Hobbies And Interests
Schedule
The scheduling of a portrait session can affect the quality of the pictures -- especially if the two of you are morning people and the session is late in the day. This can leave you looking lethargic with few natural smiles. The same result could come from scheduling your session during a crowded Saturday afternoon when everyone else is trying to get their pictures, leaving your feeling rushed and frazzled from the noise. If the portrait is important enough for a photography session, then schedule the photo shoot to coincide with the time of day that suits you best.
Poses
The typical, traditional mother-daughter pose involves mom sitting in a chair with daughter to one side with her hand resting on mom's shoulder. However, take some additional poses that reflect your relationship to each other. Lean over and tickle mom while you hug her and kiss her on the cheek. The look of surprise and resultant giggle will get a better picture. Or, sit at a table with a photo album looking at pictures that will relax you both. This will lead you to reminisce, allowing the photographer to catch some real emotion in his pictures.
Props
Although the photographer may have props in the studio, these props may not be relevant to either of you. You may want to bring your own. For example, if the two of you like to play cards, backgammon or bingo, and then bring these supplies to the photo shoot for use as props as they can be set on a table between you. Or, perhaps a couple of wine glasses with a bottle of wine will relax you both. If you like to braid mom's hair, then braid her hair and have photos taken during the end.
Computer
The key to the portrait shot is getting good facial expressions. False smiles and flat eyes can ruin an otherwise picture perfect shot, which is the reason natural poses work well. The photographer can use computer programs for special effects, such as to remove the props from the final picture for face shots; place face shots against a black background behind each other; create an old time feel by the use of sepia or vary the sizes of the photographs taken so you get the excellent portrait the two of you envision.