☀️ Summer begins with family and group celebrations you can capture with your smartphone or a camera or hire a qualified photographer.

Memories are made when everyone is being themselves and having fun. I have suggestions for posing and several ideas later in this email that will guide you to amazing photos and how to enjoy the process.

The tips below are appropriate for DIYers or working with a professional photographer.

🏄 Posing – Each portrait has an energy that is different from the rest.

Arrangements should consider first; if there is a key person, make sure they stand out as in the three large groups. Next, arrange by height and color.

A group portrait can be formal or just plain fun.

Either is great. Both will be lasting memories.

⛱️ Color – Outfit colors play a big part in your portrait.

It should be harmonious, which helps to make everyone in the photo equal.

Bright, medium or dark colors are all good when they complement each other and stay within a contrasting range.

If you can’t see the camera, the camera can’t see you!

🎢 Location – Considering what environment you want will make the portrait more special.

I spend considerable time with clients discussing their goals for a photoshoot and researching locations for them to choose from.

In any case, the people are the focus, and the background is the picture frame.

🌟 Light – The lighting in these samples varies widely from client to client.

One was shot at high noon with no overhead cover available, the interior and the three large groups required additional lighting and the others were photographed with what light was available.

The DIY can make a reflector to fill shadows by covering a piece of cardboard with foil or find bright ground, such as white or beige, that will bounce light up to fill shadows…

🧘‍♀️ Relax – it can be nerve-racking for parents if the kids are ‘active’ or the party is in full swing.

Two suggestions:

  • Have the kids fed and hold back on the sugar just before the shoot.
  • If it’s mostly an adult crowd, take the portrait early in the event before the serious ‘paaarty’ starts.

Real memories are made when everyone is being themselves and having fun.

If DIY isn’t your thing, hire a professional.

Book soon. Calendars are filling up and if you have a specific date, booking ahead is essential.

You won’t be sorry that you invested your time in capturing important memories. Linda