It’s photo season
That’s right, the end of summer is picture season. The fall colors paint the landscape into myriad backdrops. Rising high school seniors fill the parks trailing parents and photographers. And betrothed couples wrap up preparations for that wedding in October, the month that has bumped June for the most marriage ceremonies. Add to that the families hoping for a last group shot before the novel coronavirus and influenza combine forces into a blitzkrieg, and you have the opportunity for portraits.
Whatever your reasons, you will find an army of willing photographers, myself included, ready for your appointments. I don’t shoot weddings, but I am open to just about anything else, including engagements, baptisms and funerals (it’s a growing thing). I’ve had a few family portrait sessions lately and I thoroughly enjoy them. They are challenging because you have to get the lighting and gestures and poses and interactions to line up and yet still appear natural and candid. I love the challenge. So I shoot longer than most portrait photographers. Family portraits really should take at least half a day, including setup and teardown. If that’s not in your budget, no worries. I can and will make accommodations. My preference is to shoot in your homes or at a location that has meaning for you and your family. That could be a favorite park or someplace in the city or countryside. If your favorite countryside requires travel, I’m more than happy to be your personal photographer.
Here’s some tips to prepare for your photo session this season:
Pick a photographer who’s work you like but equally important, whose personality fits with yours.
Have a clear understanding of what you expect, but be open to other possibilities suggested by the photographer.
Discuss the clothing you will wear. It should be clean, free of wrinkles, lint and pet hair. Solid colors and simple patterns are best. Avoid narrowly striped shirts. If the rules don’t suit you and your family, break them! Just do it deliberately.
Do your nails. Consider a haircut or even hiring a hair stylist. If you wear makeup, do so for the shoot. Avoid shiny textures. Consider using blotting papers to tone down hot spots.
Let the photographer know if anyone in your party has special needs or considerations.
If it’s a group shot, include everyone in your planning. If younger children are involved, have toys or even a nanny available to help out.
Expect to pay the photographer a non-refundable reservation fee that applies toward your overall package, or half of the contract fee, up front. Regardless of the terms, make sure you understand them. Some photographers only supply prints. Some only supply digital images. Some limit your usage. Ask questions!
Consider the weather when scheduling an event. Professional photographers can and will make anything work, but some days are better than others. Plan for the unexpected by choosing an area that has indoor cover nearby in case a storm blows in.
If you’re shooting in a public location, check to see if there are fees for photographers. Some places also require reservations.
Consider stacking your order. If you’re getting a family portrait, ask the photographer to do some professional headshots as well, or individual portraits. And don’t forget holiday photos! It’s OK to ask for a discount for these services.
If you’re nervous about being photographed, tell the photographer. Do you have some favorite music that would help put you at ease? Are you concerned about your weight or skin blemishes? You’d be surprised what a professional photographer can do to help you look your best through poses, lighting and if necessary, minor retouching.
Do you have a particular style in mind, or a favorite photographer or artist you admire? Share that with your photographer but allow the person you hire to express themselves in their own style as well. Portraiture is a collaboration.
When you’re ready for your photo session, I hope you will consider me and my work. Regardless, I hope you find what you’re looking for before the season turns.
