When planning a family portrait session, the second most asked question we get (after ‘What do we wear?’) is ‘What shall we bring with us?’ Our clients want to make their session more personal but have no idea what to bring from home to help tell their family’s story.
Gone are the days of stiff, traditional poses – today’s family portraits are all about infusing personality and flair into every shot. Here’s how you can incorporate props and themes to create captivating and unforgettable images that truly reflect your family’s unique style and interests.
1. Personalise With Props From Home: From vintage suitcases and colorful balloons to cozy blankets and playful toys, props can add depth and character to your family portraits. Consider incorporating items that hold special significance to your family, such as cherished heirlooms or hobbies that you enjoy together. Drum sticks, guitars, rugby balls, and even skis have made an appearance in the studio recently. This is slightly easier when you have small children as there is always an abundance of toys and teddies that have to leave the house with you!
2. Tell Your Story With Themes: Choose a theme that reflects your family’s personality and interests, whether it’s a rustic, vintage theme, a whimsical fairytale, or a glamorous Hollywood-inspired shoot. Themes provide a cohesive framework for your portraits and can help convey a narrative that is both visually stunning and meaningful. If you have an idea for your shoot and want to discuss it with your photographer just let us know – we will have plenty of creative input to help your vision come to life!
3. Coordinate Outfits And Props: To ensure harmony and cohesion in your portraits, coordinate your outfits with the chosen props and themes. Opt for complementary colors, textures, and styles that enhance the overall aesthetic and create a cohesive look for your family ensemble. We have a great 20 page guide about how to coordinate your outfits and what to wear to your shoot that can be accessed here.
4. Embrace Seasonal Elements: Take advantage of the beauty of each season by incorporating seasonal elements into your family portraits. Whether it’s blooming flowers in spring, vibrant foliage in autumn, or sparkling snowflakes in winter, seasonal props can add a touch of enchantment and whimsy to your photos. We also have lots of these props at the studio already so please feel free to ask for our help.
5. Keep it Authentic: While props and themes can enhance your portraits, it’s essential to maintain authenticity and capture genuine moments of connection and joy. Encourage natural interactions among family members, allowing personalities to shine through and creating images that are heartfelt and authentic.
Incorporating props and themes into your family portraits is a creative and fun way to infuse personality and style into your images. Whether you’re aiming for a sport-filled shoot or a classic family vibe, the possibilities are endless when it comes to creating unforgettable memories that will be treasured for years to come.
Until next time…
