365 Project Day 237: Family Photo Session

Canon 5D Mark ll, 50 1.2L, 1.8 aperture, 1/125 shutter, 320 ISO

We were so fortunate to have the lovely Christy Martin of Christy Martin Photography come out to do a family session for us today. Christy is simply wonderful. A truly delightful person. You may remember her from her five generation photo session that I did for her. She made it so easy for me. I got to relax on the other side of the lens for a bit and that was a real treat! She is so positive and encouraging. I don’t know how the pictures turned out, but I felt like a supermodel the whole time, so that is worth something.:)

I think every photographer should have a session of themselves or their family done on a regular basis. The preparation for a family shoot can be very stressful, and it helps to know that from our client’s end. It builds compassion into us to do this ourselves every now and then. Coordinating clothing and deciding what kinds of pictures you want is difficult. It was very important to me to get this shoot done with two kids leaving home, so I was highly motivated.  Otherwise I may have quit. Also, the mere thought of having photos taken brings up all kinds of self-image issues. We are so critical of ourselves. I am. Ask my kids. I think they grew weary of hearing me moan about that extra 10-15 pounds I have picked up, and that I should just wait. The problem is, if we wait until we think we look perfect, we will never have any photos taken and our family won’t have much to remember us by when we are gone. Besides, how do you know that you will have time later? Life is too fragile to take it for granted. I say take photos now, and later, if you are given more time. It is so worth it.

So, to all my clients who have stressed out before their shoots, I just want so say, I understand. It is stressful pulling everything together, and then on top of that everyone tends to get grumpy. Yes, us too. Just know that it is normal. Everyone wants to look their best. Christy helped us today by giving us strong direction and keeping positive. I hope I can do the same for my clients.

Here are a few tips for your family photo session, be it with me or someone else. (like Christy!)

1. Choose a color palette that you love. We went crazy with color today. I love brilliant and bright and I want that in my home on my walls.

2. Layers, layers, layers. Bring accessories: hats, jewelry, funky shoes. Anything that says, “hey, this is who I am, or want to be!” Also, cardigans, jackets and t-shirts to go over and under things are great layering ideas. I included my red skippies ( keds) because they are special to me , and I coordinated everyone’s shoes around them.:)

3. Enjoy the people that are with you during the shoot. There were many moments during our shoot today when I stopped to just look at them. Beautiful, colorful, mine. My family. We hugged, we laughed, we walked. That time was set aside for us alone, and I did not take it for granted.

4. Leave yourself plenty of time. We made sure our evening was open so no one felt rushed to head out anywhere. We were there for the night, and that made it easier.

5. Think of things that make you smile instead of putting on a cheesy fake grin. The photographer can’t make you look like you are really smiling if you are faking and stressed.:)

That is just a few pointers. I will admit it was difficult to get it all together, but so worth it. I am so excited to see how they turn out!

Thank you, Christy!