Professional Photography Family Portraits

I have just started my own photography business taking portraits of infants and children and will do family portraits, etc. I currently am using a Canon Rebel XTi, which is fine as a starter camera, but I want to start researching my next camera/lenses and could use some professional advice.

For better studio portraits, it has always been recommended to use a low ASA rated larger format film - which limited one to Mamyia and Hasselblad cameras. Nowadays with digital, and the abilities inherent in computer manipulation, this maxim has somehow been pushed to the background, so the basic camera is not that critical anymore. Upgrade to the Canon D400 or comparable variants in other brand. I use a Nikon D40. In all events I recommend using a 105mm lense for portrait work - give a nice frame, and excellent depth of field at around f-4/f-5.6 (which is the best for achieving excellent depth of field in doing portrait studies).

2007-07-30 08:15:50 by jb1212

Posing for family portraits requires a basic understand of good composition, as all of the people in the group should create a fluid pattern ...

With better and better entry level DSLR cameras coming out on the market, do you think this is good or bad for professionals? Such as for wedding photographers, child sports, family portraits, and among others.

It's good for the next generation and competition is never a bad thing for the previous generation!

The difference will always be the photographer - good photographers can produce better results, more consistently and more creatively: more likely to stop you in your tracks than photographers who are not so good.

Exactly the same argument occurred when 35mm technology hit the market and when the SLR camera was launched... low end competition will always impact the market though - but it effects the lower end photographers first, especially if they can't differentiate their work from the bulk of amateurs.

2008-03-08 19:44:40 by electrosmack1

Price: $31.95

I have a few years experience in photography and was asked by my boss to take her family Christmas photos at the beach. I was planning on shooting a couple of rolls (yes I shoot film) and giving her all proofs in 4x6 prints. I use a Canon Elan and will use professional film and a professional lab. I usually just charge my friends for processing, but would like to make a little $$ this time:)

Are you ready to be your own boss? Then remember he knows you are not a pro yet, so why should he pay you like you are? Think of this as a friendly shoot. My thought would be to charge him for all the lab work + $50. Be fair you will still have to work for him until you turn pro.

2008-10-28 17:03:30 by christian j

Price: $29.95

Hi i am in need of a few tips on how to professionally take portraits for both materinity and family.

So my first questions is, in 2 days i am doing a maternity photo shoot for this lady that i met online. We have already discussed the details about what she's like, i'd like to try to do etc. (black and white) So that part is taken care of :) I have done some research online to get a better idea about what to do. I am very excited about this but yet i am so nervous.This is my first time to do something like this and i don't want to mess anything up. I know that it'll be fun and hopefully a little bit easier, however, what's bothering me is equipment wise, what on earth do i do/bring? I will be bringing several gear with me that i already own but i am not sure.

Ontop of that, she wants to have some family photos of her hubby and 1 1/2 year old. I have no problem doing something like that.My question for this one is how do i make absolute certain that i can get all their eyes and faces in focus especially with such a little one?

I am going to professional photography college right now but i have yet to learn a few things cuz apparently i won't learn these tips until the next few weeks :/

I do know that i should bring a flash with me but other than that i haven't a clue. All this will be done inside their home :)

The equipment that i own is:
2 umbrellas
canon 5d with zoom lens 25-105mm
canon 430 ex flash
p-22 studio kit( 2 light stands, 2 clamps, p-22 diffusion)
silver/gold reflector
tripod
ttl cord (3ft)
pocket wizards (2)
sync cord for pocket wizards
pc cord(for the flash
flash filter packet(Lee I believe)
light meter
2 lens filters, 1 polarizer and 1 uv

I can borrow equipment from my school but i am wanting to use natural lighting mostly and to bring a white sheet. Do i use duct tape to hold the sheet or pushins?? I know that with the flash i should point straight up to bounce more light. Should i use ttl for the flash?

Please let me know on what i should bring /do. I have in mind what i'd like to do compositionally n whatnot.I am just wanting to do a very excellent job for this family and myself

If you know what poses you intend to take - try to find time to practice the shots using family/friends before the shoot. Use the flash and reflectors you'll be taking with you. The actual camera matters less - this is more about having you confident and in control of the shoot. When you go, don't take too much gear - it can make your subject nervous! Usually you'll do fine with an umbrella flash plus a slave unit and a reflective sheet to balance eye shadows etc. Feel confident and in control without being too bossy and your subject will be relaxed and natural. Let Mum look after the toddler's poses but try to avoid flash with the child (maybe use higher speed film) and take plenty of shots - from my experience its often that extra final shot that's the best. Go out there and enjoy yourself!

2009-03-18 17:45:42 by beautifulsekhmet

I'm an amateur photographer, but pretty popular around my city. I do a lot of portrait photography for my friends, but now I'm getting requests to do band shoots, family portraits, and even weddings! When asked how much I charge, I don't have a clue what to say. I've never charged my friends, but those shoots were just for fun.


What do professionals charge for doing the same sort of work? How much should I charge as an amateur? I don't even know where to begin... HELP!

If you are good enough that people are asking you to do their portraits etc then look at it from a professional standpoint rather than amateur.

Prices vary considerably based on a number of different factors.

Why don't you make some enquiries around photographers in your area and base your charges on an average of them.
Alternatively.
Have a basic charge for a sitting (say $50) and then a scale for prints based on your costs + 50%.

Weddings are a totally different thing and they can be charged a number of different ways.
An attendance fee and then charge for prints
A "package" which is attendance and a set number of prints/albums etc

Again, search for some photographers in your area (either physically or on the www) and see what they are charging to see what the market in your area will bear.

2009-10-22 22:14:08 by Tam-a-tron