Put the Portraits Before the Family

Much like Michael Ian Black’s preference for Funk rock over funk Rock in the short lived Comedy Central series “Stella,” I much prefer family Portraits to Family portraits.

The difference is, of course, very subtle. funk Rock has heavier drums and the guitars play much more of a role, whereas family Portraits put making a cool picture at the forefront of the creative process. Sure, the family is there, but it’s the Picture that I care about.

Such was the case today.

Alien Bees B800 with softbox camera left, LP120, pretending to be the sun, providing rim light and flare.

This is a cool family. They’re cooler than going to Wal-mart and standing in front of a drop down backdrop and getting a cookie cutter image. They’re young and hip and want something different.

People will call me for images against backdrops, and more often than not, I’ll do them; but only after doing my utmost to talk them into going outside and getting something cool and unique.

After the family photos, they wanted a few individuals as well. This is my favorite of the lot:

Just the AB800 and 7″ reflector, with a bit of sun to even things out.

Rebecca Getsfrid – Commercial Portrait and Editorial Advertising Photographer in Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR