Pittsburgh Family Portraits: A Balanced Session

This time last year, I got to meet up with this family, whom I’ve enjoyed photographing annually for the past several years. And when they just scheduled their 2021 family portrait session, I remember how I wanted to share their session and my thoughts on how coming through the pandemic caused a lot of us to collectively let our hair down a bit more.  However, like many, there was a lot that I wanted to do but just couldn’t get to it with balancing work and kids doing school at home. But I won’t let this delightful session slip by because I want to remember how we all felt and enjoy the lightheartedness.

When wearing your pajamas to school or work had become acceptable and we couldn’t plan ahead because the rules kept changing, I know I learned a valuable lesson in surrendering.  And with all of that uncertainty and stress, we came into the summer of 2020 with a bit of whimsy.  So when these sweet girls were playful during their session, I didn’t want to quash their playfulness but just captured it.  And some of the images we captured that day will go down as favorites!

With family portraits, there is an end goal of having everyone pleasantly looking at the camera, at a minimum.  In my experience, there are several things that can sabotage the process and make it an unpleasant experience. If the subjects are feeling unpleasant, the photo won’t be either.  I believe the biggest culprit is fussing over the details. And as a photographer, there is a lot that you can fuss over: straightening clothes, stray hair, flattering posture, distractions in the frame.  But I think those adjustments should only come after a good rapport has been established and the client feels comfortable; then it’s ok to make those adjustments in moderation. It’s important to keep in mind that too many requests may cause someone to feel uncomfortable.