Outdoor Family Portrait Help needed!!

[MATT]

Hi,

I have reluctantly agreed to do a family portrait session for some freinds this afternoon. I'm after a few tips and hints if anyone can help.

The shoot will be out doors on their acerage, 2Adults and 2 kids.

I am a little lost with posing and setups. They have no set desire or look, but I guess I would need a few group shots, the 2 kids, wife and kids , dad and kids each ect..

The shoot starts at 3.00pm and culminates with beer..So I should be right with the last part

As for gear, I have the d300 with sb800, 18-200,50 1.4 80-200 and a few others so that .

I read somewhere to centre wieht meter onto the people, f8-11 for the group f5.6 for the portraits.

Anylinks to other images, googleing hasnt realy turned up much helpful stuff.


Thanks in advance

MATT

[Geoff]

2 adults and 2 kids - nice and easy Matt!
Relax, go with the flow and enjoy...
How old are the kids? This is important as it changes the whole way you approach the shoot. Are they old enough to take direction? If they're not, I always encourage the parents to be looking towards the camera at all times and I tell them that I will work on getting the kids attention, that way if you are able to get the kid's attention you then have everyones, and not the parents trying hard to get the kids to look the right direction!
I would encourage you to experiment with your posing, setup what you think may look good but also allow time for some beautiful candids, i.e if the kids are young enough get them to search for things in the grass with Mum n Dad, flowers, leaves...whatever.
Get down to their level (the kids) - this is really important. Ask them to see if they can see your eye through the lens (of course they can't but it's a tactic I often use, keeps them amused for a little while!). Playing hide and seek behind the camera or a wall is a good idea too. I think the key is to make it fun...chase after them, then get them to chase you...then have the camera ready.
A good one is with either parent on each side of the two kids, holding hands and walking along is often nice.
3pm is a good time to start, just don't hurry it. I hope the weather is better up there today, as in Sydney it's HORIRBLE!
As far as lens choice, I'd use the 50 1.4 the most and if you wan the 18-200.
Minimise flash use and if you NEED to use it, just use it for some fill if required. Watch your background and if it's on an acerage, careful of fence posts coming out the top of people heads etc.

I'd change your aperture around as required but what you have said is a good start, for single person shots I'd use a wider aperture to get a lovely DOF, utilise your 1.4 but be careful if it's really sunny for highlights etc.

Hope this helps.

[MATT]

Thanks Geoff, the kids are boys 6 and 8, but can they take direction..hmmm time will tell. They are real characters in themselves.

The weather is fine, cleared off yesterday Morning. I guess I'm feeling a little stressed(not really the right word). As they are friends, i hope to give them some good results.

I find friends expect more from you than what they do if they are paying someone.

Thanks again for your tips and I'll see how it goes.

regards
MATT

[jdear]

So how did it go??

I wish my Saturday's wedding had todays weather! It rained ALL FREAKIN DAY!

[MATT]

Ok quick update.. Filled a 4gig card of NEF's.

Was fun, great couple and great kids.. Beer was good. Not entirely happy with photos, needed a reflector..


A couple of images

Child No.2 Playing up to camera


Father and son


Thanks for your tips and help.

MATT