Family portrait shoot - advice welcome

[rokkstar]

Hi guys,

I have a portrait session this weekend for a family of four; mum, dad, and two kids, the eldest being 12.
I've never taken shots of a family before and I was hoping to get some direction from those who have.

The mother said it wasn't a formal shoot - she hasn't had any pictures taken of her and her kids for a while now and wanted some. I'm going to take my lights and brollies anyway just in case there is room for a formal type shot.

WOuld anyone have any advice on how to make this a success? I'm going to be taking informal candids all day (it's at a BBQ) of the kids and their interaction with their parents but I'm wondering whether I should call a formal shot in a posed location etc.

ANy advice on how to handle this would be grately appreciated, as would any tips and tricks.

Cheers

[Geoff]

Matt - where is the BBQ going to be held? I ask this cos if it's in a park it may be more difficult with the lights and brollies etc. You say the eldest is 12? What is the age of the other kids?

If they are significantly younger, say <5 years, you have to emphasise the 'fun' component, run around with them, have FUN!! If they're a little older, this will work to your advantage because a) they will be able to follow your direction a bit better and b) it's a little easier to interact with them - i.e let them chimp some of your work and keep them involved.

As far as posing them, experiment, see what YOU think looks good, and what doesn't. Triangles (grouping) often looks good and if u can get them to do it, walking in a slow line holding hands is often a good one, but may be a little cliche.

Candids are usually the best for family 'portraits' and it's often thte ones that you snap of them while they're mostly unaware of you doing so.

Then there's obviously the tech issues which u will have no dramas with - avoid harsh light (causes hiddeous shadows) and try and utlise the early-ish morning or late afternoon (golden) sun shine.

The key to a family shoot is to a)make it fun and b)keep them interested.

I often give the kids little breaks (of about 5-10 mins) whilst having a chat to the parents, then sometimes when chatting to the parents I'll say, 'hey, hold that' and snap just Mum n Dad together. Be yourself mate and you'll do a great job!

Let us know how u get on!

[Alpha_7]

Great advice Geoff, and Good Luck Matt you've got the talent and the technique skills, its a strong foundation, have fun, and keep everyone relaxed and laughing and you'll go a long way.

[sky]

Hi Rokkstar,
My dad's a photographer, and I've done a few family photos, so hopefully I can provide a bit of assistance.
Although she doesn't really want formal shots (she is probably thinking of the terrible staged pics they do for $50 when the kids have their school photos taken - ergh!) you should definately set a few up, and then she has the option afterwards, rather than not taking them and wishing you had.
If it's at a BBQ, try get them before tea, coz tomato sauce stains are never good on clean shirts!
I'm a huge fan of taking tight shots with mainly heads and shoulders, so if it's at a local park, with those built in tables and chairs, get the parents to sit on the seat, get the kids sitting on the table bit and move them all in nice and close so you just get heads and shoulders, heads leaning in together. (basically making them all on different levels, so it isn't a straight line of heads.)
Also do the standard pic with everyone standing, maybe some with everyone sitting on the grass together, nice and close, a few of just the kids by themselves, and again the parents together. That's the beauty of digital, isn't it! You can take 100 and it doesn't matter!
Will think on it and try help some more! Cheers, Maya

[JordanP]

Matt,

You seem pretty well covered with advice. So, all I'm offering is, make sure you have charged your batteries and check your ISO setting.

[Oscar]

Good advice from Geoff and Maya.

My suggestion would be that you try to arrange a semi-formal shoot prior to the BBQ - this way they won't be too tired later. It may also be difficult to organise prior as they may be rushing to get the BBQ going etc but see if they can put half an hour aside for you say an hour before the BBQ (maybe 2 hours). You could scope the location and work out where you want to set up any lighting (& props).

When you have that all sorted check the scene for the BBQ so you can work out lighting & locations for shots etc yada yada yada

Hey, you will eat a BBQ shoot Cheers, Mick

[Aussie Dave]

It may also be difficult to organise prior as they may be rushing to get the BBQ going etc but see if they can put half an hour aside for you say an hour before the BBQ (maybe 2 hours). You could scope the location and work out where you want to set up any lighting (& props).

I'd second this comment...if it's at all possible. Seeing what will be available to you to use ahead of time will make things much less stressful (for you). When they're all standing in front of the camera, you'll have your mind set on getting exposure & composition correct and will overlook things such as +/- EV settings previously set on your camera, ISO level, and all that mundane stuff that can potentially be the cause of disappointing images, when you arrive home.

I also think it's important to keep it fun, as previously suggested, and to keep everyone involved. Candid's from a distance can also be something quite nice, so the family members don't feel like they're "posing" all the time.

One of Mum & Dad with each child individually is also a nice touch....

Good luck and look forward to seeing some great photos

[rokkstar]

Thank you for the great feedback guys.

I am actually doing this at someones house and will have the chance to use the pool, tennis court, or stable as a location as well!! Wow.
They've invited us for a BBQ and want some shots at the same time so I'm thinking mainly candids with a few more set ups.

Many thanks again everyone - some great advice.

[Geoff]

Can't wait to see your images Matt