Avoid Distracting Flaws in Photos

There are many different styles of family portraiture. Here are some quick tips on avoiding family photo blunders!

When I first started taking family photos, like many new photographers, I didn't give clients very many tips to help me great photos. This in turn created a lot of work for me on the back end, and a lot wondering on the client's end. To avoid confusion, here are 5 tips for every photographer and client:

1. Blow Your Nose!

In one photo shoot I had a client have a boogie I didn't notice until the end of the photo shoot! That meant in every photo, you know what I had to edit out?! Yep... snot. Giving a good thorough look in the mirror before the photo session will save the photographer time, and the client some embarrassment.

2. Be Assertive!

New photographers: don't be afraid to speak your mind! The client didn't hire you to take a walk on the sidelines. If you are concerned about something, speak up, make a change and move forward. If there is a car in the background, don't say "I'll just edit that out later." After a few extra hours in photoshop, you will have wished you paid a little more attention to the composition of your photo.

3. No Crazy Socks

If the outfits are coordinated with colored socks, it will look great in the final product. However, if you colors are muted, RED SOCKS will not do! If you don't know what to wear for a photo shoot, or if you are a photographer needing to give your client's clothing examples, look on Pinterest. Remember, the clothing and colors chosen by clients reflects the work of the photographer. Some photographers go so far as to only have certain color schemes their clients are allowed to wear. While this may not be the case for your photo session, remembering the color schemes selected can make or break your photographer's editing on the back end.

4. Have a Time Line

Nothing is more frustrating for a client than NOT KNOWING. Giving clients timelines for the pre-photo session meetings, photo session durations and editing time creates good repour. If a problem arises, photographers should be the first ones to contact the client. Family emergencies happen, but don't leave your customers hanging.

5. Have fun!

Getting genuine smiles and photos will only happen if there is real happiness on those faces! Asking questions like "who has the smelliest feet in the family?", or "who sleeps in the longest?", creates genuine smiles and captures real family dynamics.