It is absolutely essential that everyone in the Portrait is wearing coordinated clothing. If everyone decided to wear whatever they wanted; patterns, bright
colors and logos would dominate the photo, rather than the wonderful people who ought to be the center of attention. Clothing consultations are an
important aspect of your family photo session. I am happy to help you choose what would look best for your photo over the telephone, through email or in
person. If the session will be outdoors usually jeans or khakis along with light color (not white shirts) look nice. But, as long as everyone is wearing similar
colors, any color will look nice. Being too dressy for a relaxed atmosphere, such as outside, would be just as wrong as everyone wearing a mish-mash of
colors. Wear clothing that is appropriate for the activity and location of your session. If your session is in your home, wear clothing to go along with the
decor I will be shooting in; a formal living room calls for formal wear, a casual family room would call for casual wear. It is important to make the clothing
believable with the background.
Recommendations for clothing:
Simple, solid colors that blend well together
Avoid mixtures of light and dark tones together
Avoid small distracting patterns
Avoid prominent logos
Match your clothing to the environment of your session
Tips for Family Photos with Children
1. Simple is always better with clothing.
Collars will fold wrong and have to be adjusted often
Bright, bold colors and frills around the face will detract from the beauty of your child
2. Shoes vs. Bare Feet
The bottom of a child's shoes will most likely show in the final portrait. Bright characters and decorations are very distracting. Also other debris can be
on the shoes, make sure they are clean and match the outfit.
Ill-fitting shoes can make children grumpy and temperamental
Barefeet always make for a timeless portrait
3. Try on all the clothing before the session
Check the fit both sitting and standing so you can have time to change your mind
4. If your child refuses to wear something
Ignore the problem until you reach the photography site
Sometimes I can help with getting a child to cooperate and remember, the expression is more important than the clothing
5. Do not try a new haircut or hairstyle before a session
It is usually impossible to undo any unpleasing changes
6. Limit pacifier use before session
A red ring can appear around the mouth and can show up in photos
Please do not give colored candy or juice before sessions; the purple/blue/green/red coloring can last for hours
7. Bribes do not work
Children seem to learn early that bribes occur when you want them to do something they don't want to do. They sometimes automatically have a negative
feeling about the upcoming session. I will sometimes use enticement during the session to get desired results, but there is always an immediate result for
their good behavior. A small snack or a time to play before they must pose more, usually brings about better results than a small child having to wait an hour
for a reward.
8. Don't use up all their smiles
It seems very silly, but an infant or toddler that is entertained a lot before a session can and will tire of being happy. They need to rest and save those smiles.
Don't worry about their having so much fun before the session and they will be ready to smile when the session starts.
9. Sometimes it is better not to tell young children about getting their photo taken
Children sometimes will become stressed and anxious when informed about an upcoming portrait session. If the session will be outside where they can play,
allow them to do so. I can meet you at the location and work with the child at play to get some great, lasting photos that you will cherish.
10. RELAX
The calmer you are for the session, the calmer your child will be. If they detect any anxiety, frustration or stress in you, they will be affected. You only
need to get to the session, I will take care of the rest.
If there is just no way to have your child cooperate with the session, I will reschedule and try again on another day. The rescheduling will not cost extra, but
is sometimes necessary to get a truly memorable photo that you will always cherish.
colors and logos would dominate the photo, rather than the wonderful people who ought to be the center of attention. Clothing consultations are an
important aspect of your family photo session. I am happy to help you choose what would look best for your photo over the telephone, through email or in
person. If the session will be outdoors usually jeans or khakis along with light color (not white shirts) look nice. But, as long as everyone is wearing similar
colors, any color will look nice. Being too dressy for a relaxed atmosphere, such as outside, would be just as wrong as everyone wearing a mish-mash of
colors. Wear clothing that is appropriate for the activity and location of your session. If your session is in your home, wear clothing to go along with the
decor I will be shooting in; a formal living room calls for formal wear, a casual family room would call for casual wear. It is important to make the clothing
believable with the background.
Recommendations for clothing:
Simple, solid colors that blend well together
Avoid mixtures of light and dark tones together
Avoid small distracting patterns
Avoid prominent logos
Match your clothing to the environment of your session
Tips for Family Photos with Children
1. Simple is always better with clothing.
Collars will fold wrong and have to be adjusted often
Bright, bold colors and frills around the face will detract from the beauty of your child
2. Shoes vs. Bare Feet
The bottom of a child's shoes will most likely show in the final portrait. Bright characters and decorations are very distracting. Also other debris can be
on the shoes, make sure they are clean and match the outfit.
Ill-fitting shoes can make children grumpy and temperamental
Barefeet always make for a timeless portrait
3. Try on all the clothing before the session
Check the fit both sitting and standing so you can have time to change your mind
4. If your child refuses to wear something
Ignore the problem until you reach the photography site
Sometimes I can help with getting a child to cooperate and remember, the expression is more important than the clothing
5. Do not try a new haircut or hairstyle before a session
It is usually impossible to undo any unpleasing changes
6. Limit pacifier use before session
A red ring can appear around the mouth and can show up in photos
Please do not give colored candy or juice before sessions; the purple/blue/green/red coloring can last for hours
7. Bribes do not work
Children seem to learn early that bribes occur when you want them to do something they don't want to do. They sometimes automatically have a negative
feeling about the upcoming session. I will sometimes use enticement during the session to get desired results, but there is always an immediate result for
their good behavior. A small snack or a time to play before they must pose more, usually brings about better results than a small child having to wait an hour
for a reward.
8. Don't use up all their smiles
It seems very silly, but an infant or toddler that is entertained a lot before a session can and will tire of being happy. They need to rest and save those smiles.
Don't worry about their having so much fun before the session and they will be ready to smile when the session starts.
9. Sometimes it is better not to tell young children about getting their photo taken
Children sometimes will become stressed and anxious when informed about an upcoming portrait session. If the session will be outside where they can play,
allow them to do so. I can meet you at the location and work with the child at play to get some great, lasting photos that you will cherish.
10. RELAX
The calmer you are for the session, the calmer your child will be. If they detect any anxiety, frustration or stress in you, they will be affected. You only
need to get to the session, I will take care of the rest.
If there is just no way to have your child cooperate with the session, I will reschedule and try again on another day. The rescheduling will not cost extra, but
is sometimes necessary to get a truly memorable photo that you will always cherish.
Cherished Photography wants you to receive the best pictures possible. Please review these tips and let me know if you have any questions. Call me at
515.360.2905 or email me at carriepinkerton@cherished-photography.com.
515.360.2905 or email me at carriepinkerton@cherished-photography.com.
