This month, we delve into the family portrait genre and offer advice when it comes to editing wedding photos
Portrait skills
What are the key skills for photographing people? I want to photograph families but I am not quite sure how to make the leap to becoming professional, or what clients expect from a family photo shoot.
Susan Percy
If you want to photograph people, you have to be a people person! Making your subjects feel relaxed in front of the lens is essential if you are going to get good shots. Also knowing your camera like the back of your hand is vital, so you can give your subject your full attention.
If you are offering a family photo shoot, be clear to your client what they can expect and what they will receive. For example, are you going to airbrush final images, and how many final images are they going to receive?
Preparation is key. If you are on location, know the best spots and where the light is going to be at what time. If you don’t yet have the confidence or skills to charge people for your images, rope your friends and family into modelling while you build yourself up. Get them to give you feedback about how comfortable they are in front of the lens and what you can do to help them if they don’t like having their photograph taken.
If you are photographing kids, they can be great fun but most have very short attention spans, especially the young ones. Be prepared to be silly and to get down to their level to engage with them.