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The 7 Don’ts of a Family Photoshoot

  • Family walking though trees

The 7 Don’ts of a Family Photoshoot

You’ve come across the perfect Adelaide photographer to take your family pictures—now it’s only a matter of time until your session. With a dreamy and carefree image in mind, you can’t wait to run across that meadow rife with daisies or lift your darling infant above your shoulders to capture their winning smile. Yet, family photography isn’t as easy as pie. To achieve a smooth and spirited shoot, take note of the following photography sins you’ll want to avoid at all times.

DON’T – Put Too Much Pressure on Yourself

“Picture perfect” is a phrase you’ll likely think of when it comes to conducting a family portrait—but hardly will a session go precisely the way you’ve planned. Don’t attach high expectations to what is supposed to be a fun-filled day of clicks and flashes. Smile more and worry less!

DON’T – Skimp on Finding the Right Photographer

Just because your idea is a stellar one doesn’t mean just anyone can pull it off. Regardless of how well-meaning and patient a photographer may be, a fashion expert, for instance, may not have a knack for family photos. Take a look at a photographer’s social media and previous work before concluding.

DON’T – Pick a Day or Time That Doesn’t Suit You

It should go without saying that a family photoshoot must involve every member. While accommodating a photographer’s busy schedule might mean having to wait longer than you’d hope, you don’t want to de-prioritise yours either.

Pick a day that won’t mean having to put off an important meeting or re-schedule a dinner. Plan around an open weekend and take into account any potential upcoming events.

The time of day, and weather is also very important when determining the quality of the actual photos you will recieve. It’s best to shoot as early in the day or as late as possible for the so called ‘golden hours‘ of photography.

DON’T – Wing Your Location

If you have a particular theme in mind for your family photoshoot, don’t ignore the importance of selecting an appropriate location. Think about whether you’ll better achieve your goals in a studio or outside space.

You’ll also want to account for weather. A lush field of flowers, for example, might only be available in the spring, whereas a shoot down by the beach might be more appropriate during the summer than in the winter.

DON’T – Forget to Pre-Plan

Families often underestimate the value of pre-planning. If you’re heading into a shoot with younger children, you’ll want to be well-equipped with snacks, water, and toys to keep the little ones entertained. If your photographer doesn’t provide props, you may have to pack those yourself. But try to keep these at a minimum.

It may also be the case that people arent morning people, or some other reason why people can’t arrive on time. Try to plan around this as much as possible and the shoot will be much more enjoyable for everyone involved.

DON’T – Take All Day

Regardless of how much your tots enjoy being in front of the camera, too much is often too much. Especially shooting outdoors, spending more than an hour or two under the sun can be incredibly tiring for both your family and photographer. Stick to a schedule or know when to take a break.

An hour is a long time taking photos and in my experience it’s a perfect time scalke in order to get some great photos!

DON’T – Plan Too Many Outfit Changes

Most families will undergo one or two outfit changes during a shoot—but if there aren’t enough dressing rooms to cater to larger families, you won’t want to overpack. Similarly, if you’re working within a time limit, too many outfit changes might take away from the actual shoot.

The key to a successful family photo shoot is a lot of careful planning, shopping for the right photographer, and making sure your family is well-rested before the big day. You may not avoid the occasional toddler meltdown—but you can plan around it. Hopefully this short list of ‘don’ts of a family photoshoot’ can help out with capturing some amazing photos!

For family photography in Adelaide that never disappoints, contact us at Sven Studios. We have a knack for working with families from all walks of life and maybe even a soft spot for kids!

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3 Surprising Benefits of Hanging Family Photos in Your Home

Family photos displayed in frames by the entryway or hung on the accent wall are common sights in a family home. These souvenirs remind you and your family about holidays, milestones and of course snap shots of a moment in time. They put a personal touch in every residence to make it feel more like a home.

However, these framed pictures aren’t just for show and nostalgia. They also provide several surprising benefits of family photos, enhancing the positive vibe and emotional warmth of your home.

3 Benefits of Hanging Family Photos in Your Home

Although digital platforms can be better and simpler curators for photos and videos, nothing beats the warmth printed and framed photographs bring. Besides being a great addition to your home’s interior, they also provide some surprising benefits in your household. Hopefully, this outline of the often unknown benefits of family photos will help you realise why you really need to have this done for yourselves!

Displaying family portraits improve your child’s confidence levels

As a registered and trained teacher in South Australia, I can honestly say that being heard is one of the best ways to improve your child’s confidence. Displaying family portraits in your home can help your children develop healthy levels of self-esteem. It allows them to embrace the fact that they belong and that they have value. Psychologists believe that pictures can send signals to a child’s brain that they are important members of a family unit.

The presence of these photographs exceptionally contributes to your child’s growth and development, even until they reach their teenage years. Besides displaying these photos, you should also give them opportunities to plan and direct these photos. Being involved gives them a sense of responsibility and control, whether you ask for their input on what to wear or where to take the shot.

Looking at family portraits strengthens the family unit

Family photos don’t just affect your children, but also your entire family. Psychologist Judy Weiser notes that looking at photographs can reduce people’s sense of loneliness. When someone sees a photo of them with the important people in their lives, their trust and positive regard for these individuals grow stronger and deeper. Because of this, households that display family photos have stronger bonds with their family.

Although some members pass away or live on in their own homes, one of the benefits of hanging family photos is that looking at these family photos sustains their sense of being together. This is why families can still have deep relationships, even if some members are no longer physically with them at home.

Reminiscing while looking at photos uplifts your mood

We are sensory creatures who can change our feelings and behaviors based on the things we see, hear, taste, touch, or feel. It’s no surprise that photographs can affect our emotions since they allow us to relive the memories in them. Have you ever asked yourself why this is the case?

Psychology professor Fred Bryant notes that photos that trigger positive memories remind you of the same feeling you experienced in the past. Think of it as mental time travel It allows you to receive a sense of fulfillment and love, promoting positive psychological health. This is why looking at fond memories of the past can make it easier to overcome the days when you’re in a bad place.

 

Adding a personal touch to your home is one of the more apparent advantages of displaying family portraits. Besides being an attractive wall piece, these will remind you of your family’s bond that will stay strong amidst the challenges that life brings.

Treasuring your positive memories with your loved ones is an excellent way to maintain a healthy relationship. If you need a company that produces amazing family photography in Adelaide, our trained photographers can assist you. Book our services today, and we’ll make sure to capture your moments and milestones into timeless souvenirs and bring the benefits of hanging family photos to your home!

 

 

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6 Reasons Why an Engagement Shoot Is a Must Have

Why an Engagement Shoot Is a Must

Finally—you’re engaged!, and nothing could be more exciting! For most couples, this time as an enormously stressful one, especially with the wedding planning going on left and right.

One point of contention amidst the flurry of organising the wedding is whether or not an engagement photoshoot is necessary. You may ask yourself if it’s really worth spending your money on. Engagement shoots, however, are more than just nice-to-haves in the grander scheme of things; it can actually have several practical benefits.

6 Important Reasons Why an Engagement Shoot Is a Must for Your Big Day

To emphasise this point, here are six reasons why an engagement photoshoot is a must!:

 

  1. You can get comfortable with the camera

A situation wherein either the bride or the groom doesn’t feel at their best on the big day because they’re incredibly camera-shy is something the couple and the photographer want to avoid. An engagement shoot is a perfect opportunity to warm up to the camera and get some practice on comfortable poses in. Doing this before the big day can make you feel much more relaxed, and the photos will turn out much better.

  1. It gives you a chance to find the right wedding photographer

Some photographers will get on with a couple swimmingly while others will have a different style that doesn’t quite match. Remember, you must choose your wedding photographer carefully, as it is a significant investment, after all!

It’s not enough to simply browse a photographer’s portfolio. If you can, book a session with them to see if their work fits your preferences. While some photographers offer free or discounted engagement photo sessions, it might be worth spending just a bit more to make sure the photographs are to your liking.

Not only will this ensure that you get the results you want, but your overall experience will be more pleasant too. Building rapport with your photographer is important, as they will be with you for many hours. As they get to know you as a couple, your wedding photographer will also understand how to capture the both of you in the best way possible.

  1. You’re celebrating an important milestone

The wedding itself often eclipses engagements, but they are nevertheless a milestone that should be celebrated. Being engaged tells everyone of your commitment to one another forever as future husband and wife. It is a beautifully unique period between being in a relationship and getting married that you’ll want to capture in photos.

  1. You can combine it with your hair and make-up trial before the big day

Before the wedding, there’s always a trial day for the bride’s hair and makeup. What better way to capture how they’ll look in photos on the wedding day than your engagement shoot? This kills two birds with one stone and can save a lot of time and effort in scheduling wedding preparations for the wedding on different days.

  1. You’ll have photos to use for the wedding day

By doing a photoshoot early on, you’ll have pictures to use for your save the dates, invites, or on the day itself. It’s a win-win scenario for everyone!

It’s quite a common thing I’ve seen recently where a couple who had done an engagement shoot had a large printed photo on display above their wishing well at their reception. It’s a nice way to personalise the space!

  1. A chance to have fun and be creative!

Wacky and themed engagement shoots are also a great chance to get some cool shots in your wedding photo book. Maybe you’re both Star Wars geeks or Game of Thrones fans. While you don’t have to use these for your wedding, they’ll certainly be fun to keep for yourselves!

The Final Word: Are Engagement Photoshoots Worth It?

Engagement photoshoots are not just nice-to-have, but they have a suitable place for your wedding plans too. It can act as preparation for the big day, especially where actual wedding photos are concerned. Besides being an opportunity to commemorate your engagement, engagement photoshoots make part of the wedding planning process easier, and with beautiful photos, to boot!

Are you looking for engagement photography in Adelaide? Sven Studios offers professional wedding photography services to capture your special day in the most natural way possible. We cover weddings all around Australia, including Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin, Canberra, and Perth. Visit our site today to view our wedding photography packages!

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Getting Camera Shy Husbands Comfortable for a Family PhotoShoot

  • Bride stepping on groomsmen

 

Camera Shy Husbands

Every family needs a few good photos to display in their home. As simple as taking a photo might sound, there’s always that one family member that doesn’t like posing for them – and it’s quite often the husband!

As frustrating as that sounds, this is not entirely unusual. After all, not everybody is accustomed to smiling on cue! Many people have trouble expressing their emotions on command and don’t care for cheesy, choreographed poses for fear of looking awkward or forced.

How to Help Camera-Shy Husbands Relax for Family Photo Sessions

If this describes your husband, then you’re in luck! We have prepared three ways that you can convince camera shy husbands to cooperate for your planned family shoot.

Speak from the heart

It’s no secret that a lot of husbands have trouble processing their emotions. Chalk it up to a hard upbringing or less than healthy media representations of men. Whatever the reason for it might be, it’s best to approach your partner with your honest intentions, letting them know of your desire to have a professional family photoshoot done.

It’s a good idea to remind him that your young and adorable kids won’t remain the way they are today for long! Time flies by very fast—and before you notice it, your kids could be moving for college in a different state, making their own way in the world!

You and your husband probably aren’t getting any younger too. Having a photo of you and your kids sooner than later will allow you to capture this specific moment in time, where your family is still growing and has a lot of good years ahead of you. This picture will be a good reminder of what life you’ve had, as you and your husband spend your time reminiscing about days past.

Get a skilled photographer

If your words don’t compel him, maybe a few sample works will! As much as they deny it, husbands are very emotional too. It may just be a matter of presenting the right material to trigger that soft side of theirs.

If you haven’t chosen a photographer yet, try to seek out a photographer that has a style of family portraits that most suits you, and try not to have the price be too much of a hang up. This is an investment in your memories so it’s not really something to cheap out on.

Have someone who can capture your kid’s anticipation while waiting for you to finish that Saturday’s breakfast pancakes. Get a family photographer who can encapsulate the warmth of having you and your kids share a laugh while watching your favourite cartoons. These are fleeting moments that matter the most but are the easiest to forget.

Once you find that photographer, have them send over a few of his best photographs, or look through their website. If the thought of experiencing these moments without having the means to experience them again doesn’t at least make your husband reconsider, then move on to the next tip!

Negotiate

Every man has a price. As this is camera shy husbands we are talking about, this is obviously something he might not like to do, perhaps sweeten the deal with something he likes? As a man myself I can confirm I am just a big kid at heart, so what works with a 10 year old would probably work here too.

Get creative about it too! Whether it’s allowing him a night off with his boys, giving him control of the television remote for a week, or buying him that shining set of golf clubs that he’s been talking about for months, he’s bound to give in at some point. Maybe something as simple as a chocolate bar? Little acts of affection can go a long way!

Whatever you do, just make sure that he understands that he needs to agree to the family photoshoot.

 

Photographs freeze certain moments in time, allowing us to go back at a later date and experience them again with a glance. Family members come and go: kids and grandkids grow up and move on—but photographs remain, and the memories they bring back are there for you to cherish forever.

Having a camera shy husband hampering your efforts in capturing this moment in your family’s life need not force you to abandon the idea, just work on the idea and I’m sure he’ll come around 🙂

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Our Top 3 Tips to Prepare for Your Outdoor Family PhotoShoot

  • Family hugs

Your Outdoor Family PhotoShoot

Outdoor family photos are a great alternative to the traditional studio photo. After all, outdoor photo sessions are often more relaxed, lively, and can feel more authentic than studio photography. With your family in a more comfortable and less restrictive environment, they are much more likely to show their real personalities through their body language and facial expressions.

Top 3 Tips on How to Prepare for Your Outdoor Family PhotoShoot

To make the experience even better, here are our top three tips on how to prepare for your outdoor family photoshoot:

Selecting the Perfect Location for an Outdoor Family Photoshoot

When it comes to your outdoor family photoshoot, choosing the right location matters! Besides factoring in the time of day and the appropriate light exposure for your images, the specific details about the background can also make for a good story.

Ideally, the location should be accessible. While a mountain trek may be a good bonding experience with your family members and the peak may make for exciting photo composition, you probably don’t want to look all sweaty and huffing in your final photos. That being said though, you also dont want to shoot in a carpark – a short walk through a park, off the beaten track a bit always makes for a much more interesting photo.

There is also a matter of crowd control. Unless you’re willing to rent out a beach resort for exclusivity, the chances are that there are other people strolling around, which will make it more difficult for you to do an outdoor family shoot.

That being said, there are ways to avoid large crowds of people, such as shooting your photo earlier in the morning or scheduling the shoot on off-season months, where there will be fewer people walking about like Olivia and Dimitri’s shoot taken in the rain on the top of Mt Lofty!

Choose the right clothes

Family photos portray you as a single and united unit without making you look stiff and forced. This means that colour coordination is encouraged, though this doesn’t necessarily mean wearing the same shade for everyone!

When we talk about colour coordination, we mean choosing those that complement each other in a way that groups you as a unit while still maintaining individuality. One good example is in wearing pastel-coloured clothing.

Pastel colours are hues that have been tinted with white, giving them a subdued but aesthetically-pleasing appearance. These shades work well with natural light and can add a touch of photographic interest without distracting from you and your family’s facial features.

Make sure the young kids are full and well-rested

While everybody’s mood will improve when they are not hungry or tired, it’s the young children that you really have to worry about! Hunger and sleep deprivation are young children’s worst enemies, and it will lead to some rather unpleasant experiences during a photoshoot that’s supposed to capture you and your family at your best spirits!

To get a higher chance of having adorable and cooperative kids on your photo session, ensure that they are well-rested and full from eating their favourite food before the shoot. It’s also a good idea to schedule the shoot early in the morning or late in the afternoon—after they’ve taken a nap—to lower the chances of dealing with an irritable kid that just wants to get some sleep.

Get a professional family photographer

Just about everyone with a camera can claim to be a photographer, but getting a professional family photographer who can bring out the best in you and your family for a photoshoot is rare. Remember that outdoor photoshoots can present so many uncontrollable variables, which is why hiring a predominantly studio photographer used to having control with studio lights may not be the best choice.

If you have young children, it’s also good to ensure that the photographer has the patience and tricks up their sleeves to get a kid’s cooperation. If possible, spend some time getting to know your family photographer to ensure that your personalities don’t clash and to provide a smooth and productive photo session.

An outdoor family photoshoot is an excellent way to capture your family in their most relaxed state. While it can be a bit of an involved process, a professional family photographer will have the necessary skills to produce family photos that are worth remembering and will be cherished for the next years to come.

Sven Studios is a photography studio specialising in capturing natural and fleeting moments that you can treasure forever. Our award-winning family photography services in Adelaide are priced at $260, inclusive of the session itself, the editing of the images, and we offer a wide array of physical products! Contact us today to learn more about our services.

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