From Chaos to Perfection:
Tips for a successful family photo shoot
Photo by Craig Adderley
A family portrait is a great way to create a lasting memory of your loved ones. But it can also be a challenging task, especially if you’re trying to get everyone to cooperate and look their best. In this article, I’ll cover plenty of tips and tricks for shooting a family portrait that you’ll treasure forever.
Plan ahead
Before the photo shoot, talk with your family about your goals. Plan the location, time, and outfits. Make sure everyone is on the same page and knows what to expect. Get familiar with the location before the shoot. Take some time to scout out the location and look for prime spots. If you’re planning to shoot outdoors, check the weather forecast. Have a backup plan in case the weather refuses to cooperate.
Photo by Jessica Rockowitz
Use references
Look online for examples of family portraits that are intriguing and inspire you. Save your favorites to Pinterest or in a folder on your computer so you can refer back to them. Study these portraits and figure out what you enjoy about them. Is it the expressions on the subjects’ faces? Maybe it’s the lighting or angle. Perhaps it’s the location. Use those details as inspiration for your family portrait. You can even print them out and have the photos on hand during your shoot. If you’ve hired a photographer, share those examples with him or her and explain why you like those particular portraits.
Photo by Luwadlin Bosman
Get to know the kids
This tip is for the photographers who’ve been hired to shoot a family portrait. Spend some time talking with the children and getting to know them. This will help them feel more comfortable around you, which will make it easier to capture natural and genuine expressions, as well as their unique personalities.
Photo by Micah Tindell
Be respectful
If you’re photographing someone else’s children, always ask the parents or guardians for permission before taking photos. Respect their boundaries and preferences, and make sure to get their consent before sharing any photos online or in public.
Photo by saeed karimi
You’re the director
As the photographer, it’s important to direct your subjects in a clear and concise way. Let them know where to stand, how to pose, and where to look.
Photo by Abhimanyu Jhingan
Photo by Terricks Noah
Get down to the kids’ level
Children are smaller than adults, so getting down to their eye level will create a more intimate and engaging photograph. This can mean crouching down or even lying on the ground. Try experimenting with different angles and perspectives. Shoot from above, below, or from the side to create different compositions and perspectives.
Use natural light
Natural light is generally more flattering than artificial light. Try to photograph your family in a place with plenty of natural light, like near a window or outside on a sunny day. If shooting outdoors, avoid midday when the sun is directly overhead.
Photo by Omar Lopez
Keep it fun
Kids can get easily bored or restless during a photo shoot. Try to keep things light and fun. Take some silly photos. Children are imaginative and love to play, so try to incorporate their creativity into your pictures. Encourage them to dress up, play make-believe, or create a scene that tells a story. Have the kids play games like “Simon Says” to keep them engaged and interested. If you’re the photographer, make silly faces and sounds to capture the kids’ attention.
Photo by Toa Heftiba
Capture candid moments
Some of the best photos are taken when kids aren’t aware they’re being photographed. Keep your camera ready and capture those spontaneous, candid moments, like when the kids are playing or the family is sharing a laugh.
Photo by Kateryna Hliznitsova
Don’t forget the details
Children have unique personalities and interests. Be sure to capture the details that make them who they are, like their favorite toy, outfit or hobby. For example, if they have a favorite stuffed animal, you could include it as a prop. By doing so, you’ll be able to create images that are not only visually appealing but also meaningful and personal to the child and their family.
Photo by Khanh Steven
Photo by Tim Bish
Be patient and flexible
Children can be unpredictable and may need time to warm up to the camera. Be patient and flexible to allow for a successful photo shoot. Take breaks if needed, and don’t be afraid to try different poses or locations.
Be aware of the environment
Be aware of the surroundings and how they can affect the photo. For example, avoid busy or distracting backgrounds, and look for areas with interesting yet subtle textures, patterns, or color.
Photo by Gemali Martinez
Keep it simple
Sometimes the simplest photos can be the most beautiful. Consider using a plain background and focus on faces and expressions. Avoid busy or cluttered backgrounds and focus on simple and timeless compositions.
Photo by Jonathan Sanchez
Take group and individual shots
Make sure to take both group shots and individual shots of each family member. This will give you a variety of photos to choose from and allow everyone to shine.
Photo by Colin Maynard
Photo by Jonathan Borba
Include pets
Pets are an important part of the family, so don’t forget to include them in your family photos. Pets will make the portrait much more personal and meaningful. Just don’t force any pet to pose if they’re not feeling it. My dog loves to ham it up for the camera, but my mom’s dogs hated being photographed. Listen to your pets; they’ll let you know what they want to do.
Capture their emotions
Kids can be very expressive, and their emotions can create powerful and compelling photos. Be patient and wait for those genuine moments of laughter or joy and capture them with your camera.
Photo by Ben White
Mix up the poses
One of the keys to a successful family portrait is to have your subjects pose in a way that looks natural and relaxed. Experiment with different poses and compositions. Try sitting, standing, and lying down poses, and mix up the positions of family members for a more dynamic and intriguing photo. Let your family’s personality influence the composition.
If posing isn’t working, go for a more natural, candid feel. Encourage your family to relax and be themselves. Posing should feel natural, not forced. Try to capture natural interactions and expressions between family members. Ask the kids to do an activity they enjoy, like playing, reading a book, or running around, and capture them in action.
Photo by Osarugue Igbinoba
Photo by Logan Simpson
Stand close together
Encourage your family to stand or sit close together and touch each other. This will create a sense of intimacy and closeness in your portrait.
Vary the heights
Have your subjects vary their heights by standing, sitting, or kneeling. This will create visual interest and make your portrait more dynamic.
Photo by Junior REIS
Photo by Allen Taylor
Angle the body
Ask your family to angle their bodies slightly towards each other. This will create a more flattering and engaging pose.
Bribe your kids
Getting kids to cooperate can be difficult when they’re not in the mood for a photo shoot. Sometimes a little bribery can go a long way. Consider offering small rewards like stickers, candy, or a trip to the library (hey, that always worked for me!) for good behavior.
Photo by Ryan Franco
Play with color
When selecting colors, look for colors that complement each other, or choose a color scheme that reflects your family’s personality or the mood you want to convey. If you’re taking photos during the fall season, you may want to consider using warm, autumnal colors such as reds, oranges, and yellows. Alternatively, if you’re taking photos at the beach, you may want to incorporate blues and greens to reflect the ocean and sky.
When it comes to clothing, choose outfits that have pops of color, such as a bright scarf, a colorful hat, or a patterned shirt. These small accents can make a big difference in the overall look of your photos.
Photo by Gabby Orcutt
Use a fast shutter speed
Children move quickly and can be difficult to capture in focus. Use a fast shutter speed to avoid blurry photos, especially when they are running, jumping, or playing. Another option is burst mode. Shooting in burst mode (or continuous shooting mode) can help you capture a series of shots and increase your chances of getting the perfect photo.
Photo by Leo Rivas
Use a wide aperture
A wide aperture will create a shallow depth of field, which will blur the background and make the family stand out. This helps the viewer focus on the family instead of what’s going on in the background.
Photo by Nathan Bingle
Use a tripod
Using a tripod can help you achieve sharp and steady shots, especially when taking group photos or using a slower shutter speed. A tripod is also great when you don’t have a photographer to take your family portrait. Place your camera on a tripod, make sure everyone is in focus, and set the camera’s timer. Give yourself enough time to get in position once you click the shutter.
Photo by Lilian Cordova
Print your photos
Don’t let your family photos collect dust on your computer or phone. Print them out and display them in your home so you can enjoy them every day!
Shooting a family portrait can be a great way to create a lasting memory of your loved ones. The most important thing is to capture the love, connection, and joy that your family shares. Remember to have fun, be patient, and enjoy the process. With a little planning, creativity, and patience, you can create beautiful and meaningful photos that you’ll be thrilled to hang on your wall.
Photo by RDNE Stock project
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