When I was growing up in the 70s and 80s, family photos were synonymous with corporate studios. JCPenney and, here in Dallas, a place called Olan Mills were the place to go. Everybody would dress in their Sunday best, little girls and mom hitting their curls with massive amounts of AquaNet hairspray. Then the whole family would pile into the station wagon and try not to wrinkle their ironed clothes.
Back then, standard studio backdrops had an airbrushed, ethereal look, and poses were formally staged. The photographer, who in my memory was always a middle-aged man with a mustache, stood behind a tripod and made suggestions like, “Dad, take those cigarettes out of your shirt pocket,” and “Sister, make a fist and put it under your chin.”
The results are still hanging on hallways across America: Cute, awkward, and sort of cheesy.
Fast forward to today and we’ve come a long way in what we expect from a family photo session. I work with my clients to capture genuine moments between family members. And, there’s not even a goofy backdrop in sight. A pre-shoot consultation establishes the look and feel we’re going for, but the creation of each image is a spontaneous and authentic act.
Because I have a private Central Dallas studio with a convenient location, lots of people bring the family there. But when the weather is nice, like it is lately, I get requests for outdoor family photography around Dallas, too. We’re lucky we have so many pocket parks and larger green spaces from which to choose. Outdoor family photography offers a beautiful, natural backdrop that adds to the depth and texture of the images.
I only have two more sessions left in the year, so if you’re interested in professional photos to give as holiday gifts, call or text me on my mobile number, 214.864.5787. You can also use my web contact form and I can get you scheduled to create one-of-a-kind portraits.
