Planning An Extended Family Portrait – This Is What You Should Know
Planning An Extended Family Portrait – Why?
It’s been said that you can’t choose your family, but the pandemic has made us all realize just how important they are.
Spending time with our extended families is something we may have taken for granted – until the option was suddenly taken away. Even more so when you have family who live all over the world, with travel restrictions to take into considerations.
The pandemic has forced us all to slow down and appreciate the importance of family and we have seen many families take the chance to organize their long overdue extended family portraits to remember the present, and create tangible memories for the future.
In a world that feels increasingly unpredictable, our families are one of the few constants we can rely on. It would be wise of us to cherish them while we can, and never take them for granted again.
So if you’re looking to update your family portraits, or just want to capture some precious memories with your loved ones, be sure to book your session soon as year end is our busiest season!
Here are a few things to consider and take note of in order to make the process go smoothly. when planning an extended family portrait.
1. Set A Date For Your Extended Family Portrait
Give everyone plenty of notice: Depending on the size of your family and how spread out they live, it can take some time to organise everyone’s schedules. So, it’s important to give everyone as much notice as possible to increase the chances that everyone will be able to make it.
We understand it can be challenging when coordinating an optimum timing for everyone in the family, however, if this shoot is important, people will make time, rearrange their usual schedules and try their best to make it for this photoshoot. Afterall, most families only do extended family photoshoots once every couple of years.
Contingency Plan
Best case scenario is definitely a time when everyone can gather in-person to complete this photoshoot. In the event when one family is down with flu and can’t make it; and the shoot must go on because one of the family member will be leaving the country that very night, this is where the possibility of composite family portraits can be explored. This option requires the photographer to possess highly technical lighting, posing and photoshop ability and advanced planning to pull it off. That said, photographers aren’t magicians but can certainly make it happen IF clients let us know in advanced before the shoot. Below is one of the composite extended family portrait done recently.
2. Choose A Family Photographer Experienced in Taking Extended Family Portraits
When it comes time to choose a photographer, you’ll want one who is experienced and knows how important your family’s portraits are. Make sure they have the capabilities needed for an extended family shoot with lots of people, different ages in tow – from babies in arms to seniors in wheelchair and anything in between.
3. Photo Studio – Suitable for Extended Family Portrait
With extended family portrait, apart from selecting a studio that is spacious enough to accommodate your big group, it is inevitable that we may encounter family members who have mobility issues.
Multiple change rooms and spacious washrooms with wheelchair accessibility would therefore be convenient, plenty of parking is also very important. Our studio can easily fit 25 pax comfortably and have photographed 36 pax like the image above.
Alternatively, home shoots are also possible. Learn more about Where to do your professional family portrait and the 15 Tips on how to select the best family photo studio for your family shoot.
4. Scheduling Flexibility
At times, we get clients telling us that a family member was admitted/re-admitted to the hospital. In times like these, we understand and will reschedule the session to another day.
At other times, there is only a small window of opportunity to get an extended family portrait done and its a last minute and urgent shoot. Whenever possible, we will try our best to make it happen for your family. We have done last minute late night shoot for a family at home right after one of the family member returned home from hospital.
5. Rates
Whilst we all plan to have memories of the extended family preserved, the topic of rates will definitely come up tops. It is very important that the family members are fully aligned on the fees and charges of the photoshoot and its inclusions or product prices. Different studio, different business models. Learn more on 15 Tips on how to select the best family photo studio for your family shoot.
6. Turnaround Time
If you are like us who always want our things done yesterday and don’t like waiting for things to happen, we get it!
Most clients love to see their photos as quickly as they can after the shoot; and receive the final products quickly. At Tomato Photo, you get to see your edited photos online within 24-48 hours from shoot; and products delivered within 1-2 weeks from your order and approval.
Speed of product deliverables will depend on how quickly you place your order.
If you like to know more, get in touch with us by filling up the form below; whatsapp us.
My family had really fantastic experience with Hart. He is amazing with the kid, knows how to make us smile and laughing all the time. I’ve also been thrilled with the results of each shoot, our photos are really beautiful. We will be back again for sure!
