Ahhh Summer … Days in the sun, parades, BBQs, vacations, and… Family reunions. While some may roll their eyes at those two words, I love them!
Family reunions are special events that bring together loved ones from near and far, old and young, and connecting with those you haven’t seen in years, or that you just saw last week.
And with all the hard work that went into planning and getting everyone there, you’ll most likely want to get a picture to remember that moment and to capture that time when Jimmy was 5 years old, when aunt Kate’s family had 3 kids….and when Grandma was still with you.
Getting this extended family picture could be a quick and simple image taken with someone’s phone and shared with others, or it could be one you may want to print and display in your home. Whether you decide to hire a professional photographer or not, here’s a few tips that might help when planning your reunion photo.
Coordinate Outfits
I’m not saying everyone has to wear the same outfit, what I am saying is you should coordinate colors to look harmonious. Depending on the size of your group, you should choose a color palette with no more than 4-5 colors. Choose 1-2 neutral colors for the base (denim, khaki, charcoal gray, cream, etc.) Then choose 2-3 coordinating colors. Think about the location you are at and have a color palette that matches. If you are at the beach, you may opt for a cream base and shades of pale pinks and/or blues. If you are in the mountains, you may want a denim and khaki base with shades of earthy reds and blues.
Location-Location-Location
Choosing a good location can feel a bit overwhelming (along with just getting everything else going on with the reunion!) It doesn’t have to be hard. The size of the group will have the biggest impact on what location you choose. Some reunions are quite large and some not so much. You’ll want a location that has good light, a nice background, and enough space for your group. Parks can be a good option. You can even think about renting/reserving a building. If you’re up in the mountains, look for a nice open meadow. Depending on the size of your group, you may need several levels. Bleachers, benches, and chairs are good things to have and use.
Schedule and communicate
Plan out the day and time you want to take the pictures and communicate-communicate-communicate with everyone. Once the reunion is underway, there’s so much excitement, chaos, coming and going, activities here and there, etc. that if you haven’t already planned for your photo shoot, it just simply won’t happen. If possible, you’ll want to avoid the middle of the day when the sun is the strongest. Try to shoot for some time in the evening. I’ve had families do it just after dinner, but before dessert. That way there is a bit of a bribe for acting good so kids can have dessert after. But you’ll want to make sure you are not eating dinner in the clothes you’ll be wearing for the shoot…..because spills happen….it’s a thing.
Choose your photographer
Whether you hire a professional or have someone in the group take your photos, make sure there is someone assigned for that duty. Having someone dedicated to taking pictures will help alleviate any confusion and chaos. The person taking the pictures will need to be able to take charge of your group.
Posing and groupings
Start with the large group first. Then go into the smaller family groupings. To make sure you can see everyone, it is best to have several levels. Here’s a simple way to have several levels: Start with a row of people sitting on chairs or benches. Then you can have one or two rows of people standing behind them and a row of kids sitting on the ground in front of them. Make sure you can see everyone’s face. Having the photographer standing on a stool to get them a little higher can help the perspective of the camera see all the faces a bit better.
While family reunions can be crazy and chaotic, filled with the full range of emotions from excitement to frustration, the memories they make and the connections they foster are worth all the hassle and headache. And your photo commemorating that event will be cherished for generations. I know. When I visit my parents and see the many images on the walls filled with family, I am filled with such love and positive emotions….I don’t even remember any of the headache and hard times.
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