I offer two distinct types of family portrait photography, the on-location shoot or the studio style approach. Both yield beautiful images. The choice is down to the style you prefer, time of year and likely weather and budget.
How does a family portrait shoot happen?
The on-location portrait shoot
Generally a location shoot takes between 1-3 hours. It’s about making sure beutiful, stunning images are in the can. Sometimes this happens fast, sometimes it needs a few different approaches before we’re done.
The portrait shoot is arranged at a location of your choice in the Bristol area or I can suggest some based on your preferences. A great location for a photography does not need to be especially beautiful or panoramic – it just needs to offer interesting scenarios, backgrounds, textures. A rusted-up metal door can be just as interesting as woodland, a high-tech urban environment just as photographically rich as a rural one.
Often I will schedule the shoot in the early morning or late afternoon or early evening to access the more interesting light available at these times of day.
A shoot could take place in your home and gadren. Everyone should feel at home here – it’s home after all. Outfit changes and favourite toys or props are to hand. There’s no need to worry about being rained on or delayed on the way to the location.
What’s best to wear for a portrait shoot?
Portrait photography is largely about faces. Overly busy patterned clothing or screaming logos can take attention way from the face. Complimentary colours or contrasting colours can both work. Earthy colours in an autumnal setting can make you merge into the landscape, while bold primary colours can make you leap out of the landscape. Both effects can be pleasing.
For strong portraits it’s important to feel comfortable. While hair and makep should be immaculate it’s probably not the time for radical experimentation with your look. Plainer dress, jeans, sweaters and shirts work well. Hats, statement accessories, even umbrellas can all have a role in making interesting pictures too.
What happens after your photo shoot?
Within two weeks you will receive low-resolution previews via email or sometimes we can meet to look at the best images on a laptop.
Around 2-4 weeks after the photo shoot, you will receive a password for your own online gallery, which works just like any other online shopping site. The photographs will have been edited and retouched to make them even better and black and white treatments are offered too should you wish. Once we get to this stage, high-quality prints are usually delivered within a few days.
For large canvasses and framed prints I use local arts a suppliers. These are bespoke pieces so are quoted for individually.
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