How I pose families…or don't
September 22, 2019
Chin up. Okay, great! Now, move slightly to the left, foot forward, and shoulders at an angle. Perfect! Oh, wait, hands out of the pockets… When you think of posing, your mind automatically goes to the traditional family portrait technique. Now when your client happens to be a 1-year-old, you have to get a little more creative!
My posing technique is pretty simple- I don’t really do it. Sure, everyone wants a traditional photo with the whole family in it, so we make sure to get that one at the beginning of your session. I put my families in a “starter pose,” and let it evolve. We’ll talk and laugh until your family settles into your version of that pose. Once your family finds a pose that fits you, everyone is happy and comfortable, and it will look fabulous.
After we get that, I follow the lead of the kids based on what they are interested in. Sometimes that means we run, sometimes we dance, or climb trees. Sometimes I capture quiet snuggly moments. My repeat clients love coming back to play with me. It’s more about playing than photos, but that’s where we capture the real personality of your family.
So you may ask, why I approach it this way?
Think back to family photos as a kid.
Your mom may have made you wear clothes that matched your sister, while you sat really still in a strange pose with your hand on your sibling’s shoulder. On top of it all, they told you to smile into the camera and look happy. The thing is, you were not happy wearing the itchy outfit or standing still next to your brother as he continued to poke you for his entertainment.
I want to capture the pure happiness of your child’s laughter and those special moments between you and your family.
Through a more relaxed and fun session, we can capture the more natural and playful moments. My goal is to not only take photos that look good but to capture a moment that feels good. A moment where everyone can look back on their experience and have a happy memory to smile about.
To book a session for your family, email me at julia@juliamatthewsphotography.com. I look forward to capturing your family’s happy moments.