How to Create the Best Family Photos this Fall
Like many, Fall is my favourite season and one of the best times of the year where beautiful colours are displayed all across the province. As the leaves turn to a golden tone and the sunrises and sunsets paint a beautiful scene, I can’t help but enjoy using nature as a stunning backdrop in many photos. Fall is a great time of year to get outside while there is still some sunshine and capture family photos for your upcoming Christmas cards or school photos. Here’s a few tips on what to do (and what not to do) to create the best family photos this fall:
- Coordinate but don’t match. Watch out for clashing patterns and bold prints. If you aren’t sure about an outfit with print, then it is probably best to dress in solid colours, especially if someone else in your family is wearing a print outfit. Make sure the styles don’t conflict. Keeping with neutral colours is usually best, but if you want to add a pop of colour to your photos, consider having everyone bring an outfit with a bright coloured shirt to switch it up. Reds, oranges, yellows, paired with graphite, denim gray and charcoal create some vivid photos. However, you do have to be careful to compliment the fall colors and not to compete with them.
- Consider adding textures. Embrace the season by incorporating stylish knit scarves, sweaters, shawls, boots, a cute toque or headband.
- Stay away from wearing clothing with text or logos. These can be very distracting in photos and take away from the entire shot. Logos and text also tend to date photos, so do your best not to wear these for family photos.
- It can be cold – stay warm! It is perfectly acceptable for you to dress in layers for your fall photos. The weather can change very quickly, and it is best to stay comfortable during your photo session. Warm sweaters, scarves, mits, and hats are all acceptable for fall photos, especially if you are going to use those photos in a couple months for Christmas cards
- Consider coordinating with your home decor. You may find this to be an odd tip, but think about what you are going to be using these photos for. Will they be sent out as Christmas cards, displayed in your home, or both? If you are going to put up a gorgeous big canvas print in your neutral great room, make sure your accent colors mix well with the colors you are wearing in your photos!
- Act natural and HAVE FUN! It’s a great time to be outdoors in the Fall, especially with all the leaves. Kids can enjoy jumping and playing in the leaves in your photos, and make sure whatever outfits you choose, they are comfortable.
These are just a few tips to help you prepare for Fall family photos. For more tips for family photos, please click here.
Don’t forget that spaces are filling up quickly! To book your Fall family photos, please click here or call 403-451-9769.
Frequently Asked Questions about Photoshoots
There are a few things to consider when you have a photo session booked with your photographer. Here are some Frequently Asked Questions we get asked about photoshoots, and our answers:
Newborn Sessions
Q: When should we take our newborn photos of our son/daughter?
A: We recommend that newborn sessions take place within the first 5-7 days of life.
Q: What should our newborn wear, and what should we wear?
A: Most of the images of your newborn will be bare, but if you have a special outfit, we encourage you to bring it. For a standard black background, Mom and Dad should dress in (or bring) black 3/4 to long sleeved tops and are welcome to have a change of clothing for a different look. Jeans or other dark pants are just fine for bottoms. If you would like a different backdrop please call Jana to let her know so she can plan accordingly.
Q: What else should we bring?
A: If you have any props that you would like in the photos (special blanket, toy, or article of clothing), we encourage you to bring those along.
Q: How long will the session take?
A: The session will happen at your newborns pace, allowing for feeding and giving him/her time to settle into a peaceful sleep for those perfect images.
Children & Family Sessions
Q: When should we take our family photos?
A: We encourage family photos to be taken at any time of year. If you want family photos to give out at Christmas, we recommend that you book a session in the fall. For other special occasions, try to book your photos at least six weeks in advance of the date you will need the prints.
Q: What should our family wear?
A: There are many looks that work very well for both studio and outdoor portraits. Whether you choose to go classic or trendy, make sure everyone involved is coordinated with one another.
For a classic portrait, solid colors are generally best as busy patterns can be distracting and will often become outdated sooner than a simpler design.
Don’t forget about the little things. If you are in the studio, everyone should be wearing the same color of socks or shoes or…. my favorite look is to have everyone in bare feet.
Q: What else should we bring?
A: If you have any props that you would like in the photos (special blanket, toy, or article of clothing), we encourage you to bring those along. Also, if you feel that your kids might get hungry during the shoot, bring along a face-friendly snack.
Q: How long will the session take?
A: We know that little ones can get impatient. Plan a two hour window for your photos to be taken. It will likely take less time, but we want to leave ample time to capture the perfect family photos.
Professional Headshots
Q: What should I wear for my professional headshot?
A: Choose an outfit that fits you well. Make sure it is not too tight(or loose) and that it lays well when you move. Choose dark or bright colors that compliment your skin tone. Solid colors are usually best as busy patterns can distract from your face and are more likely to become outdated. A collar is a nice touch, depending on your business.
Be yourself. Dress the way you would to meet with your best client or prospect. For a regular studio session, you may also bring additional outfits to change your look or add a scarf, hat, or prop that reflects your business.
Q: What should I do with my hair?
A: Don’t make any drastic changes just before your shoot. If you need a cut, have it done the week before if you can, to give it time to settle and so you are used to styling it. Style as you normally would.
Q: What should I do with my makeup?
A: A little extra Makeup is a good idea for your business portrait. Neutral tones are best. The idea is to look your best without looking like you are wearing a lot of makeup. Even if you prefer the natural look, a well matched concealer and powder is a good idea to even out skin tones and mascara and a touch of lipstick will enhance your features. Avoid lip gloss or any glossy makeup as it can create reflections.
Q: Where should my photos be taken?
A: Photos can be taken at our indoor studio. If you prefer a different location, please let us know. Some other ideas are to have photos taken outside against a brick wall, or inside a hotel lobby.
Q: Should I wear jewelry?
A: Simple jewelry is best, it is non distracting and adds the finishing touch for a professional appearance.
Weddings
Q: How far in advance should I book my photographer?
A: While you may luck out and find a last minute photographer, it is always best to book well in advance. Once the date is set you can call in to book your wedding photos. Booking well in advance also means that we will have time to offer you a complimentary engagement session and the photos from that can be used for ‘save the date’ cards, invitations, guest signing books, table decorations and many other creative ways for your wedding.
Q: How much time should I allow for wedding photos?
A: If you can plan three hours for your photos it will allow for a more relaxing, fun experience as well as the flexibility to try some different idea and more creative shots. We have certainly done lots with less time, but we love to have the time to give a little extra when possible. Also remember to leave yourselves time to get away from the ceremony location and excited guests that are there to congratulate you. If you can plan to have your receiving line at your reception as you are returning you will have a lot more control over timing but if you do have it right away be sure to leave ample time.
Q: Where should my photos be taken?
A: There are so many wonderful spots in Calgary to have your wedding photos taken. Depending on the location of your wedding and reception, the time you have allowed for photos and the look you are after we will discuss the options and come up with a plan that is best for you.
What to Wear for Your Engagement Photo Shoot
Engagement photos are a fun way to get to know the bride and groom before their big day! It’s always a new adventure capturing special moments between the couple, and using those photos as memories for years to come.
Often times, I get asked by couples what they should wear for their photo session. It’s something a lot of people seem to get hung up on, but here’s some easy tricks to remember when planning your outfit for an engagement shoot:
1) Coordination is good, but you don’t need to go all matchy-matchy! Decide if you want your photos to have a formal look, or more of a relaxed look. If he is wearing a tux, complement his outfit by wearing a nice blouse and skirt. If she is dressed in a fancy dress, make sure he doesn’t come in his favourite hockey jersey.
2) Once you have decided what look you want to go for (formal or relaxed), think about colours. What are your wedding colours? Often times, this will help a couple decide what they should wear. If you know your wedding colours are going to be purple and gold, consider those colours when deciding outfits. We often suggest solid colours for the shirts and pants, but feel free to accessorize and add some patterns to the look with a fun scarf, chunky necklace, or headband.
3) Show your true colours. Black is slimming, but it is not always the best choice. Black can often show every speck of dust and hair, so keep that in mind. Also, try to avoid wearing a lot of white – save that for your big day!
4) Consider comfort so you are relaxed. Some people simply don’t feel comfortable in front of the camera, and you want to be relaxed during your photo session. This is not to say you should wear yoga pants and your favourite sweatshirt, but make sure the outfit you choose fits you well and is easy to move in.
5) Play off the location of your photo shoot. If you already know where you want to have your pictures taken, think about the surroundings. Is it in a park? If so, wearing green might cause you to blend in with your surrounding more than you want.
6) Consider the season. If you are having your photos taken in winter or spring, you may want to re-think wearing that fancy short skirt and tank top. If you’re fair-skinned and are doing photos in the early spring, your blindingly white legs probably haven’t seen much sun. Avoid wearing bright colours in those situations, as they can wash pale skin out.
If you have any questions about your engagement photos, talk to your photographer, and they can help you out as well.
Getting Ready for the Holidays (and the return of Tacky Christmas Sweaters!)
They’re back! It is that time of year where tacky Christmas sweaters are making their appearance in stores everywhere – even more so this year than any other year! It’s fun to switch things up, so this year, when your family is over and are you are having Home for the Holidays photos taken with a professional photographer, consider putting a fun twist on your photos and encourage your family members to come home with a tacky Christmas sweater for some fun photos (and good laughs!)
Stuck trying to think of something different for your Christmas cards this year? Check out this article with 101 Creative Christmas Card Ideas.
Looking for a unique Christmas gift for a family or friend? Consider a Gift Certificate from Miko Photography – one of the best gifts that lasts a lifetime is a photo package. Contact us today to learn more!
