When you look back over old photo albums, or slides, or videos, you laugh at your hairstyles, wish you still had an outfit, and realize how good that dog really was.
Family photos can be a challenge, but it's not always about getting the perfect group picture. Sometimes it's more about getting at least one beautiful portrait of each family member that gives you a glimpse of their personality. their unique beauty, and if possible tell a little of their story. In the grouping above, one of the siblings was overseas and couldn't be there for the photos, so when we can get a picture of him, he can be added to the grouping.
This can make for a wonderful display on the wall at home. One reason why is that as the family changes, marriages, children, new family members are added or grow to adulthood, just their photos can be changed out. For example, a son's photo can be changed out for a picture of him and his wife if you still love all the individual photos of the others. These can be added to a group family shot, or as in this example, the anchoring image is primarily of the land where they live, with a daughter sitting on the fence.
I fell in love with "Honey," the 13-year-old Golden Retriever who was happy to amble around the farm, smiling at her people and surroundings. When she cheesed for the camera with her favorite girl I though I might have to sneak her onto the plane home.
If you choose to include your dog in your photos:
1. Make sure you have a leash and collar that will look good in photos on your wall. Bright colors are not recommended.
2. Recognize that extra time is needed to get the dog to comply.
3. As a family, you need to be looking at your photographer and smiling, not looking at the dog and trying to get it to do what the photographer wants.
4. Count on and appreciate candid shots of the dogs and how funny and crazy they can be.
5. Get individual shots of the dogs as they can look great in a display with everyone in a grouping on the wall or in an album.
6. Bring water and treats.
Also, to see more ideas for family photos, check out this post from
Shutterfly where two of my families are featured!
These are some headshots done for dad with and without his golden retriever and lab.
A young couple with their first fur baby.
Individual shots like senior pictures with a horse or favorite dog you grew up with to save memories of your childhood furry friends.
Mom needs individual pictures since she's usually the one behind the camera, and when you have a white lab this pretty, how can you resist?
