Family Photography Tips and JCPenney Portraits April Promotion!

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Planning portraits can be stressful and time consuming. It can be even more so the larger your family gets as you try to coordinate colors and come up with a natural way for everyone to be in the shot.  Here are some of the things I’ve learned about portraits and preparing for them along with way.

Choosing the Right Clothing

I always look for colors which coordinate but I’m careful not to have anything that exactly matches. We are all individuals and while we are a family, I like for us each to stand out in our own way but still look good with together.

This means that while I have three boys, they won’t be wearing the exact same thing in our family portraits. I do however look for solids as to not distract. I like our faces to be the first thing everyone sees. If I do add a print, it is minimal such as with the winter hats we used in the photo above.

Don’t Pose for Every Shot

While posed family photos are always a must for any of our sessions, we like to have some which include us in action as a family. Letting our kids be kids and capturing the moment is half the fun.

This is also a great way to get really natural smiles, especially from young children. Both of my preschool boys are at the stage where posed smiles look forced or awkward and definitely not how I’d like to capture the moment.

Consider Props and Special Outfits

Including a special toy, unique accessories, or customized clothing in your photos will add new life to a photo. This does’t mean it needs to be over the top but it does bring a whole new dimension to photos and makes them more personal.

Now is a great time to consider a session at jcpportraits. Right now they are offering an April promotion of $20 for 6 traditional portrait sheets (mix and match size and images) as well as one free $9 sitting fee. Portraits can be very inexpensive and easy when you purchase packages such as these and now is the perfect time to schedule a sitting.  Browse their portrait gallery for ideas to make the most out of your session!  You can use their store location finder on the lower right side of their homepage to find a location near you.

Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of jcpenney Portrait Studio. I was asked to create a Pinterest Board and pin at least five (5) pins. I give jcpenney the right to repin any or all images/original content from this board. I received a promotional item as a thanks for my participation.