I actually shoot all kinds of pictures, weddings, headshots, special events, Bat / Bar Mitzvahs. I also receive plenty of calls from people looking for a Boca Raton Family Photographer.
Because I cover such a wide range of photographic assignments I meet lots of people. This leads to requests to take family pictures. After a wedding when the bride and groom start a family I find myself shifting from their wedding photographer to their family photographer. What does a family photographer consist of? It starts with the maternity pictures, here is a sample. Maternity photography in South Florida. I enjoyed photographing this mother to be and her fiancé at their engagement photo-shoot in the rain. Yes in the pouring rain. Check out some of their photos in this blog post. Engagement pictures in the rain Next came the wedding, and then the family. In the case of the family pictures below, I also shot the parents wedding on Fisher Island. In the case of these pictures they planned a photo session at the Boca Raton Raton. This is a place I visit often, I know every inch of this venue so shooting this pictures was a blast. In this article I will also include some tips for preparing for a family photo session. When I’m hired as a Boca Raton family photographer I know that my pictures will add to the beauty of your home. I also give some tips for taking your own pictures for those situations when you can’t hire me as your photographer. Although many people have flown me to some far away places for pictures. I actually have a couple flying me to Iceland for this engagement pictures!
If you are looking for a Boca Raton Family Photographer than look no further, you found the best in town!
About Me,
Photography has been a passion of mine since I was a 13 year old kid. My father who was an amateur photographer definitely helped me along the way. Not only did I grow up around cameras, my family had “Slide Show Night” when my father set up a huge screen and projected images from recent vacations & ski trips onto the screen. We would talk about each image and discuss what we liked about each photo. We also talked about the technical side if each photo. Most of the pictures were taken on Kodachrome film, however some were shot in Ektachrome film. As a young 14 year old photographer, I knew the Ektachrome was bluer that the Kodachrome. (Actually bluer, meant colder, but what did I know??). We talked about the lighting and about what happened when the photo was taken. This is how photography started for me as a little kid. Oh, there was the slot machine situation as well. One vacation we took was on a cruise, a Russian cruise boat, named the MV Odessa. We left from New Orleans and traveled to Mexico. Obviously the MV Odessa is scrap metal now, but I did find this interesting article on the cruise ship. The Russian cruise ship M.V. Odessa’s last United States stop. On the ship was a casino. Of course kids were not allowed in the casino, but somehow one of my quarters found it’s way into a slot machine. That lone quarter and pull of the machines arm, resulted in 777! Cruise ship security was there in a flash, I got into trouble, but by father let me purchase a camera with the winnings. Since then I took pictures of everything. The dog, my friends, lots of skiing action shots. By high school I talked my father into giving up his trusty Rollei 35. I loved that camera, it was small, shot a big negative or slide, had all the professional controls. I shot with that camera, through high school and college. It got stolen at a house party I had while I loved in Los Angeles. Actually, I wish I had another. How much is a working Rollei 35 in 2020? About $400.00 for a crappy one about about $1500.00 for a nice one. After high school I attended Adelphi University as a Communications / Photography major. Once I graduated with my BA I made the move to Los Angeles, because thats where all the best photographers, and my photographer heroes lived. In LA, I learned from the best of the best photographers on the planet. I worked in a pro photo lab, and eventually I started my own photography business. I moved to South Florida just over 15 years ago. If you are into photography, and would like to know more about my experience call me. Lets just say, I have learned photography and lived photography to the extreme.
Here are some tips for posing if you happen to be on vacation on need some posing help. First, if you are standing for a photo, Shift your weight to one leg. This will immediately change your posture. This one simple move will change your appearance from standing to posing. It really makes a huge difference. Another, portrait photo tip is to walk toward the camera. Walking shots usually look very fun and nice. This leads me the the next tip which is, take a ton of pictures, especially if you are doing the walking shot. Shoot and Shoot and Shoot, make sure you shoot at least 15 frames. Getting the perfect walking shot is a bit of a numbers game. Another tip, use your hands. In a portrait the hands should be doing something. If it’s a guy, hand in pocket works well. Hand on jacket button, If its two people a hand on a shoulder, around a waist. In a shot with two people, only one hand per person works best.
If you have been searching for a Boca Raton family photographer to take awesome creative photos for any occasion give me a call. Sometimes families hire me to take pictures for Graduations, Important birthdays, Anniversaries, Engagements, and many other reasons. Here in South Florida, I take a ton of family portraits for the simple reason that a family is here on vacation. What a great way to remember a fantastic trip to Florida. This article is titled Boca Raton family photographer because all the pictures included here were taken in Boca Raton.
Lifestyle Photography – Another type of family portrait that is very popular, is the lifestyle portrait. Lifestyle portraits are a blend of posed portraits and pictures taken showing a lifestyle. The pictures below were taken in homes around Boca Raton. The couple below are the famous restauranteurs Burt and Robin Rapoport. RAPOPORT’S RESTAURANT GROUP, INC. As you could see these are portraits but taken in a casual lifestyle setting.
Both the pictures above and below were taken in Broken Sound Country Club homes. They were taken as part of a magazine that featured residents of the country club. If you are looking for a family portrait photographer ,and you are currently in one of South Florida’s beautiful communities other then Boca Raton, don’t worry. I travel all over South Florida. If you are in Delray Beach, Palm Beach, Parkland, Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Wellington, Jupiter, West Palm Beach or any place in Broward, Palm Beach, Martin or Dade counties and need family pictures, call me at (561) 737-5561
BELOW: When a local Boca Raton magazine needed to feature neighborhood girls together at Broken Sound Country Club, they called me. This fun Boca Raton portrait shoot took place all around Broken Sound Country club, We shot pictures around they section of Whisper Trace, and at each persons home. By taking the pictures at each persons home, I was able to incorporate the homes best features into the backgrounds. One person, had a beautiful custom designed swimming pool, which I features in the portrait on the right, the one of the left was shot inside her kitchen which featured these huge windows looking out to her garden.
BELOW: I photographed these two girls for the family’s holiday pictures. This picture was also taken in side the Broken Sound Community, First we met at the families home, and shot pictures in the backyard, then we moved to the community clubhouse to take more pictures.
BELOW: I shot this family vacation picture when I was hired by 5 families to photograph beach portraits in Boca Raton. By pooling together the five families were able to save some money while all getting wonderful family pictures taken on the beach. There were taken at The Boca Raton, beach club which is the former Boca Raton Resort and Club. The weather on this day was very windy, which made getting these pictures more challenging. However, by having a fun action portrait photography attitude, and shooting lots of pictures I was able to get some really nice shots. The families told me these pictures are all blown up huge inside their homes.
Don’t family pictures look awesome when displayed in your home? I find that many of my families blow up their pictures large and display them in their living rooms and bedrooms, personally I have many large family pictures on the walls of my homes.
UPDATED May 2024,
Planning Your Boca Raton Family Portrait Session
In recent years, the demand for family portrait sessions in South Florida has seen a remarkable uptick. What once was a monthly occurrence in my schedule has now become almost a weekly joy. This surge in interest, particularly since the pandemic, isn’t surprising. With its near-perfect weather and a plethora of scenic locations, South Florida, especially Boca Raton, presents an idyllic backdrop for capturing those priceless family moments.
Why Boca Raton?
Boca Raton, nestled in the heart of South Florida, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and sophisticated charm that makes it a premier choice for family portraits. Whether you’re vacationing here or a local looking to capture family memories, Boca Raton’s stunning beaches, lush parks, and vibrant urban areas provide a versatile canvas for any family photo session.
The Rise in Family Portraits Post-Covid
The Covid-19 pandemic has reshaped many aspects of our lives, including how we value and preserve memories with our loved ones. With more families choosing South Florida as their vacation spot, there’s been a noticeable shift towards capturing these reunions, celebrations, and simple yet profound moments together through professional photography.
Choosing the Perfect Location
South Florida, including Boca Raton, is teeming with locations that can cater to any family’s aesthetic preferences. From the serene beaches of Boca Raton and Delray Beach to the picturesque settings in Palm Beach, the variety is endless. Each location offers its unique vibe, from the tranquil to the urban, ensuring that your family portraits resonate with your personal style and the essence of your family bond.
Making Your Session a Success
Planning a successful family portrait session in Boca Raton involves a few key steps:
- Timing is Everything: Consider the time of year and day. Early morning or late afternoon offers soft, flattering light, making your photos look magical. If at the beach I usually shoot for an evening time slot. There is a term photographer often use called The Golden Hour. This is when I myself prefer to shoot.
Golden Hour in Photography: Capturing Magic in Every Shot
-
In the world of photography, timing isn’t just everything; it’s the pivotal element that can transform a simple photograph into a breathtaking masterpiece. Enter the Golden Hour, a term that evokes the essence of ethereal beauty and natural luminescence in the art of photography.
Understanding the Golden Hour
The Golden Hour, often referred to as “magic hour,” is that enchanted time frame shortly after sunrise or just before sunset. shooting at the beach as a Boca Raton Family Photographer I find this is one of the best times to shoot. During this period, the sun is positioned low in the sky, producing a soft, diffused light that is warmer and golden in color. Unlike the harsh midday sun that can create unwanted shadows and overexposure, the Golden Hour bathes the world in a gentle glow, making it a coveted time for photographers aiming to capture the sublime beauty of their subjects.
Characteristics of Golden Hour Photography
- Soft Light: The low angle of the sun results in a softer light, reducing the intensity of shadows and highlights, and offering a more balanced exposure.
- Warm Tones: Golden Hour is renowned for its warm color palette, ranging from golden yellows to rich oranges, which can add a magical, dreamy quality to photographs.
- Long Shadows: The extended shadows created during the Golden Hour can add depth and interest to landscapes and urban scenes, providing a new dimension to the composition.
- Glowing Highlights: The unique lighting conditions can produce a halo-like effect around subjects, especially when backlighting is utilized, contributing to the overall moodiness and drama of the image.
Making the Most of the Golden Hour
To capture the full potential of the Golden Hour, preparation and patience are key. Here are some tips to help you maximize this golden opportunity:
- Plan Ahead: Research the exact times for sunrise and sunset in your location and arrive early to set up and scout the best angles.
- Experiment with Exposure: Adjust your camera settings to capture the warm tones accurately. Shooting in RAW is advisable for greater post-processing flexibility.
- Use the Environment: Incorporate elements like water, glass, or metal to reflect the golden light, or frame your subject against the sky for a silhouette effect.
- Focus on the Sky: The sky during Golden Hour can be just as captivating as any subject on the ground. Use it creatively in your compositions.
- Be Quick but Patient: The perfect lighting conditions can change rapidly, so be ready to shoot quickly. However, patience is essential, as the most spectacular light often appears when you least expect it.
- Outfit Coordination: Choose outfits that complement each other without being overly matchy. Think harmonious colors and styles that reflect your family’s personality.
- Professional Guidance: Working with a photographer who’s experienced in family portraits and familiar with South Florida’s locales can make all the difference. They can provide invaluable advice on locations, timing, and styling to ensure your portraits come out beautifully.
- Relax and Have Fun: Perhaps the most important tip of all. Family portraits are about capturing your family’s essence. Genuine smiles and laughter make for the best photos.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re a local or planning your next vacation in South Florida, incorporating a family portrait session into your itinerary is a decision you won’t regret. Boca Raton and its surrounding areas offer a wealth of stunning backdrops that, combined with the expertise of a seasoned photographer, can result in family portraits that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
While my blog initially focused on Boca Raton portrait photography, it’s clear that the allure of capturing family memories in South Florida’s picturesque settings knows no bounds. From Palm Beach County through Broward and even Miami, families are choosing to freeze time, if just for a moment, creating keepsakes that will be treasured across generations.
