What's the hardest part about having a family portrait made?

For most families, just getting everyone together is the biggest challenge. With today's busy schedules coordination around jobs, schools, meetings, and other activities can be a real problem. Not to mention the added difficulty when some members need to travel from other cities!

So, when you finallly DO get it all together, it makes sense to do everything you can to have the best portrait possible. Fortunately, a little bit of planning can go a long way towards insuring that your efforts will reward you with a portrait that will increase in personal value in the years to come. Here are some of our best Hints & Tips for having a successful family portrait.

Coordinate all member's clothing: Everyone has an idea of what the look "best" in; but in a group, that can lead to chaos! Tops are the most important elements, since they frame the face. Begin by selection a "color Key" (blue and white, creams, dark blues, blacks and burgundies) and then lay all the tops out on the back of a sofa and stand back. If any article of clothing jumps out at you, the person that's wearing it will too. If everyone is dressed in darker colors and one person is dressed in white or bold patterns it will not look as well. Try to avoid bold stripes, flowery designs, busy patterns and loud colors.

When selecting clothing, be sure you're all in the same "dress mode". Decide if you will be formal (suits and ties for all the guys), dressy (slacks, dresses).

Outdoors, As a background, the outdoors is very busy looking. Therefore it is best to choose only one or two theme colors. Blues are excellent all year, white, ivory, khaki and salmon are great against lush green foliage. Burgundy, brown, tan and Grey are nice late in the season. Avoid all greens, as they clash with mother nature.
Here are some suggestions that have worked in the past: Bottoms: You might want everyone wearing either all khaki or all denim bottoms. Tops: All white, black or all blue oxford cloth long sleeve shirts. For a different look, try all in the same colored short sleeve golf shirts, Remember that you want to look like you're all going to the same place!

Small Children? Plan the time of day around their schedule - not your convenience. We find that early morning is usually best. Crying, fussy, hungry, and tired children are not what you want to capture!

Call and lets plant the setting together. There are so many ways to do a family portrait! There's nothing wrong with a traditional painted background (especially for a formal portrait), but one done in your living room or backyard can add personality and warmth. Outdoor locations are wonderful too; perhaps a wooded area, park, or even the mountains will help create a portrait that will be a beautiful piece of wall decor. Our "little studio in the woods" affords us the luxury of tall oaks, mountain boulders, a bridge and a rock wall, We know the best places. Just ask us, here in Sevierville there are many great locations to choose from.