Some clients are surprised to discover that my family portrait sessions include a variety of naturally posed and candid or lifestyle images to choose from – at no additional charge. And they’re relieved to hear that my style of “posing” is simply to offer guidance so that each individual looks their very best, within an artistically pleasing composition. (Stiff, artificial looking portraits are definitely not my thing!)
I typically begin by posing the entire family – standing or sitting. For example, we began last Saturday’s portrait session at the Sea Crest Resort’s beach in North Falmouth with Gary and Pam’s 3-generation family tucked into a grassy sand dune – all so photogenic!
Then I capture images of smaller groupings based on what each client has told me is important during our portrait consultation call. Besides each family unit, popular choices are siblings, cousins, grandparents with grandchildren and with adult children, and couples.
I move on to capture candids, with everyone participating in the fun. I chose this spot for Todd and Linda’s twins for its ideal backdrop and lighting, and the girls happily played as I captured real life memories. This image will be featured in the 6-image collage for their parents’ wall.
As her siblings and cousins became sleepy, one of the girls was still full of steam as the waves crashed ashore. Here’s one of four photographs from this series that her mom chose to display as a wall collection.
As the sun was about to set, Gary and Pam asked me to capture an image of themselves. Such a lovely couple, it’s hard to believe they’re the grandparents of this 12-member clan!
Dorene Sykes Photography Blog 