EXTENDED FAMILY PORTRAITS
If it's one thing I absolutely love and dread for photography, it's photographing extended family photos. Don't get me wrong, there is SO much beauty in capturing families who take time to come together to capture all of their loved ones in a single frame..what gets me is the anxiety built up to the day of the photoshoot. HA! If you think gathering your family for a night out is difficult, try that plus 20 others (lol). If you're a fellow photographer, here are some tips and tricks that might help greatly.
- Get that family formal list going. This is my top priority! I understand this may differ from family to family; as a fellow Hmong, we know just how extensive our families can be. Creating a family formal shot list has proven some of the following things
- Keeping every photo op organized by groups, families and special requests
- Time - we all want to be efficient. We want babies to be happy. When we stick to the created shot list, we get through each frame quickly. Having family members read off names and gathering people can be extremely helpful
- Another thing to think about: Outfits and color palettes. Always recommend families to stick to a specific color palette, then add textiles, prints and such. You never need to truly "match." Being different will add so much contrast and personality to images, making them unique and timeless.
- Lastly, set the expectations. Elaborate this to family members when it comes to executing and delivering a final gallery. Photographers are responsible to provide the images, but it's also the families who must prepare for the photoshoot. Sometimes, kids can get cranky, elders might be tired or someone is just having a bad day. That's OK, it happens. It might show in photos. If families want a picture perfect photo, they will have to play the part. NOTE** even as a photographer and family who are around cameras all the time, my son hardly ever looks at the camera. I accept this, so any image I can get of my son is a WIN in my book!
With that, see some of the beautiful images we were able to capture for this extended family. From two loving individuals, to having kids, and then grandchildren. What a beautiful way to celebrate their family and time together.
