Atlanta Family Photography Tips from Milton, Alpharetta, Roswell portrait artist, Marchet Butler

As an Atlanta-area family photographer, I work with all sorts of age groups and my fair share of pets, not to mention the occasional horse or two. Over the years, I've developed some "best practices" for working with everyone during a session--and I'm going to let you in on my secrets. Here are my top tips to get the best results out of your portrait session with Butler Family Photography.

Get advice on clothing before the session

Besides booking the session, choosing clothes is probably the hardest part of the process! I have a lengthy page about what to wear for your portrait session, and I'm happy to make recommendations. Hint: I generally recommend selecting attire based on where you are going to hang your portraits in your home. 

Complimentary Image Consultation

Clients are also welcome to work with my image consultant and makeup artist, Deborah Fawaz, to determine best colors to wear as well as hair and makeup tips for the session. Deborah has generously offered a complimentary 30-minute image consultation to any client who books with Butler Family Photography during the 2017 season. Thanks Deborah!

Think about having portraits at your home

In general, we come to our clients' home to do most of our sessions. We find that holding the session in a familiar place makes the process go a lot smoother. Clothing options, bathroom facilities, and air-conditioning or heating is readily available. There's also something wonderful about having a family picture in a place that has a special meaning to you.  

Let the photographer handle the smiles

At the session, it's time to let the photographer take charge. That means if a grandchild isn't smiling or a sibling is feeling rebellious, don't scold or reprimand. Kids need time to warm up to the idea of having their portrait taken, so it's okay if they aren't cooperative at first. We have lots of tricks we can use to get smiles. The main takeaway here is that people smile naturally when they are having a good time, so we do our best to make the session a fun experience. Oh, and please, don't say cheese. The "cheese" smile is unnatural and not flattering. We have much more funny things to say to get a better smile (and maybe a laugh) out of that shot. 

Choose a professional

Being a family portrait artist isn't an easy occupation--there are so many moving parts to handle when posing a group, coaxing out smiles, even getting the dog positioned just right all while coordinating lighting, exposure, and other technical aspects of photography. As a Certified Professional Photographer, I've been vetted by my peers and regularly participate in continuing education with some of the top photographers in the nation. You're in good hands when you choose Butler Family Photography!

Contact us for more information about booking your family session.

Marchet Butler is a family, high school senior, and headshot portrait photographer in the Atlanta area. Specializing in fine art wall portraits, she creates one-of-a-kind custom-framed pieces for the home. Contact us for more information about working with Butler Family Photography for your holiday or Christmas pictures this season!