BoomerGirl Diary

Whether it’s for a holiday card, a gift or just to capture a memory, a quality family portrait can be an invaluable investment.

To help get that perfect family photo, consider this advice from Amy Schlatter of J. Gladman Gallery and Laura Wolfe of White Lotus Photography.

• Focus on comfort.

Photo sessions can be intimidating, but relaxation is crucial for authentic smiles and expressions. Schlatter says they do this at J. Gladman by creating a fun, relaxed atmosphere, playing music and taking lots of photos.

“We’re very laid-back, and I think people sense that when they walk through the door,” she says. “We keep shooting and shooting. After about five minutes, people just kind of go with it.”

Wolfe, who specializes in children’s photography, also relies on humor.

“In order to capture a natural expression, the child needs to feel as comfortable as possible. So we talk and laugh as I’m photographing,” she says. “I let the children play pretty freely in the area where I photograph them, and I do very little traditional posing in order to create a natural-looking portrait.”

Most in-studio portrait sessions take about an hour. Wolfe says she likes to meet with the children before the actual session so they are familiar with her and the studio setting.

• Make solid choices.

Both Wolfe and Schlatter encourage people to wear dark or solid-colored clothing for timeless portraits. Patterns and prints can distract from the overall image.

• Get coordinated.

Family members should discuss what they’ll wear and choose outfits that work well together.

“What’s matching in real life is what’s matching in a photo,” Schlatter says. “Stick with the same color scheme. As long as the outfits flow together, it’s going to work great.”

Matching outfits for siblings aren’t necessary, Wolfe says, but they should at least complement each other.

“For siblings, coordination of the clothing is a must,” she says. “By dressing in similar colors and styles, the end result will be a unified piece.”