Family Portrait Tips: Preparing for the Photo Session

When you take the time to have a family portrait taken, it’s natural to want to show those pictures off to your loved ones when all is said and done. Unfortunately however, that can be the very reason that cause us to over-stress about perfection, turning what was supposed to be a fun experience into an anxious mess. Here at Mirasolo Photography, we want you to truly enjoy your photo session and the time that you are spending with your family; which is why we wanted to offer up a little bit of advice on how to avoid all of the issues and prepare yourself for your family portrait session.

One of the main causes of stress that we hear about for a family portrait is figuring out what everyone is going to wear. Instead of leaving everything until the day-of, plan ahead; first, take a good look at the room that you’re planning to hang your portrait in. Consider the color of the walls and furniture there to help determine what color clothing is going to complement the décor of that particular space best when your portrait is hung up. From there, you can move on to your family’s closets and determine whether everyone has an outfit to match or if a trip to the mall is in order.

You may think that you need a fresh haircut to look your best on the day of the photo session but we would strongly discourage it. If you’re a woman and really believe that you need a change, try to schedule something at least a month beforehand. There is always that slight chance that you may not like your new style and you don’t want that decision to haunt you for the next 20 years as you stare at your family portrait. It’s okay for your husband or sons to get a cut within a week of the session however, and always make sure that everyone is freshly shaven and looking as put together as possible for the big day.

On the way to the shoot, try listening to music that is going to get everyone calm and in a good mood. That way, if someone managed to slip up when attempting to keep calm on the morning of, you can buffer out some of that tension and everyone can take those last few moments to de-stress and get into the proper mindset.

Of course, the last and probably most important tip that we could give you is just to remember why you’re doing this. Portraits are still moments in time that you can chose to put on display or to tuck away but at the end of the day, you’re going to have these pictures to look back on years down the road and remember what it had been like to be a part of each other’s lives at that particular moment. Remember that you’re family and you love each other, and you should have no problem enjoying your session. 

Decorating Your Home With Portraits

Portraiture is a style of photography that enables the subject to be highlighted in a way that accentuates true beauty. While it’s our own opinion that this particular type of photography should be displayed for all to enjoy, there are certain ways to display portraits so that they become a focal point of your décor, rather than simply blending in.

Choosing to make your portraits front and center in the design scheme of your home or office makes the space appear more personal and customized. To create a dramatic effect when hanging portraits, you want to keep these key elements in mind:  size, color, style and composition. 

Size – When you have portraits of various sizes, establish whether a vertical or horizontal display will be better. Most importantly, determine the amount of space you have to work with, and then factor in the sizes of the frames.

Color – The portrait should blend in with the room’s color. Before attending your portrait session, consider where you’ll hang the finished product so you know ahead of time whether or not everything will work as a cohesive unit.

Style – Decide if you want a contemporary portrait, a vintage look or to go more modern with bright colors. This will help to determine the placement of the portrait.

Composition – The right frame can certainly add to the beauty of the image or hinder it. If you’re pairing this portrait with others, you will want to choose a frame that matches exactly or is at least very similar.

When you are ready to hang the portraits, choose a location where you, your family and guests can enjoy them. Consider the subject matter of the portrait, which could ultimately help you distinguish the best place to showcase. Portraits of children growing and extended family over the years are memorable pieces, and deserve special attention.

If portrait photography is what you are looking for, give Mirasolo Photography a call today. Together, I can create something beautiful and highlight this special time in your family’s life, regardless of whether it’s in the form of a single image, family portrait or anything else you desire.

Source - http://preproduced.marathonpress.com/decor/

 

Taking Some Photographs On The Beach

Wakefield, Massachusetts sits just west of the Broad Sound and some striking beaches on the Atlantic Ocean. Because of its proximity to the ocean, people who live in the area have become immersed in beach life and living in an area where they have accessibility to such a beautiful and recreational area. Taking photographs on the beach is a great opportunity to capture that wonderful beauty with a great backdrop, but there are always some things to consider when I photograph an individual, family or couple.

Sometimes, a beach photograph might seem like it’s the same shot over and over. However, each photograph is a new chance to find new beauty and art. When you go to the beach, every place you turn there is a photographic opportunity. Try to find a focal point and shoot from a point of interest.  When someone looks at a photo, they need something for the eye to focus on, whether it’s a pattern in the sand or a wave crashing on the rocks, so I try to find something to start with in order to create a great shot.

A sunset on the beach is one of the most beautiful scenes we can conjure up. Timing is important   Maybe there was stormy weather earlier in the day. Stormy seas can create a really great, dramatic looking shot, and there will be less people on the beach as a distraction. 

though. The start and the end of the days when the sun is rising or setting is a great time to get a photograph, but it’s a small window of opportunity. It’s also the times when people are on the beach the least. Sometimes, the best times to go to the beach are the times when people avoid it.

Location photography is a great way to gather unique shots and end up with something different.  Heading to a beach or an ocean is one of the most beautiful locations where we can find a spectacular shot.  

The Impressions Of A Professional Headshot

Everyone wants to make a good first impression, especially in the business world. In some cases, the headshot is the first impression you can give to a prospective client, employer or colleague.  You have to make sure it’s a good one. If you’ve been in the situation where you need a headshot, but don’t have one, then getting a professional picture taken is a good idea. I’ve had clients who needed a headshot taken quickly and resorted to having someone they know take a quick photo.  They just needed something. Not soon after, they realized something more permanent and professional looking had to be done. 

A well-done, professional headshot says a lot about the person you are; approachable, friendly, confident, refined. You want to have any type of advantage before you even step in front of a person to speak.  If they have a good impression of you before meeting them, it only gives you more confidence and a leg up on the competition. 

There are many items to consider when you put together a headshot. Simple things are often overlooked when you don’t have a professional headshot.  The lighting, background setting and clothes need to be right and set, in order to have a professional looking shot. I’ll make sure it looks warm, inviting and of course well done.  For any type of public relations photo, giveme a call.  I’ll take the time to take a great, professional headshot you’ll be proud of.

Finding inspiration in Children’s Portraits

When people come to me to take their photos, they have a hard time finding a theme or idea.  They want something creative, unique and visual, but they also want it to be particular to them. It’s the most difficult part of a portrait session.  Once you do find that inspiration, the resulting work and art becomes a timeless piece you recognize and will always be proud of. Themed portraits are great, especially for younger children.  They can look back when they’ve grown up and remember the things they loved to do, wear and participate in. 

For children especially, photographing them requires a splash of creativity, a ton of patience and the flexibility to get the right shot. You can always try something else though.  One shot is not the only shot. Find something that inspires the kids. Let them have some input.  If they like the way the picture is going, chances are they’re more

likely to be engaged in the shot and the result comes out the way you desire. Using their favorite colors, toys, clothes or items is a good idea to have them get into the spirit of the picture.

If you have multiple children in the shot, sibling interaction is a fun and candid way to get a great photo as well. You may have it all pre-panned and ready to go, but sometimes the most candid off moment shot comes out the best. Look for photo opportunities everywhere.  They always pop up where you least expect it.

Let your kid’s passion inspire the portraits.  They’ll have more fun being there, and so will you!