4 Steps to a Successful Family Reunion Photo Shoot

It's not easy to get the whole family together, and when you do, you want to get as many images of everyone together as possible. Planning a professional photo shoot at a family reunion can make it easier for you to get everyone in front of the camera at the same time. But even though you may have everyone together, how can you ensure that your images come out looking stunning? Here are some suggestions to ensure your final images “WOW” the entire family.

Coordinating outfits:

Unless you have shirts specially designed for everyone, do your best to coordinate outfits that complement each other and help the group look unified. One of the best ways to do this is to choose a color palette. This way, everyone can select their outfit while still looking cohesive. Choose two or three colors that go well together and a neutral color for pants or skirts like denim, black, white, or khaki.

Themes/ideas:

Aside from coordinating the colors in your outfits, you may choose a theme. Beach themes, holiday themes, sports themes—the possibilities are endless. Choosing a theme can make the shoot more fun for everyone, too.

Location:

Finding the perfect location for your reunion shoot can be a bit of a challenge. If you have a large family you want to choose a location that will be able to accommodate everyone. Planning an outdoor shoot can be the best option since it can allow for the most room.  For the best outdoor lighting you’ll want to plan to take your photos in an area with full shade so that you don’t have dappled lighting on people’s faces.  Your professional photographer can help you select a suitable location and suggest the best time to take outdoor photos.

Shots list:

Big family shoots can get confusing and chaotic pretty quickly. Having a list of all the families will make things much smoother. Consider planning for each family to have individual shots and then a large group shot of everyone together. It may be beneficial if you appoint one person from the family who knows everyone’s names so they can assist your photographer and ensure everyone is in front of the camera at their scheduled time.   

How to Decide What to Wear to Your Photoshoot

Top tips for getting the most out of your professional photography session.

If you are prepping for your first photo shoot, you may have questions about what to expect. A common concern for people having their photos taken for the first time is what to wear.

7 Top Tips for Deciding What to Wear for a Photoshoot

1. What is the purpose of the photo shoot? This should be your first thought when deciding what to wear. Choose an appropriate outfit for the occasion and something that suits your personality.

2. Keep the location & season in mind. Where is the photo shoot taking place? Choose an outfit that will keep you feeling comfortable and confident. For example, if you’re on a beach, those new high heels might not be the most logical choice, and you might look a bit out of place.

3. Mix and match. Don’t be afraid to wear patterns or prints for your photo shoot but keep them to a minimum and try to pair them with solid colors. If you’re having a family photo shoot, have two family members in printed items and two in solid colors. Play with different colors to match the mood and setting of the shoot.

4. Make your photos timeless. You might love that trendy top or pair of pants now, but will your photos stand the test of time if you wear that item of clothing?

5. What to do about makeup. This would depend on the type of photos you are taking. Fashion shoots will call for more dramatic makeup, but for your everyday maternity, family, or portrait shoots, keep your makeup natural and minimal.

6. Fit is more important than you think. If you already have an outfit in mind for your shoot, try it on before the time to ensure it fits correctly and compliments your body type.

7. Try not to go brand crazy. Wearing too much clothing with prominent brand names makes you look like a walking ad. Clothing with large graphics also doesn’t work well, as it will be the focus of your photos.

Remember to have fun on your photo shoot, be yourself, and don’t hesitate to ask your photographer for guidance.