For the past four years, I have been trying to perfect the art of creating a
modern family portrait without being completely cheesy or posed. In short, this is hard to do. It seems as the number of family members increase, so do frustration and awkwardness. Generally my focus is on INDIVIDUAL portraits, and at the end of a session, I throw everyone together and hope for something good. And I admit, some portraits been clever and looked good, but never ever have I had one that looks
traditional YET cool. Until now. As I pat myself on the back, I please take a look at this shot:
I added a heavy vignette around the edges to modernize the overall look and help focus on the faces of each family member. I think that I love how natural and comfortable everyone appears (although it was about 45 degrees outside). Also, the height of each person varies enough that your eye moves easily from left to right and ends with the girl on the right, who is so cute and happy.
It also helps me when the mom (and dad) trust me. I LOVE clients that say "just do what you do" and so if I ask them to wear their favorite hats and scarfs (because it is Oregonian) they just do it. Even if they don't match. Like these two supersweet sisters, who evidently thought I was funny.
I really enjoyed photographing this family. I am pretty sure they thought I was a tad bit nuts, but luckily, that is ok with me!
Can you imagine having FIVE girls under one roof? The really good news is that there is probably always plenty of hairspray, cute sweaters and gossip. Remembering when I was the precious age of 10/11, I would have LOVED to have had an older sister, for advice, someone with knowledge (and coolness). 
Photographing sisters is always so MUCH fun, because girls this age LOVE having their picture taken. Or maybe it is just me... maybe I am suddenly super cool.
I have been loving the look of vintage processed photographs this past week. I love how old and sepia and grainy they are. Like the photos of my mom when she was six. I will let you know what my client thinks...
And, this family brought their beloved dog along for the portrait session. It must be SO nice to have a dog that sits when you ask him to. Not Marvin. 
What do you think? Is it too old-y but not goldy?
I added a heavy vignette around the edges to modernize the overall look and help focus on the faces of each family member. I think that I love how natural and comfortable everyone appears (although it was about 45 degrees outside). Also, the height of each person varies enough that your eye moves easily from left to right and ends with the girl on the right, who is so cute and happy. 
I really enjoyed photographing this family. I am pretty sure they thought I was a tad bit nuts, but luckily, that is ok with me!
Left, Before. Right, After. This is Kyndal - The first time I photographed her she was seven days - that was old over six months ago. Now check her out. Crawling. Hip. Adorably serious. Can anyone say BABY GAP?
This is her sister, miss T. She was in the holiday spirit wearing these awesome tights. LOVE the tutu. Is 34 too old to want a tutu? 
Yummy!