Photo Taking Tips
I come from a family of six and can remember vividly the stressful event that was, "family photo day."
What do we wear?
Where will we go?
Who's going to take them? etc.
I try my hardest to make the actual photo experience easy, and that's why I provide this tips page to make your end easier as well.
Because who wants photographs of a bad day hanging on their wall?
What do we wear?
Where will we go?
Who's going to take them? etc.
I try my hardest to make the actual photo experience easy, and that's why I provide this tips page to make your end easier as well.
Because who wants photographs of a bad day hanging on their wall?
Wedding Photos:
Engagement/Couple Photos:
Individual Photos:
Family Photos:
Graduation Photos:
Newborn Photos:
Maternity Photos:
Kid Photos:
Sports Photos:
- Plan! Have a list of "must haves" for the day so that your most crucial moments are captured
- If you want specific family photos, bride with brides maids, etc. plan exactly where in the day those will be taken
- Look up ideas for things you might want included in your photos
Engagement/Couple Photos:
- Coordinating outfits are better than matching
- Pick a place that will best suit your purpose/means something to both of you
- Bring items that define both of you and each of you individually (if you both play sports, dance, etc.)
- Don't stress! And if your fiance/significant other is hesitant about photos, just make sure to have fun and don't add pressure
Individual Photos:
- Think about what makes you, YOU! And then find those defining items that you can take photos with (Books, medals, uniforms, etc.)
- The mirror is your friend! Practice smiling and posing
- Look up modeling tips if you want. It may sound silly, but some of the tips will help you look more natural and get the photos that you want
- Pick a place that you really like/means something to you
- If you're wearing makeup and have more than one outfit make sure that your makeup will match them both
- Bring a friend! Sometimes the best photos are when we are smiling with our friends, and they can help with hair, wardrobe, plus it's fun!
Family Photos:
- When planning outfits it's easier & better to plan from a color pallet rather sticking to one color/matching
- Props and accessories can add a lot to photos, especially with kids. (Hats, necklaces, etc.)
- Images of popular kid icons on t-shirts are very distracting and will take away from the final photo
- If these will hang on your wall in your house, make sure that you match your outfits with your inside decor and consider the background of the location you choose
- If anyone needs a haircut it is best to get it done 1-2 weeks beforehand so that it looks more natural
- Pre-planning what shots you want is okay-encouraged even. It helps give you and the photographer vision
Graduation Photos:
- Think about what makes you, YOU! And then find those defining items that you can take photos with (Books, medals, uniforms, etc.)
- Make sure you bring all of your ropes with your cap and gown if you have them
- If your cap and gown have school colors and you want photos with your outfit underneath showing make sure that the colors match
- If you're graduating college and have a major that has an applicable prop (i.e. Nursing -stethoscope ) you can bring it to make your graduation photos even more personal
Newborn Photos:
- Make sure to have backup outfits (in case of spit up, diaper malfunctions, etc.)
- Bringing siblings and dressing yourselves up is always a good idea
- Props such as teddy bears, blankets, etc. are very cute and can be fun/creative
- Outside and in-home photos work great and if you want siblings involved it makes them feel more comfortable and have other things to do while they are not having photos taken of them.
- Planning a time in the day when you know your baby will most likely be asleep and after they eat is the best
Maternity Photos:
- If you are bringing siblings- plan as though it is a family photo shoot
- If it is just you and your spouse- plan as though it is an engagement shoot
- Things like baby shoes, name letters, etc. work great for these photos
- Pick clothing that accentuates your pregnancy rather than clothing that makes your baby bump look smaller
Kid Photos:
- Plan from a color pallet rather than matching (for 2+ kids)
- Bring some of their toys, favorite books, extracurricular activity props, etc.
- Accessories such as hats, necklaces, bows, etc. work great with kids for some cute photos
- Let them have fun! Kids love to run around, and laugh, and not pose- and that's totally fine. Those are the best!
Sports Photos:
- Make sure to bring sports items and uniforms
- Generic athletic gear is also good to have besides just uniforms
- Bring medals and trophies
- Make sure that if you want your photos taken in a gym you will have access to it when you schedule your shoot