What to wear and how to prepare for your Family Portrait Session…

Taking the time to properly prepare for your Family Portrait session is as important as the photography it’s self. Some of the things to conceder include the skin tones of those being photographed, weight, height, and even hair color.

The next major area to conceder is do we need to buy a new wardrobe to have a family portrait made?  Depending what kind of portrait, size and where you plan to display your new portrait will often be a deciding factor.  If you are having us create a portrait that you will be sending out as small gift sized prints only, say at the holidays then I would say no way. If what you desire is a Fine Canvas Portrait to be beautifully displayed in your formal Dinning Room, Office, Entrance Way or Formal Living Room in a size that will be viewed from across the room such as the 30”x40” Sofa Size then I would say you might wish to work to better plan clothing that matches and is formal if the room décor is formal. If you desire a casual portrait on the beach or in a park during the summertime you will still want to coordinate the colors and think about the location you will be displaying this new glamorous Wall Portrait.

In the design session that is included FREE OF CHARGE with every portrait session I create, we will discuss these issues and more.  I like to meet to “chat” about your family session at your home instead of my studio. This way I can see your family in action, meet the children, see the locations you wish to display the final portrait and then help you decide on colors and style (Casual or Formal) based on your home décor and personal family style.  If we will be doing the photography at your home we can also scout out the best locations at that time, maybe even take a few “TEST IMAGES” to see what locations photograph the best.

A few things to always consider when it comes to clothing.

• What is the focal point of the photograph?
• Are any of the subjects a little over weight?
• If so what colors do they look best in?
• Where do you want to create the photograph?
• The portrait can be created in our studio or your home, a park, at the lake, on the beach, at the theater, in a nice lobby or any place that is meaningful to your family. Photography is art, it should represent you and your family in an environment that is pleasing to you and that you will enjoy for many years to come. Not just a quick picture from the chain stores on a painted backdrop.
• What colors look best with your skin tone, should you be casual or formal?

I look forward to discussing all of this and more with you soon. You can set up a time to “CHAT” about the possibility of having a fine family portrait made at no charge to you.  I would be happy to come to your home one evening and discuss in further detail my services and what clothing and locations would be best suited to create the best family portrait for your families personal needs. If I’m the right photographer for you we can then set up a time to create you the perfect family portrait. But Please keep in mind I am a very Low Volume Studio. I work with my clients at night when I can meet with both the husband and wife and meet the children ahead of the session. This way we are all comfortable on the day of photography. To session times often fill up fast in the spring, summer and fall. It is not too early to be considering your portrait planning now.

The call is free, and so is the “chat”. I promise no hard selling, or pressure to book my services. Word of mouth advertising is still the best way for me to find new clients so I want to please every single person I meet, even if you decide not to hire me at this time, you might know a friend that my services would be perfect for.

By the way did you notice my guarantee?

You’re No Nonsense Guarantee
In this day and age, it's hard to find people who really stand behind what they do, I have tried to go above and beyond my client’s expectations to create for them, something of generational value and not just a quick "picture." I believe in my products and services and only use the finest photographic processes and materials to produce my images. Fact is not many portrait photographers will have a guarantee. Here is mine to you

Simply Stated:
"You must be absolutely "thrilled" (not just satisfied) when you view your portrait images for the very first time. Or I’ll Re-Print, Replace or create new images till you are!! no questions asked and no hard feelings either!

Thanks for taking the time to read this information and I can’t wait to meet with you soon

Bob Mihalko
Robert Gary Photography
330-591-4243