Instructions for family portraits (for the subjects)

[zemlin]

I have a family reunion coming up - my family.

We're a small bunch considering the generations spanned - 14 people in all ranging from 16(?) to 102 years old. I'm planning on shooting group portaits while we're all together, which hasn't happened for 15 years (Dad's funeral), and won't likely happen again while Grandma is alive.

The shoot is in a month, but folks start hitting the road less than a week. I want to get some basic instructions sent out so folks will be able to consider clothes for portrait day when packing.

My plan - casual. I'd say jeans, but I'm not sure my mom owns any jeans, and I don't know about Grandma.

Will probably shoot inside on a muslin backdrop, but the location will be in the north woods, so I will consider outdoors.

I plan to do the full group as well as family groups if folks want them - maybe individual shots as well. There's a very large shed with a gravel floor that will probably serve as the studio (I think it's 24'x32' with 10' walls, open ceiling to the roof).

I don't want to try to get everyone in the same color, so I think I'll also avoid the extremes - no black, no white - at least on top. I haven't decided if I should outlaw black pants - that's about all my mom ever wears.

No shorts
Nothing sleeveless
No bold colors
No bold prints - solids preferred - fairly neutral colors.
No bulky/bold jewelry - keep it simple
Casual leather shoes - black/brown/tan - nothing too shiny, nothing white or reflective (running shoes)
What else?

I'm thinking of saying no skirts/dresses - I think that's unlkely in this group anyway.

Posing challenges - I'm 6'2", and my bother-in-law is a little taller. My mother is 81 and fairly tall (6' when younger), but is a bit hunched. Grandma @ 102 is a bit frail and will need to be sitting on a chair or short stool with a back. Hair will range from white to asian black FWIW. I have one painted backdrop - it's gray with a hint of blue - 10x20.
Blue Granite Gold Series Background - Silverlake Photo Accessories

Your ideas/thoughts/suggestions?

[ksgal]

Dang... where is Benji when you need him? I think he did a four person family pose...

Here it is:'
Posing The Family of Four

That can help with the smaller groups.

[wolfd]

Karl you might want to also ask this question in the portraits forum - it may get greater exposure there.