids and patterns generally distract the attention away from you, the subject. There are times where you can break the rules, play around and don’t get too stressed out over it. You want the outfits to match who you are as individuals and as a family.

Location

Shooting on location can be tricky. You want to look for a location that is not too busy and visually pleasing. Again, like clothing, the focus should be on you and not entirely on the elements of the background. When shooting outside, aim to be on location in the early morning (7-10am) or early evening (5-8pm), to avoid having overly harsh sunlight shining on you and your subjects. If you can’t avoid it, aim to find a spot that has some shade to work under.

Camera and Gear

More than likely you’ll be shooting this with a camera phone or a consumer level camera. Don’t forget to have it on hand!  Make sure batteries are charged, memory cards are ready, a tripod and a remote if you have one. I highly recommend the tripod and a remote way of triggering the camera, otherwise get good at setting a timer and running back and forth :). That latter part of running back and forth, basically make sure to get everyone else in position and ready, mark where you will be in the photo, set the timer and get yourself into your spot. 

Have Fun!

Families with children and fur-babies that might not take direction well, try to relax!  They are who they are and children really know when us parents/adults want something done and time their rebellion perfectly.  The plan got you all together and ready for the photo session.  Having fun will help you and everyone enjoy the process and capture something wonderful for the holiday season. 

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I hope you found these tips helpful. Of course if you’d rather not have to think too much about planning and capturing your family photos, I of course would be happy to help do all the heavy lifting, so you all can just have fun. If you have any questions or comments I’d love to hear them.

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