Photography is not an exact science. Just about the time you decide you know everything there is to about the process, something will happen to remind you that you don’t. I am a very busy photographer and unlike some professionals, the overall scope of shoots I complete is quite large. I tried “specializing” early in my career, however, I quickly became bored with the mundaneness of one type of photography. Realizing I would burn out quickly, I made what ended up being a wise decision to go all in and shoot any subject matter that came my way.
Fast forward a handful of years to the present day. I’ve learned what I like to shoot and what I would rather never shoot again. Family portraits are a great example of the learning curve I experienced. I know that there are a great deal of photographers that would rather swallow nails than shoot a large family, however, I enjoy the dynamics of the entire situation.
First off, it puts me in a unique position to meet multiple generations of the same family none of which I had ever met 5 minutes prior. That in itself is rewarding and in many ways exciting to me. I’ve always been a people person which makes that part of this fun for me.
There are multiple benefits to shooting family portraits. Beyond meeting multiple generations, I also get to see families at their best. I’ve been fortunate enough to never have experienced a complete family meltdown, but I’ve heard of those experiences, and they sound extremely stressful. Nope, I’ve been one of the lucky ones that has always been with families that are respectful with each other and realize there is only one goal that is relatively easy to obtain… Get everyone to gather in a central location, get arranged in a predetermined order and then focus attention on the guy with the camera. Me. Johnny.
Contrast that to wedding photography as an example which I do enjoy as well, however, can be challenging, far more than shooting portraits. When shooting a large family, there will undoubtedly be one family member that is directing the event on the family side of things anyway. I speak with my clients substantially in advance of the shoot to let them tell me who will be keeping the family focused (pun intended) and chipper. It’s much easier to determine that before I ever arrive onsite and seems to work out well. Because of that there is peace amongst everyone and in many cases since the shoot includes elderly parents or grandparents the family respects them and follows my direction.
Family portraits are one of many types of photography and are just as detailed and artistic as any other type. In the end, regardless of subject, my clients expect high quality images with their entire family focusing on me with eyes wide and the happiest faces they can muster. The success of any shoot still comes down to the professional clicking the shutter and the skill that they have acquired in their career. Contact me to discuss your shoot.
Johnny Yen
Rebel Miles Photography
231.300.1010
jy@rebelmilesphotography.com
“Just Being Yourself Is A Successful Rebellion…”
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