If you have dreamed of natural family photos on film, let the Stenz family be your guide. Living on a golf course, it was easy to step into their backyard for this session. However, you can visit whatever wide open space you call home and feel comfortable in. That is the key, because when you look through these images you will see how relaxed everyone was being in a place they knew. Photography
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It was the beginning of the school year. I traveled through Lancaster, Pennsylvania for a New Jersey wedding. Seeing the Stenz family was a treat, since we have known each other for almost 10 years. Back then we each had one child, and both of our families have grown. It was a joy to see their family of six and create beautiful photographs for them.
Natural Setting for Family Photos on film in the outdoors
When planning your portrait session, the first step is deciding on a location and time of year. Here are the factors I like to consider :
- Where do you already spend time and feel at home?
- What memories would you love to look back on?
- Are there activities that are meaningful to you and your family?
- How would you describe your relationships? What do you value?
- When is it easiest for you to get everyone together?
Family Photos on Film
Like most photographers, Jamie rarely makes it into pictures, except by way of tripod. This time we spent an hour allowing moments to unfold. Those are my favorite to look back on. I photographed everything on film, with my Contax 645 and Fuji 400h processed by the Find Lab. Jamie actually tipped me off where to buy my Contax back in the day (I purchased mine in 2013 from what is now Pro Camera in Charlottesville).
My favorite thing about shooting on film is the intentionality. Instead of capturing every single moment, or needing to control every outcome, you let go. Learning to see and conceptualize images is a learned skill that improves with time. As a result, I count my experience as an art major to be paramount in the success of my photography.
