Recently we decided to enact a new family tradition. The Yearly Family Photo Shoot. I admit that I am not a professional photographer, but I am a bit more than an amateur. When you are an illustrator it sure helps if you can take good reference photos. I’ve also sold photos as stock photography, taken surgical photographs, group photos, wedding photos and even a few pet portraits. I’ve also taken approximately 4,527 photos of my 10 month old. None of this experience prepared me for the first Litton Family Photo shoot.
We decided to start this tradition on Easter Sunday. The weather was beautiful and I bought my daughter a very cute dress and my husband a nice jacket. We gave the dog a bath and I put on some make up. And that was pretty much were my plan began to deviate. First, I obsessed so much over what my daughter and my husband would wear I paid little attention to what I would wear. I ended up in an off white top and tan pants, boring, but it worked. We packed the baby, the camera, the tripod and the Easter basket into the stroller and walked the two blocks to the neighborhood park.
In my mind we would all stand and smile and the camera timer would click and we would have a photo that represented the beautiful, happy family we are. What I got was a cowering dog, a distracted baby and a completely washed out mom. The outfit, combined with my hasn’t-seen-the-sun-since-before-I-was-pregnant skin completely washed me out creating a series of great photos of my husband (and his tan) surrounded by his ghost wife, the back of his baby’s head and a dog shaped blur at his feet. We did eventually get some good shots, but I learned a few important tips along the way…
- Be Patient. Even if you don’t get any photos, at least you got to go to the park with your family. Don’t have unreasonable expectations… very low expectations actually work the best.
- If you take the dog, take something to tie him up to if he isn’t cooperating. You don’t NEED the dog in the photo.
- Wear dark or bright colors.
- Use a flash if you are in the shade or if it is overcast. Try not to face the sun if it’s sunny so everyone isn’t squinting.
- Bring a toy for the little ones. We got some wonderful photos of the baby examining plastic Easter eggs.
- Have fun! Let the older kids set the camera timer. Make a game of it, and let them participate. It will make the photos extra special.
- Try using a tripod or simply set the camera on a picnic table. Or, bring Grandma or a friend along as a photographer.
- Take more than just a group shot. Take some of the kids individually and with each parent. Make everyone feel special!
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Dear Becky,
Wonderful to see you and the family! I haven’t seen you in years, but keep contact through your dad’s family. Congratulations on your outstanding website (WOW! It’s grown), your daughter’s birth (She’s grown, too) and your newest book (I plan to order one with signature, but would like it personalized, if possible?).
Love to you and all.
Your cousin,
Verlene
Dear Becky,
Wonderful to see you and the family! I haven’t seen you in years, but keep contact through your dad’s family. Congratulations on your outstanding website (WOW! It’s grown), your daughter’s birth (She’s grown, too.) and your newest book (I plan to order one with your signature, but would like it personalized, if possible?).
Love to you and all.
Your cousin,
Verlene
Ah, how your photo shoot tale made me laugh! I can totally relate. Remember when we had our wives photo taken at Hospital Point before deployment? Well, you offered to take a picture of me & the boys. I thought it would be a lovely photo to give Daddy as a keepsake for his 6 months away. Unfortunately, the boys were squinty and uncooperative–at least it gave us all a good laugh!