Family Portraits: Do’s and Don’ts

September 14, 2017

Cover Photo Credits: collection from Designer @newmiuz
Photographer - Nathaniel Riley, Designer - New Miuz PS Pawan,
Make up and hair - Vianne Ho Young, Sajbeena Latma,
Model - Mike Krogh, Kelli Kickham, michelle morley

Here at FD photo studio we’ve had many clients bringing their families for the anniversary, birthday or any other holiday photoshoots and taking group photos with lots of cheering and great mood. For many upcoming photographers however a family photoshoot might not be that jolly due to inexperience. Here are some tips on how to manage a big group of people running around, compact them together in front of the camera and take some great shots.

Photo credit: @gotophotographer

Stay In Touch

Communication is the key success of any deed. When it comes to scheduling a family portrait with the client, it is no different. Always stay in touch with your client and inform him/her immediately should any changes arise. Remind them a week before the photoshoot about the date, time and the location of the shoot. Follow up once again the day before the shoot.

Failure to communicate with the client might result not only in dissatisfaction from both sides but also might lead to monetary losses, present (studio deposits, rental equipment) and future ( rescheduling a photoshoot usually means taking the time away from future potential clients).

Photo Credit: @ivanography

Make The Family Unique

Usually when the client is contacting you to do a family photoshoot, that client is a person who cares deeply about his family and wants to capture every moment of it. The uniqueness of the moment goes as far as the uniqueness of the family. If it is a family of musicians, it might be great to have musical instruments as props on the set or even capture the family playing as an ensemble. When communicating with client about various ideas for the photoshoot try to get to know the family and it traits. After all the best photos are with models being in most comfortable and confident situations. And that is what you would want to set up.

Photo Credit: @samgracemiller

Wardrobe Selection

As was already mentioned in the previous section, when the client feels most comfortable and confident the client will look great on photos. Many times your clients will ask for your guidance in a wardrobe selection. The point is to have them dressed in the outfit that will coincide the most with their personality and thus bring them comfort. Depending on a theme of a photoshoot make sure the family will not wear alike looking outfits to unintentionally blend in. Clothes with logos or a text on it might drag to much attention out of models and be destructive.

Have each family member bring at least two sets of clothes – classic and casual. At the very begging of photoshoot, when everyone is tense and a bit shy, starting from the formal classic outfits will be a good idea. As the time passes by, your models get relaxed and being dressed in casual outfits will get them in the zone mood.

@patrick_ryland, Jennie Carroll, Luis Marquez, Ryan S., Jenny Jung #hairstylist: Angely Landgrave, #Mua: Denise Escamilla, #Wardrobestylist: Andrew Deras, #lightingassistant: Ricky Steel.

Technical Aspects

Photographing a group might one tricky since it there are so many subjects that need to be in focus and not distorted. Keeping in mind that the group family photos are the one that probably will be framed and proudly hung on walls, it is very important not to screw it up the first time! Here are some technical tips on how to adjust your camera.

Use wide lens 24- 70mm in order to keep everyone in focus.
If possible, place all members of the group into a single row, parallel to your camera so everybody will be at the same distance. Avoid forming other positions like a circle in order to avoid having troubles keeping everybody in focus.
Ask everyone to get close to each other. You do not want to end up with large gaps in your shots.
Keep your ISO low. When shooting in the studio you do not need to bump it up so keep it at 100 setting.
Have everyone with the eyes open and say CHEEEEEEEESEEEEE. (ok, maybe this one is not that important but have everyone tuned in to your command in order to get the photoshoot into an accord).

Find a Photo Studio near you

L.A. Studios
N.Y.C Studios
Chicago Studios

0 Comments

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

Rent Studio

starting from $24.99 _{/ hour}

Lights
Modifiers
C-Stands
V-Flats
Wi-Fi
MUA Station

BOOK ONLINE

Choose Your Date:

Booking is more than a year from now
Start At:
Finish At:

Overnight Booking

Where:

Check Availability

By providing a telephone number and submitting this form you are consenting to be contacted by SMS text message. Message & data rates may apply. You can reply STOP to opt-out of further messaging

Clients Review

Kokodaw EYEAMshooter Photography

My first time here and had a ball. Great experience. Beautiful view! Perfect natural lighting and had use of equipment. Great ...

Steven Pressler Website

Really enjoy using the new studios. Great natural light and the studio is well equipped with everything I would need to shoot f...

David DavidXPhotography

Used FD Studios for first time- great experience. I forgot my triggers- no problem, I was able to borrow some. Alex was a cool g...

Petr Green Volga Verdi

Used FD multiple times for photo shoots for Volga Verdi clothing line – the results are amazing! Great rates, convenient locatio...

Yuriy LightWriter.org

I love FD studio. This place is like a home to me :). I use this studio a lot to shoot portraits, engagements, fashion and artwor...

Julia Shema CreativeSwirls

We did shooting of our products at FDPhotostudio. Reasonable price, great service and convenient location compare to other places...

Maryna Rybalka MarinaRybalka.com

This was my first experience of working in a professional photo studio. To tell you the truth, I didn’t quite know how to set th...

Steven Pressler

First time using the studio and I must say the experience was terrific. Alex was great to work with and could not be any nicer. Th...

Anonym

Toba was fantastic to deal with throughout. From our first call to the point when we had wrapped out - she was great. Thank you...

Anonym

The lady at the front desk helped me with setting up the light. I had a few questions and was humble in response. Definitely comin...

Anonym

Great staff, easy to work with and very helpful.

Anonym

Just great location and very chill!

Mj L. Glendale, CA

I actually haven't rented studio space here yet, but I felt like I should write a review based on the customer service I've experi...

Steven A. Studio City, CA

I have been using FD Photo Studio for the past 6 months and the experience has been nothing short of excellent. The studios are cl...

Product D. Los Angeles, CA

Great place!

Ilia K. Los Angeles, CA

It's BEST place to implement any ideas for photo and video shooting. The location inspires to create unique work. Thank you guys f...

Lana K. Los Angeles, CA

I had a superb experience with FD Photostudio. I had no problems reserving the studio, confirming it and shooting there! The staff...

Lida K. Glendale, CA

Having shot at FD Photo Studio for about 5 times, I can't help but say that this place is a gem in the middle of LA. It is really ...

Andrey K. Los Angeles, CA

The best studio in town no doubt, lots of space plus latest equipment, strongly recommend!

Alex B. Los Angeles, CA

Great place! Been there for a few times and will definitely shoot more up there!

Guys who work there are cool and the ...

Marla D. Long Beach, CA

Update, I posted some snap shots of studio C. Seriously quick snap shots but you get the idea! I would love to keep the studio as...

Marla D. Long Beach, CA

I shot here a few times and have been happy each time. The staff have been more than helpful and accommodating. Parking is easy...

Hunter J. El Segundo, CA

Shot at FD Photo Studio last week and it was a pleasure shooting there. They have a full bathroom with shower for models, alien...

Mrs G. Los Angeles, CA

This is a straight-forward studio, and works great as that. The space is very customizable. I have shot in Studio B, and am ren...

Kendall G. Redondo Beach, Los Angeles, CA

This studio is so dope! Great natural lighting and really cool space. They have good portions where to get ready for hair and m...

Carlo P. Los Angeles, CA

Stage A has great natural light and the all white paint makes for nice high key indoor window light shots. Great for quick small-s...

Serg I. Lakeside, CA

Awesome place and very good rates. Alex is always helpful . That's my first time at the new location and it's just perfect, lar...

Kris R. Los Angeles, CA

I love this place! Such an inspiring and versatile studio! Great atmosphere and amazing people working there! So friendly and h...

Yulia Los Angeles, CA

I've shot at FD Photo Studio several times. The place is huge with 3 different spacious studios. I've honestly had the best exper...

Gerardo M. Orange, CA

After seven months of doing nothing I decided to do some review of what I learned in lighting and rented the studio for a while. V...

Mo H. Los Angeles, CA

Great place. the set up, the rooftop access is a wonderful plus and the rates are great.

Anonym

Everyone was so nice working there. The płace was fantastic and price was amazing. Very happy

Anonym

Such a great studio to shoot , Studio A is really amazing with large windows to allow in natural sun light, and enough room for...

Frank Ross FrankRossPhotography.com

Love the natural lighting. Great place to shoot. Nice friendly staff.

Chad Hill ChadHillPhoto.com

LOVE this studio! SHOOT HERE!! I ll be in to shoot tomorrow for the 2nd time this week. Grateful!

Anonym

It was great. Wish we booked more time. Definitely coming back!

Anonym

Very friendly! Love this studio.

Peter Green on Google+

Used the studio multiple times for various projects, mostly for my product photography. They have the mannequins, steamer and a...

Anonym

Gorgeous space, and another WINNER WINNER headshot session! I really love bringing clients to your space

Anonym

The staff was great. Super friendly and helpful. The space is also perfect, with plenty of natural light.

Ghamal

Wonderful customer service... Always a pleasure shooting there. No issues except I wish that
someone would be available ...

Leslie Leslie Rockitter Photography

I shot here for the very first time yesterday. Great location, great light, great studio!!! Everything you need is there. Th...

Christopher Barber

Toma at FD Photo Studio worked as our photo assitant during our shoot -- she is very knowledgeable and helpful! All facilities ...

Gen Levy Gen Levy Photography

You can tell by the lack of space in their schedules that FD Photo Studio is starting to catch on as the go-to hourly rental. Easy...

Liomir Martinez Fabulous People

We recently shot our Fall 15 Product Look Book and could not be happier or more pleased with our overall experience at FD Photo St...

David Waters MojoCinematic

Thanks for a great video shoot. The staff was always there and very helpful. We will be booking FD Studios again soon, THANKS!!

Glen Gante Mister G Photography

Great studio spaces and value! I chose FD Photo Studios for my shoots on my recent trip to LA from Sydney Australia. Pro Studio I...

Madhvi Madhvi Patel Studio

This place is amazing! The staff is really helpful and the place is very clean and ready to go when you arrive. For this rate, I w...

Lisa cc Studios

Our first experience with FD Studio was pretty amazing. From the helpful, really nice staff to the space itself, for the price is ...

Erick Robinson Erick Robinson Photography

Amazing space, very helpful staff. I will always continue to bring business to this studio.

Jenna Fox Real Fiction

I am the manager of a rock band in SoCal called Real Fiction. We were in need of a location to film their music video on a tight b...

Lorenzo lorenzobelmontephotos

Love the atmosphere. Great natural lighting...plus the rates are very reasonable. A+++ all around. I will be shooting there again.

Gia Unera GUD Apparel

Love this awesome studio Art 3! Will be back for more photoshoot for my next season designs for Summer 2017. Thanks FD Studio!

Ali LeRoi

I love shooting at FD. The staff is great and the booking system is seamless and efficient. Great space and great light if you ant...

MarcM

Anytime I"m visiting LA, FD is always my go to. Great studio space, easy to access and friendly staff.

Mark W. Whitaker Foto

Great place I just shot at Hill St. Studio 2 today and lots of Natural light plus 3 Alien Bee Strobes. Really clean and super clos...

Christian

I love FD studio because of their staff and of course their bright natural lighting. I also love the wooden background for art 1 a...

Eric B. Social Finger Imagery

I love shooting on several of the stages this studio has to offer. The staff all have outstanding personalities and are very helpf...

Mua Sherry O Make up Artist

This was an amazing collaboration with lovely models and great photographers. I worked with this Model creating a look that compli...

Erin Marie Miller

This is my go-to studio when I shoot. I absolutely love the gorgeous sets, the lighting equipment is always in great shape and rel...

Dez

Awesome place! The location we filmed at worked perfectly. Victor was a blast. Super helpful and friendly. I will definitely book ...

Rachel Taylor Jewel Badgley Mischka

We had a great experience LOVED shooting there!! Staff was fantastic as was the location. Ease of use and exactly what was pictu...

James Wilson JRW Photography

I've used FD Studios Several times & every time I go, I'm always leaving satisfied. Keep up with the amazing stages! I hear you ma...

See All Studio Reviews

Rent Studio

Clients Review

Events

Have Any Questions?

Stay In Touch

Make The Family Unique

Wardrobe Selection

Technical Aspects

Find a Photo Studio near you

L.A. Studios

N.Y.C Studios

Chicago Studios

Rent Studio

Clients Review

Events

Have Any Questions?