Photographing Families: Tips for Capturing Timeless Images

Create portraits that become heirlooms Family portraits tell our children who they are. Someday, they will tell our grandchildren and great–grandchildren. Portrait photography is so much more than just photographing people. You must be photographer, psychologist, director, stylist, kindergarten teacher, puzzle–maker, salesperson, artist, and postproduction technician. Michele Celentano has perfected every skill. Now, she shows you how to create family portraits to be cherished for generations. Find the style that fits your personality Create portraits that illustrate family relationships Learn to work with kids, nervous moms, reluctant dads, elderly subjects, and the family pet Transform plain locations into great backgrounds Pose your subjects so they look their best Master postproduction techniques Promote your brand and market your business

About the Author 3 Acknowledgments 5 Dedication 7 Foreword 13 Introduction 15 Chapter 1: Getting Started with Family Portraits 1 Determine Your Portrait Style 2 Lifestyle/Candid Portraits 2 Posed Portraits 8 Choose the Right Equipment 12 Cameras 12 Lenses 13 Tripods 14 Posing Props 14 Camera Bags 14 Reflectors 15 Summary 15 Chapter 2: The Elements of Photography 17 The Rule of Thirds 18 Leading Lines 20 Space 22 Shapes 22 Texture and Depth 24 Color 27 Impact or Emotion 28 Summary 29 Chapter 3: Getting It Right in the Camera 31 Understanding Camera Metering and Exposure 32 ‘P’ Mode is Not for Professional 32 Middle or 18% Gray 32 Exposure Compensation 34 Exposure Compensation in Practice 36 Understanding Program Modes 39 Depth of Field 41 What Is ISO? 42 Setting White Balance 42 Custom White Balance 44 Cropping in the Camera 45 Summary 46 Chapter 4: Finding the Best Locations 49 Finding the Perfect Light 50 Sweet Light/Twilight 50 Open Shade 51 Window Light 53 Window Light with Reflectors 55 Choosing Locations 56 Skating Rink 56 Rocks, Trees, and Fountain Grass 58 Crossing the Bridge 61 The Walkway 62 A Wide Walkway 64 The Wall 67 The Retaining Wall 68 The Not–So–Perfect Park 69 The Church Archways 70 Fountain Grass 71 A Secret Sweet Spot 74 Doorways 77 Summary 77 Chapter 5: Understanding Your Client 79 Working with Children 80 Children Ages 18 Months to 3 Years 84 Children Ages 5 to 10 Years 86 Children Ages 11 to 14 Years 86 Calming Nervous Moms 90 Warming Up Reluctant Dads 91 Working with Blended Families 92 Working with Large Family Groups 99 Adding the Family Dog 102 Working with Elderly Subjects 106 Summary 107 Chapter 6: The Art of Posing 109 Walk Like You Are Wearing Versace 110 The Three Languages of Posing 111 Body Language 111 Verbal Language 113 Sign Language 113 Are You Hiding Behind Your Camera? 117 Understanding Correct Camera Height 118 Looking at Facial Angles 121 Posing Groups 124 Focal Plane 125 Creating Triangles 125 Diagonal Lines 131 Building Groups 134 Common Mistakes 138 Summary 141 Chapter 7: Building a Profitable Family Portrait Business 143 Creating a Business Plan 144 Image Branding 145 Marketing: Getting Your Name Out There 147 Websites, Blogs, and Social Media 148 Silent Auctions 149 Local Business Displays 149 Client Appreciation Parities 150 Local Business Groups 150 Infomercial Tactics 150 Figuring Out Your Cost of Goods 151 Pricing for Profit 153 Selling Packages or A la Carte 154 Using a Portrait Agreement 156 Studio Management Software 160 Summary 161 Chapter 8: Selling Your Portraits 163 Conducting the Pre–Portrait Consultation 164 Know How to Handle Objections 164 Show What You Want to Sell 166 Create Effective Slide Shows 168 Ask the Right Questions 168 Presenting the Images 169 Projection Slide Shows 169 Less Is More 170 Presentation Software 170 Managing Indecisive Clients 174 In–Home Consultation 174 Using Social Media 176 Summary 177 Chapter 9: Postproduction 179 Essential Postproduction Software 180 Postproduction Workflow 181 Organize Your Images 181 Select Your Favorite Images 183 Prep Your Images 184 Add Presets and Actions 185 Export Your Images 188 Add Skin Softness 188 Retouching 190 Designing Albums 197 Summary 198 Chapter 10: All Wrapped Up 201 Packaging Considerations 202 In–Home Delivery 206 Framing 206 Customer Service 206 Summary 207 Appendix A: Four Generations of a Family 209 Index 231

Michele Celentano grew up with a strong appreciation for family. A Canon Explorer of Light, she began her career as a wedding photographer more than 20 years ago and today works primarily with family portraiture. In addition, she travels internationally to teach and lecture on professional photography.