Photograph taken from a Family Portrait Session at Sandbanks beach, Poole, Dorset
You've got a date in the diary for your Dorset family photoshoot - yippee! Now time to start planning ahead to make sure you're ready and looking your best for the photography session.
Have you got a location in mind?
Usually clients have an idea of a location that is special to them. The beaches across Poole and Bournemouth (Sandbanks and Hegistbury Head, Christchurch are may favourites) have always been popular for family shoots and the shoreline makes a beautiful backdrop for photographs. There might be a outdoor location in Dorset that holds a special place in your families hearts that you've always loved the thought of having a photograph taken.
Dressing for the Family Photo Session
The question I'm asked most by clients who book a Dorset family portrait photoshoot with me is ''How can we dress for the
photos?''.
The most important tip is to make sure your outfits are comfortable and feel like you. Try thinking about having a colour pallet in mind. If you are completely stuck, work your outfit out first, Mum. You might have an outfit that makes you feel special and you look great in. You can then pick complimentary tones from your outfit to start building a colour pallet for the rest of your family. Have a look at the below images for some inspiration...
Adding accessorises such as hats, jewellery and hair bows can really elevate an outfit and add interest.
Gorgeous nautical tones here and soft neutrals. Long dresses add movement and softness in family pictures.
I love rich autumnal tones here. Think about adding different layers and textures to add interest such as wool, suede, chunky knits and linens.
If you've extended your family session to include grandparents make sure they are on board with the colour theme too! You should be able to 'shop your wardrobe' to pull together outfits (although I'm never one to say no to a shopping trip to treat yourself!) For further inspiration check out Pinterest! https://www.pinterest.co.uk/bethchisham/
Stay away from big logos and neons!
Your 4 year son might be super proud of his Arsenal football kit or your baby daughter might be the biggest Peppa Pig fan but try and stay away from characters and logos as these can often detract from the person and date the pictures.
Be cautious about sunglasses!
Men often want to wear sunglasses which is fine, but please stay away from mirrored lenses otherwise you'll find my reflection in all of the images.
Try on your outfits ahead of time!
It might just be my children but them seem to have grow spurts at very odd times of the year but it's best to try on the family outfits to make sure they fit comfortably and that they don't need washing!
Make sure you remove hairbands from your wrists and remove mobile phones from your pockets!
Sandbanks Family Photoshoot with Dorset photographer Beth Chisham
On the Day of your Family Photoshoot in Dorset
There's usually a few things whizzing through a parent's mind ahead of your family photos. Will my child behave? Do we need pose? Will I look good in my pictures?... I get that you might not have had professional pictures taken by a photographer since your wedding and it feels awkward but please don't worry, if you're relaxed your children usually follow suit. There is no expectation for them to "smile for the lady!'' I want to see your family just having fun and being themselves. That's why I love doing outdoor portraits where kids can run around and we are not contained in a studio! I've had lots of experience working with little ones so if you need to take a break for feeding, changing etc that's absolutely fine. We will go at your pace.
Try and arrive at the location a little ahead of time. This really helps to starting off the session off as relaxed as possible. I know what it's like leaving the house with little ones and usually take a lot longer with last minute nappy changes etc so please allow plenty of time.
Posing and Directing: I know how to make you look best in your pictures so I will direct you and your family to put you in the most flattering poses. Although sometimes my most favourite images come from observing your lovely family and taking pictures just when you think I'm not looking!
Try and make sure your children are well fed and rested before the session. Easier said then done with toddlers but no one feels happy when they are hungry! (or maybe that's just me?!) Try to not bring snacks/sweets etc on the photoshoot and save them for afterwards.
And that's it! You can look forward to having beautiful memories and natural moments captured in timeless, candid photographs that you will cherish for years to come.
Please do get in touch if you'd like to discuss arranging your family photography photoshoot. I'd love to hear from you.
Child Portrait by Beth Chisham - Professional Family Photographer Poole, Dorset Beth Chisham Baby, Child and Family Photographer Offering Portrait Family Photography sessions covering Poole, Bournemouth and surrounding areas of Dorset 07850037159 bethchisham@gmail.com
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