Are you planning a formal family photoshoot this season and looking for the perfect guide? If yes, then you are in the right place.
We understand that planning and executing a successful family photo session can be challenging. Generally, deciding what to wear, coordinating poses, and managing kids’ moods, requires careful preparation.
Therefore, in this article, we will guide you through the process of organizing and creating stunning formal family portraits. We will provide professional tips and ideas to make the experience enjoyable and memorable.
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What are formal family portraits?
Formal family portraits are images captured for official or professional purposes. These photographs are usually taken in a studio or controlled environment and are often well-polished.
How to prepare for formal family portraits?
Below are the best ways to prepare for a family photo session
1. Book a professional portrait photographer for the shoot
If you want the best formal family portraits, consider hiring a professional portrait photographer for the photo shoot.
There are several portrait photographers, so we suggest choosing someone with experience in family portraits.
You can hire a professional photographer for your family portrait through the following websites:
- Angleplatform.com
- Bookanartist.co
- Flytographer.com
Ensure you read through the photographer’s portfolio to see whose style aligns with your vision for the shoot. And do not forget to read each photographer’s reviews.
2. Decide on a suitable scene beforehand
Before the photoshoot, discuss the location and setting you have in mind with the hired photographer.
If you have no specific location in mind, you can work with the photographer to find a suitable place for your family portrait.
Although an indoor setting like a photo studio or the living room is best for formal family portraits, you can consider any outdoor setting with natural light for the session.
3. Don’t forget grooming
Before the day, ensure everyone’s hair is well styled and groomed, looking their best. This will make the picture appear neat and well-planned.
4. Plan the posing beforehand
The type of poses your family adopts can either make or break the portrait. Therefore, we suggest practicing some group poses ahead of the photoshoots.
This way, you will know what styles fit your family most. It will also help save everyone’s time and effort during the session.
5. Keep the kids engaged
Posing young children for a family photo can be challenging, as they usually act fussy and uncooperative during the shoot.
The best way to get kids in the mood for a family portrait is to keep them engaged with their favorite toys. Also, ensure they are well-fed and prepared before the arrival of the photographer.
Feeding your kids before the photoshoot can make them cooperate with the photographer, resulting in cute and well-composed formal portraits.
6. Schedule the photo shoot during the golden hour
The golden hour is the best time for capturing outdoor family portraits. During this period, the sunlight is usually soft on the skin, which makes it ideal for family portrait photography.
Therefore, if you prefer an outdoor setting for your family’s picture, consider scheduling the moment during the golden hour when the sunlight is evenly diffused and of high quality.
Conversely, if you prefer an indoor setting for the picture, consider scheduling the session during the day when your kids are relaxed and probably ready for photo shoots.
7. Create room for little acts of imperfection
Yes, a formal portrait must appear formal. However, you should know that not everyone in your family will be in the right frame of mind to pose for the camera.
Even if everyone is well prepared and ready for the moment, your family pet might not be ready yet.
So embrace imperfections and allow your photographer to capture the real moments, even if they include a few frowns or goofy expressions.
A great family portrait is one that reveals your family’s genuine emotions, candid expressions, and unfiltered moments.
These genuine emotions will add depth and authenticity to your family portraits, making the pictures appear unique.
8. Have a family shot list
If you have a large family, probably comprising more than 10 people, consider having a shot list for the photo shoot.
A shot list is a detailed document outlining specific shots and poses you’d like the photographer to take.
Having a detailed document for the different formal pictures you’d like to take will make the session swift and organized.
9. Decide on matching formal outfits before the day
Lastly, we suggest you plan and decide on what formal outfits to wear before the day of the photo session. Agreeing on specific attires beforehand will help save everyone’s time during the moment.
Assuming you don’t know what to wear for the portrait session, below are some tips and outfit suggestions to consider.
What to wear for formal family portraits?
For formal family portraits, we suggest formal outfits like classic suits or tuxedos for men; floor-length gowns or cocktail dresses for women; vest and bow tie for boys; ball gowns or A-line dresses for girls.
We encourage you to try different matching outfits before purchasing them for the portrait. Do not forget to consider factors like your family’s comfort, color harmony, and savings when purchasing the dresses.
Similarly, we encourage you to opt for classic and timeless dresses like the ones we suggested earlier. Likewise, avoid dresses with bright colors and large logos or designs, as they can steal attention from your family members’ faces.
Lastly, do not forget to consider your family’s personality when choosing outfits for formal family pictures. Choose dresses that will reveal your family’s fashion or clothing choices, personality, and style.
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Professional tips for great formal family portraits
Here are a few professional tips to consider if you want the best portraits:
- Consider black and white family portraits.
- Take several shots with different outfits and poses and select the best later.
- Do not include props in formal pictures.
- Take your photographer to take shots from different angles and with different camera settings.
- Try different locations.
- Keep everything simple.
- Consider framing the portrait.
In short
It is essential to book and work with a professional family photographer if you want to get the best formal family portraits. Additionally, decide on outfits, location, and time beforehand. This will help save everyone’s time during the shoot.