Family Portraits in the park, ideas and suggestions!

[Aszental]

Hey.

Well i've been into photography for about a year now, and i've show photos around to my friends and they want me to take photos of them in the park.

I've never really done on location portrait shooting before so i was looking for some advice.

Firstly about lighting, is it worth it bringing some off camera lighting? Or just using a reflector, there are alot of kids and i don't know if they'll have the patience to wait for me to set up the lighting every shot.

I'm going to do it late in the day in the shade, so there should be fairly even lighting around, don't know how much use a reflector will be.

Also anyone have some nice images they care to share for some posing ideas?

Thirdly, which lens? i have a 70-200 2.8 and a 17-55 2.8, what you think is more suitable?

Thanks for the suggestions!

[asysin2leads]

Either lens should be fine. The 17-55 might give you the ability to get a little closer to the family. Also, bring along a flash for some fill. A reflector wouldn't hurt either.

[PhotosGuy]

Angeline outdoors

[seaside]

A lot depends of the type of shots you are looking to get. Single portraits? Group shots? Candid images? Groups would need the wider angle lens. Candid shots or portraits probably the longer telephoto. If the images are to be a bit more serious or coordinated you can also suggest certain types of clothing for them to wear. With group shots having everyone in the same colored or light colored solid shirts....maybe stay away from bold bright prints. It all depends on your objective or the kinds of images you'd like to present to them.

Another thing for full group portraits....have them all wear jeans or slacks - the one wearing shorts will stick out if everyone else has slacks or jeans on.

If shooting at the end of the day you may not want to be in the shade. Use the existing light to your advantage.

There are a lot of things you can do - especially with some planning and cooperation from the subjects! Scout out the location ahead of time for good light, backgrounds, etc...And plan ahead as to what poses you'd like to get.

Chris

[Aszental]

Originally Posted by seaside

A lot depends of the type of shots you are looking to get. Single portraits? Group shots? Candid images?

Chris

Firstly thank you, this is the advice im looking for!

It's going to be posed family shots, then probably a single shot of each kid.

[asysin2leads]

Originally Posted by PhotosGuy

Angeline outdoors

Great example. Those shots were fantastic.