Helpful Tips for Your Outdoor Family Portrait

An outdoor family portrait is a great way to capture the story of your family’s life. From newly engaged couples in love to parents holding their newborns with pride and every milestone in between, family portraiture is the art that tells your story.

This family is so precious to us since we first met them when we photographed their wedding. We have seen their family grow over the past several years, and were so excited to photograph their family portrait outdoors. Here are a few of our tips to help plan for your outdoor family portrait.

1. Scheduling.
   The timing of your family portrait session is very important. We recommend early morning, around 9am, or late afternoon, around 5pm. As summer approaches, 6:30pm may become an option. We use available lights along with light modifiers and off camera lighting equipment to insure everyone is lit properly and no one has dark eyes in the final portrait. We will work with you to determine the best time of day for your portrait based on the location as well.If young children are to be included in your portrait, you should pick the time that is not right during their nap time but when they are at their best. For outdoor portraits we always recommend scheduling two dates in the event of rain or bad weather. We do have a studio available which can also serve as an option for your family portrait should weather become an issue.

2. Clothing Selection.
   Everyone’s clothing does not need to match in colors, but there should be harmony with everyone’s attire in the portrait. For example, if you want a casual spring or summer portrait then the children could wear shorts with light colored tops or dresses, and the adults could wear casual pants and khakis with light colored shirts and blouses. Colors should be complimentary and in the same tonal range. It is always recommended to stick to solid colors or a very small pattern. Long sleeve shirts work best as well. We will discuss your portrait vision and clothing options during your pre-portrait consultation.

3. Hair and Makeup.
   For men and children in the portrait, we recommend a hair trim 2 weeks before your portrait. For ladies, a trim or haircut and color if needed 2 weeks before your portrait as well. This is not the time to try a new hair color or a new haircut or hair style! We partner with a nearby salon that takes care of our client’s hair and makeup for their portrait. The salon will help you look your best and make sure you are picture perfect. Remember to have a manicure and pedicure the day before your portrait too! On the day of your portrait bring a brush, powder, and makeup for touchups during your session.
4. Get Plenty of Rest.
   Rest is so important before your portrait. If you are tired it will show in your images. Go to bed early and stay hydrated before your portrait.
5. Portrait Location and Scale.
   During your consultation, we will discuss where you plan on hanging your selected portrait in your home. This is important for us photography wise so we capture your images with the end in mind. For example, if the space warrants a vertical portrait, we want to make sure we have plenty of vertical images for you to select from. During your portrait order appointment, we will project your images in our studio and can also show you the proper size portrait based on the space in your home where the portrait will reside.

About Michael Carr Photography

Michael and Lisa Carr are full time portrait artist specializing in creative and timeless outdoor family portraits both in black and white and color mediums. We offer environmental family portraits, at home portrait sessions in the Houston area, as well as in studio portraits. Michael Carr Photography is a full service portrait studio. What this means to you is that we complete your portrait from the beginning to the finished phases: conception, capture and full artist embellishments to your final wall portraits. To learn more about our studio and portrait photography for your individual portraits and family portraits, visit here or call 713-461-2862.