About Family Portraits
If you're sick of having family photos were someone is always missing, you may wish to consider taking a family portrait. Family portraits provide an opportunity for everyone to be included and serve as wonderful treasures that can be passed on from generation to generation.
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Types
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Family portraits can be formal or informal. Traditional formal portraits require that family members get dressed up. Men usually wear suits and women wear dresses. Informal portraits call for family members to dress more comfortably in clothing they'd typically wear. Most formal portraits are posed, but a photographer may try to capture candid shots during the photo shoot. Informal family portraits can either be posed or candid. While digital photography is the most popular way of shooting family portraits, some photographers still prefer to use film.
Significance
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Family portraits help to preserve family history. Not only do they document the family tree, they become heirlooms that are passed down through generations. Family portraits also provide a glimpse into the fashion of the period and serve as reminders of family members who have since passed on.
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Identification
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As family portraits get passed down from generation to generation it can be hard to keep track of who are in the photos. Document this by listing the identifying information about the photo on a piece of paper and store it with the print. If you're hanging the print, the paper can be placed inside the frame. Identifying information should include the names of people in the photo, how they are related and the date and location of the photo.
Considerations
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Many families try to coordinate their clothing for family portraits. Some families like to wear all of the same color tops while others like to wear different shades of the same color. The important thing is to choose clothes that don't clash or stand out so that the focus of the portrait stays on the faces of the family. You may wish to consider an outdoor portrait if you're taking the photo when the weather is nice. Outdoor portraits can accommodate large numbers of people and provide a stunning background for the shoot. If a professional family portrait seems out of your budget, consider visiting a large photography studio chain like the ones in Sears and JC Penny. These chain stores often advertise family portrait specials that include a free sitting fee and a free 8 by 10 portrait.
Warning
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Be sure to use the highest quality of materials to preserve your family portrait. Choose acid free papers for printing and archival quality products to display and store your portrait. If you'll be displaying your portrait, opt to hang it on a wall that is out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.
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