From AVERAGE to EPIC (Family Photography Behind the Scenes)

  Рет қаралды 64,131

Katelyn James

2 жыл бұрын

Today we're going behind the scenes from a recent family session so you can watch how I turned an average portrait location into an EPIC photo with just a few adjustments! We've recently started incorporating more family photo sessions into our KJ All Access membership and wanted to highlight some family photography content on the KZfaq channel!
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0:00 Intro
01:46 Behind the Scenes
07:02 Image Breakdown & Analysis

Пікірлер: 133
@BlaineShillington
@BlaineShillington 8 ай бұрын
I love how the little girl had a hurt foot but they found a way for her to still wear her little boot. Very special memory
@brookemurray
@brookemurray 2 жыл бұрын
The video I’ve been waiting for!!Absolutely loved this. Please share more family portrait and posing content 🤍👏🏻 I loved getting to see your thought process throughout the video
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Brooke!
@jessicaturner1665
@jessicaturner1665 2 жыл бұрын
agree!!!
@autumnbailey5503
@autumnbailey5503 2 жыл бұрын
I have no clue why, but I always find myself emotional watching all access or these videos. KJ is just so kind and compassionate with whomever she's with. She's amazing!
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@Cecile2906
@Cecile2906 9 ай бұрын
Thank you for being vulnerable. I could relate to so many things you went over, including having a plan and being technical, but then, things change when trying to keep a younger child’s attention
@lindsaywinckoski4975
@lindsaywinckoski4975 2 жыл бұрын
The quality of this video blows me away ! And those portraits did too! Loved watching this whole episode in all access ☺️
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Lindsay!! That means a lot!
@clarisawanlass9381
@clarisawanlass9381 2 жыл бұрын
Katelyn! I love learning from you. Would love to see more family portrait videos! This was so helpful. 🙌
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames 2 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@katemaxwell6061
@katemaxwell6061 7 ай бұрын
Great video with loads of brilliant tips, thank you 🙏
@o.aldenproductions.9858
@o.aldenproductions.9858 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing. I love " the yelling in the background" because it demonstrates the energy you put into your clients to get them to love this experience and therefore most beautiful ❤️
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын
Yes! Thank you!
@daphodilphoto
@daphodilphoto 2 жыл бұрын
Great behind the scenes! Love seeing you work.
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames 2 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
@jimroberts1280
@jimroberts1280 2 жыл бұрын
This is the best instructional family photography video I have seen anywhere on KZfaq. Very instructional. Very helpful. Thank you!
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Jim that means a lot!
@pegshealth
@pegshealth Жыл бұрын
I agree - these are epic. Thank you for the BTS!
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@vaughnbarkhurst8979
@vaughnbarkhurst8979 Жыл бұрын
11:25 “The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone” 😂😂😂 Great video though! Really appreciated the insight regarding sight lines leading to the subject and then back off the “page”.
@Alicia-K
@Alicia-K 2 жыл бұрын
This was fun to watch. :) I'm primarily a family photographer and have been for almost 12 years. I have to think on my feet FAST....especially with two year olds. ;) These are great pics, Katelyn! Good job! :)!
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Alicia!
@joewagnerphoto
@joewagnerphoto 2 жыл бұрын
Showing the small refinement details is great. Can’t tell you how many times I couldn’t use a photo because of a problem with a dress. Thank you!
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames 2 жыл бұрын
Glad I could help!
@emilyoneill9357
@emilyoneill9357 Жыл бұрын
I recently moved to michigans beautiful upper Peninsula to Munising along lake superiors pictured rocks national lakeshore. I've been trying to get booked In this area. I just left from my first shoot. And I felt like my inner katlyn was coming out while I was there. And perfect timing for all the fall colors up here. Thank you so much for just being you. You're so much fun to watch and learn from. I've gained so much knowledge and insight over the last year and a half by watching your KZfaq channel and taking your online classes. You are such a blessing. Thank you again so much!!! 💓
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@KimberlyAn73
@KimberlyAn73 Жыл бұрын
Such great nuggets Katelyn thank you!!
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын
You are so welcome!
@thehappyphotog7643
@thehappyphotog7643 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for also including where you put your focal point! Very helpful! :)
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@chloeeeee.s
@chloeeeee.s Жыл бұрын
Thank you for including your camera settings!!!!!
@suanpingguo
@suanpingguo 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing these sweet moments. I agree, the drive way location is not attractive at all, but the final photos are amazing.
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much!
@kenziebaker4417
@kenziebaker4417 7 ай бұрын
Amazing video and amazing work!
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames 7 ай бұрын
Thanks a lot!
@ItsMyLifeDaralynn
@ItsMyLifeDaralynn Жыл бұрын
The 85 mm is the first lens I chose for my cam at the time of purchase. I love it for portraits as long as I have enough room to pull back. The first shot bothered me with the legs and arms crossing over one another . However, thank you for pointing out a few things I didn't think of. The line down the driveway that leads to them. I naturally ( like most) would've centered them smack in the middle and thats not as appealing , but most people do it. Great video .
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@queerfoto
@queerfoto 2 жыл бұрын
I really like this set!
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Jennifer!
@user-ok7pp5rm7n
@user-ok7pp5rm7n 8 ай бұрын
remarkable information, thank you!!!
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames 7 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
@devacollins4637
@devacollins4637 2 жыл бұрын
Love it!!
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@freelynat
@freelynat Жыл бұрын
Absolutely love this! This makes me want to try using my 85mm; it's the least used in my kit.
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын
Great to hear!
@Jess-bd6pp
@Jess-bd6pp Жыл бұрын
Hi😊 I just love love your content!!!! Thank you so much for all your education and information and insight. I have a quick question do you ever use hoods for your cameras ? Or when your doing outdoor sessions?
@sherrymullins820
@sherrymullins820 2 жыл бұрын
Awww...I know this sweet family. 🥰
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@queerfoto
@queerfoto 2 жыл бұрын
Just so you know, I didn’t notice Josie’s cut off foot. And also, your mind is GENIUS.
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Jennifer that means a lot!
@edugiselle1
@edugiselle1 Жыл бұрын
You are incredible, you have a great mood and a lot of knowledge, I love how you explain everything in a simple and easy to understand way, I hope one day to be able to have the experience and knowledge that you have.
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын
Thanks so much 😊
@mrskelseydw
@mrskelseydw 2 жыл бұрын
Are there any family sessions in all access on the beach?! This is really all I need to see, it’s such a different scenario and I’d love to see how YOU would approach it.
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames 2 жыл бұрын
Great idea!! We will try to schedule one over the summer!
@Amorefamiliare07
@Amorefamiliare07 Жыл бұрын
I shoot predominately with my 85mm and I feel like I'm the only one. LOL. The fact that you shot that great shot with a 85mm! I dont feel so alone!
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@rondashelton8361
@rondashelton8361 Жыл бұрын
LOVE my 85...shoot with it 90% of the time
@amateurphotographerassocia5965
@amateurphotographerassocia5965 2 жыл бұрын
Epic video! ;)
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks!!
@thomasayers5968
@thomasayers5968 2 жыл бұрын
Nice video! You could have also made that first image and the trees less busy by moving your family a little further down the driveway, towards you, putting more distance between your subjects and the background, while still using your 28-70.
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@OliBaitsMedia
@OliBaitsMedia Жыл бұрын
Good work
@thats_mr_b_
@thats_mr_b_ 2 жыл бұрын
I’m a PTA and I’ve never had the opportunity to work PEDs. I love that device the little one has on so she can use matching shoes, too cute
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@brendallsterling4117
@brendallsterling4117 18 күн бұрын
I'm doing an photoshoot with a family of 8 so far. I''m using a 24-70 f2.8 and 70-200 F2.8. Wish me luck
@cristirenault
@cristirenault 2 жыл бұрын
Very good idea with this video. As always, a big thank you! Who said, youtuber? :))
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames 2 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@hartfordjames
@hartfordjames 2 жыл бұрын
Hi Katelynn, Love your channel and a member, the best! Question so I purchased the "Big Cahoon" Lens (28-70mm f2 L) but this picture is with 85mm Lens. So what is the big difference in the 2 lens? Did I purchase the wrong lens for photos? Thank you!!!!!!
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@MyStrawberryFox
@MyStrawberryFox 7 ай бұрын
Thank you so much for sharing! Beautiful photos! Wonderful advice. Wondering if anyone could help - but I thought it was a rule to not photograph multiple people on a photo under F4 or 3.5? I noticed that this uses 1.8.. Is that doable? Obviously it is! But, under what circumstances? Is it because it is an 85 mm lens? Or, is it because the photographer is so far back? Just trying to figure out how to get that bokeh background with multiple people. Thank you!!
@runsusierun80
@runsusierun80 Жыл бұрын
I love shooting in beautiful outdoor sunlight, and I love a good rainbow flare in my image… But I was so upset when I shot some beautiful lakeside scenes, and ended up with flares that looked like a rainbow fart cloud behind the client…😂😂😂 I had to crop the best image because of it!
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@lindakincaid4530
@lindakincaid4530 Жыл бұрын
I absolutely love my 85mm lens
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын
Me too!
@9k8k
@9k8k Жыл бұрын
احبك😍😍
@michaelrhodes9614
@michaelrhodes9614 9 ай бұрын
how come the images are so sharp at 1.8 still? every time I shoot at this there is softness in the images on someone's face or is there always going to be some sort of softness/ out of focus
@wmbrennan
@wmbrennan 8 ай бұрын
Katelyn, simple question. I just got the Canon EOS 6D mark iI, how do you get the hot shoe cap off, it seems so right, I tried pushing down but the cap won't come off. Can you help please, thank you.
@Amerras118
@Amerras118 Жыл бұрын
This is brilliant video & analysis. 👍
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@jessicamclean7213
@jessicamclean7213 2 жыл бұрын
♥️
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@kenyamenza5035
@kenyamenza5035 Жыл бұрын
For group family shots like this would you ever shoot wide open like f1.2-f1.8? Or stay around f2.8?
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын
I stay around 2.0 and 2.2
@SouthernSister82105
@SouthernSister82105 2 жыл бұрын
So I'm in south Carolina. I get tons of requests to do woodland family portraits. What's your ideal settings for them with so many trees and darkness around due to the tree bark?
@jenniferwilliamskluemper8574
@jenniferwilliamskluemper8574 2 жыл бұрын
You should definitely invest in her lighting & locations course! *Quick answer - don't shoot underneath the trees, if you can help it. Have your clients face the open sky. Use your hand stretched out in front of you to gauge where the best lighting is. This works for any scenario.
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@runsusierun80
@runsusierun80 Жыл бұрын
@@jenniferwilliamskluemper8574 I end up doing a lot of family sessions in woodland areas here in Kentucky, and I have definitely learned this the hard way, but was able to save the shoot! Shooting underneath the trees was good occasionally, but I kept finding shadows in the edits that I didn’t see necessarily when I was shooting. It made it really hard to edit!
@donnawilks3726
@donnawilks3726 2 жыл бұрын
Are you going to offer a Family Portrait training with your other educational material? Pretty Please?
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын
Maybe one day
@vivianngphoto
@vivianngphoto 2 жыл бұрын
Hi Katelyn! The first few photos you showed the settings says 85mm, but your voiceover says 70mm :) Just want to point out the discrepancy and see which focal length you were actually using for those photos? Thank you!
@rosaclark6854
@rosaclark6854 2 жыл бұрын
I was wondering the same
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@MyStrawberryFox
@MyStrawberryFox 7 ай бұрын
​@@KatelynJameshuh?
@dimitristsagdis7340
@dimitristsagdis7340 2 жыл бұрын
So what aperture and focal length was the 'keeper' photo shot?
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@pinoybenicio
@pinoybenicio 2 жыл бұрын
What focus mode you’re using for family session please?
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@rebekah3380
@rebekah3380 Жыл бұрын
What camera is used here?
@hbrookes
@hbrookes 11 ай бұрын
Add flash and you wont have to blow out hi lites in LR or PS.
@modernfotographic
@modernfotographic Жыл бұрын
You're very good. 13 year wedding photographer here and your content is great. Cheers
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын
Thanks so much 😊
@williamc4353
@williamc4353 2 жыл бұрын
So I follow allot of photographers and so many would use softbox with fill light. Why no fill light so you could darken the background some or just why don't you use fill lights?
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames 2 жыл бұрын
I've always been a natural light shooter. Flash has never been something I love and my clients love the brighter look instead of intentionally darkening the background. It's a very different look to add an artificial light source on your clients, even low powered and soft. It's not wrong! It's just not my style
@sadiesofia7605
@sadiesofia7605 2 жыл бұрын
Did you ever use the non-L series 85mm? I want a high compression lens but an L series is not in my price range right now so I was going to just get the RF 85mm. You may not know and that's alright. Just thought I'd ask :)
@stephanietodd3
@stephanietodd3 2 жыл бұрын
Check out the Samyang 85 mm 1.4. I've been using that with my R6 and loving it (the RF 85 mm was out of my price range as well).
@kellepickell9318
@kellepickell9318 2 жыл бұрын
Sadie, before I got my RF 85mm 1.2 (L series), I had an EF 85mm 1.8 and I LOVED it!! Got me better images than my RF 24-70mm L, honestly! Most clients would not be able to tell the difference between an L series or an EF. I think that lens is around $400-$600 and it worked great on my R5 with the adapter.
@jeffreyhill4705
@jeffreyhill4705 2 жыл бұрын
Both the EF 85 f1.8 and the RF f2 are fantastic lenses. She was shooting just above f2 for this family group. I do not have the RF 85L, but I strongly suspect the biggest difference with RF L and older glass is the ability to shot into the light without loss of contrast. A little flash can solve this, it also looks artistic as well. Rent one of the 85s and shoot into the sun a test portrait.
@jeffreyhill4705
@jeffreyhill4705 2 жыл бұрын
Ok she shot a single line group photo with kids at 85mm and less than f2, impressive. That is the type of photo that looks good on camera, and disappointing on the computer, for me.
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@kcidd12
@kcidd12 Жыл бұрын
how many photos do clients expect to get from family portraits?
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching! I normally say 80-100 per hour. So 160-200 for a 2 hour session.
@PhillyPimpStick
@PhillyPimpStick 11 ай бұрын
This is where “only natural light” photographers lose me, overblown images. Excellent breakdown of your process, but I’d kill that background in post to create more separation
@aA-mw4jb
@aA-mw4jb 2 жыл бұрын
Family photos are so much more challenging than weddings. I think family photos should be valued more and most photographers don't charge enough for family photos.
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames 2 жыл бұрын
I totally agree!
@rondashelton8361
@rondashelton8361 Жыл бұрын
I am curious how wide open you shot?
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын
Typically around 2.0
@davecrissinger8967
@davecrissinger8967 Жыл бұрын
Trees coming out of the head.
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын
haha gotta watch for that!
@MyStrawberryFox
@MyStrawberryFox 7 ай бұрын
"Thanks for watching" is a really weird response on some of these comments. May want to rethink your bot situation. 😅
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames 7 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@bobortiz
@bobortiz Жыл бұрын
Never shoot into the crotch.no no Master Photographer 101
@ladyethyme
@ladyethyme Жыл бұрын
The video is so grey/dark and the pics are so pink/light/ hooow??
@oxxxeee
@oxxxeee Жыл бұрын
Explore Photoshop Neural Filters > Depth Blur. I am shooting families around f/8 and adding all the Bokeh I want in post. Game changer. subjects in focus and using sweet spot of lens.
@9k8k
@9k8k Жыл бұрын
ههه٨
@jeremygarretson5482
@jeremygarretson5482 Жыл бұрын
"Technically Epic"
@taylorhickman84
@taylorhickman84 10 ай бұрын
such an inappropriately used term these days
@oxxxeee
@oxxxeee Жыл бұрын
two things i just cannot get into for family sessions: the crazy shouting directions and light & airy editing. i find a calm direction session works better for me and my clients with less stress and the L&A trend just feels washed out and too girly to me.
@taylorhickman84
@taylorhickman84 10 ай бұрын
where's the contrast!?!!
@allstarflavad.m5731
@allstarflavad.m5731 Жыл бұрын
we need to hear you screaming cmonnn
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@jessicamclean7213
@jessicamclean7213 2 жыл бұрын
♥️
@KatelynJames
@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
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