Christmas is that time of year when many Jamaicans travel the globe to come home and celebrate with family members they have not seen in a while. It’s usually that rare occasion when you have all the members of your family in one place and the perfect time to update your family photo.

Updating your family photo isn’t something you should leave to chance. You want to make sure that everyone is on board and in sync. Here are a few tips to help you plan your next family portrait session:

 

Choose a Theme

It’s easy to choose a Christmas theme because of the time of year you’ll be gathering but that limits the use of the photos. What happens if you have to share your family photo for some other occasion outside of Christmas?

Choose a theme that’s unique to you as a family, include props and choose a location that works with your theme. A theme gives your photo a distinct look and feel.

When it comes to props, look around at what you already have and incorporate it into your shoot. For the location, you can use your home, a relative’s home, your neighbourhood or even book a venue that works with the theme.

 

Plan Your Outfits

The outfits are important in selling the theme. The key here is not to look “matchy-matchy” or like you’re all wearing uniforms or to choose outfits that blend into the background of your location.

Simply choose a colour palette and have each person wear pieces they have that are within that palette and complement each other. You can share photos of your outfits in your family chat groups before the shoot. Pinterest is a good place to get some inspiration on what outfits and colours work well together 😉.

What you want is for everyone to showcase their unique personality through their outfits while having some level of cohesion.

Make sure that everyone tries on their outfit at least 7 days before your photoshoot. You want everyone to be comfortable and avoid any wardrobe malfunctions on shoot day.

To reduce spending, remember that you can borrow clothes from each other. No one has to know 🤫.

 

Relax and Have Fun

The last thing to remember when preparing for a family portrait session is to relax and have fun.

Yes, you may have a moodboard or shot list but be flexible. Family portraits are meant to capture the essence and emotion of your family, not to be perfect. You want your photos to reflect your family’s personality and connection so just be yourself, interact with each other and trust your photographer.

 

As you plan your next family photoshoot make sure to keep in mind everyone’s schedule, especially if you have younger kids that have a routine, consider the time of day and make sure everyone is fed before the shoot. “Hangry” people don’t make for great family photos. Once your photos are delivered you can go ahead and print them or use them electronically.

Hope you have a blast at your next family portrait session.