Holiday Portrait Tips by Erica Williams Photography

0

It’s that time of year again. I have done my research and found the BEST holiday portraits tips out there! All in one place to help you prepare for your upcoming session. Holiday portraits have to be the MOST important because most families this is the one time of year they plan to take portraits.

1. Book your session ahead of time! This time of year books up REALLY fast and you want to make sure you get your portraits in the books. Best time to book BEFORE October. Yes, BEFORE the holiday
season hits.

2. Simple is BETTER. When it comes to coordinating your family outfits, don’t choose too many prints. Pick one outfit maybe for mom or the smallest child with pattern and 3-4 colors in it and then plan everyone’s outfit around those colors. Coordinate but don’t match! Shirts with logos are not recommended. Make sure the outfit is comfortable or you will look uncomfortable in your photos. Don’t try something new, be yourself. Are you shooting outside? Make sure you dress appropriately for the day, hot? cold?

4. Pick a Location. Your photographer can help you with this portion, but make sure it is somewhere that compliments your clothing and style. You don’t want a busy background. Also you want to pick a time closer to sunset to get that golden glow in your images.

5.Props. Depending on how you want your session to go, props can be used to add character or mood to your images. Make sure to ask your photographer and discuss with them your ideas. Props can make a huge difference in a session with younger children. Choose a prop that can create natural interaction between your family. Example, hot cocoa for kids that are a little older or a favorite Christmas story for a little one.

6. Bribes. We have all done it! It’s not a bad thing. In my experience working with children it works. We bribed our 3, 9, and 13 year old with icecream our last photo session. They all did amazing!! Sometimes you have to do what it takes, but the end result is great family portraits. Whatever you do, DO NOT get angry at your child during your session. It will only end in tears. Walk away and let the photographer work their magic.

7. Accessories. Sometimes the littlest pops of color can make a photo! Bring out the scarfs, hats, boots, bright necklaces, you name it. Dress up your outfit with a touch of something fun! Just don’t over do it. Max 2 color pops. Minimize cost by looking around the house for things you already own.

8. Talk to Your Kids. If they know what’s expected of them, they may cooperate better. Tell them about your photographer and their name, and when talking about portraits involve them and when they meet their photographer they will associate a name with a face and not feel like a stranger. Remember they are just kids:)

Erica and Rex_10052012_05  About Erica Williams: I was born and raised in Texas, down south close to Houston. I moved to Arizona in 2007 with my family. I started my photography business in 2008 after finishing up my interior decorating program. I am self taught and has always been into arts of some sort. Photography allows me to express my visions of art through my lens. My 3 children ages 3, 9, and 13 are also my inspirations. I specialize in children & family photography. I am based in Queen Creek, AZ.  Visit Erica on Facebook or on her website for more information.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here