Fun Family Portraits at San Jose State

Fun Family Portraits at San Jose State | Christina

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I really enjoyed working with Christina and her family. Her husband is a Professor at the university and so San Jose State means a lot to their family. We actually also had their maternity portraits here as well. Here are some of the candid and fun family portraits at San Jose State that we captured. And the number one rule, for lighting, when taking family portraits 🙂

Shade is Your Best Friend

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One of the most important aspect of any portrait is the lighting. Things like posing, composition and capturing genuine expressions are also very important – but making sure portraits are taken in good lighting can be the difference between a good image and a great image. For portraits that are taken in the afternoon, shade is your best friend. Shade creates really soft and flattering lighting.

Have you ever been to Disneyland and taken a picture? My family is obsessed with Disneyland and so I have seen and posed in many Disney pictures 🙂 Being a Photographer, I ALWAYS keep an eye on images that are taken. And at Disneyland, 100% of the time the characters pose in areas where there is shade that also has a background that is shaded. The next time you are at Disneyland, take a look and see for yourself. This is a very deliberate and thought out thing on Disneyland’s part. At the end of the day, Disneyland wants the images that you share online to reflect a high level of quality and professionalism. Photographers want the same exact thing.

Hopefully this information is helpful for your next family portrait session. If you are looking to take your own portraits, the best way to reach out to me is through the contact form on my website. Thank you!