With the Christmas Countdown officially started, now is the time when thoughts turn to the ever-important family Christmas Card and how to capture that perfect photo.
Setting up and taking a family portrait can be difficult, depending mainly on the ages of any children involved, so photography expert Sadia Barlow Photography has shared some tips to help families through the process and make the photo session as easy and relaxed as possible.
1. Get An Early Night – Make sure the whole family is well rested and have full tummies from breakfast or lunch. Hungry and tired children, and indeed adults, can be a recipe for playing up so a full stomach and rested mind is highly advisable. It will hopefully keep everyone in a jolly mood.
2. Think about The Timing – Young children may have a nap incorporated into their daily routine. If this is the case, speak to the photographer and they will work with you to ensure the session takes place at the most convenient time. If the photo shoot is outdoors, then the light will also impact on the timing so be prepared to consider all of this when speaking to your photographer.
3. Choose your Clothing Carefully – The best results come when everyone is co-ordinated, whether its soft pastel colours and gentle textures or bright vivid block colours. And there’s always the option of matching Christmas pyjamas or outfits! You know your family best, so decide on the colours which best suit your family and dress accordingly.
4. Don’t Worry About Posing – The best quality family shots come from organic interactions and movement. As professional photographers, we prompt the family to some extent but often, we get the best results when families are allowed to group together in a natural, more dynamic way, and leave us to choose the best moment to hit that shutter button.
5. Grab Those Christmas Props – For a more festive feel, add a Santa hat, some mistletoe, or wrap up some empty boxes in festive paper and have the children hold Christmas props. These can also be a great distraction for young children and sometimes generates the most relaxed, happy photos. Be creative, don’t over think it and just have fun!
Sadia Barlow, Co-Founder of Sadia Barlow Photography said, “Family photos are a creative alternative to Christmas cards and an opportunity to share a wonderful family picture with loved ones, near and far. It’s the perfect time to capture the magic of childhood and family life, with a festive backdrop – and with the right planning and setting it can be a lot of fun for everyone.”
For further details on Sadia Barlow Photography, visit www.sadiabarlowphotography.co.uk.