adminTaking Family Photos: Showing Your Loved Ones Their Best Side
We all have a family photo collection in our households. We don’t give it much thought, but these albums hold a deeper meaning. These represent our childhood, friends, and so much more. Today, I’ll discuss how to take family photos quickly and on a budget. But first, why are family photos so important?
Why take family photos?
Windows to the past
Humans are evolving and growing creatures. We sometimes forget our memories pass away because we are too busy building the future. Before you know it, the children are packing to move to college in another state. Family photos document progress and life before everyone disperses. Therefore, creative family photoshoot ideas help us savor the journey of life and look back to reminisce.
Hold onto the sweet memories
Children grow up and grandparents pass on. One of the bitter realities is an unpredictable life. Family photo ideas include taking pictures with grandmas, grandpas, and other family members you are close to, as well as documenting the stages of life of your child. Unfortunately, we do not contemplate the importance of family until it is too late, so be sure to capture memories of special moments with those you love.
Relive the past
Professional family photos remind us of our appearance and life before we all grew up. Time traveling is not possible but perusing old images is. Families take photos regularly to build a generational catalogue of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, remember special family vacations and trips, or to document important occasions like graduations and birthdays. Some families pass down photo albums from past generations so younger family members can feel like they are closer to their elders, even if they never knew them.
Proven family photo tips just for you
Family photos can look too staged too quickly. So I’m offering a few family photo tips so you can take professional family photos for yourself in the comfort of your own home!
• The family portraits I take usually look best when I can move through the environment. I don’t like being locked down and restricted to one point of view for too long. I would recommend taking the whole of the location in, looking around for the best angle, and covering up unsightly problem areas or at least having a plan for how to resolve them if you choose to edit the photo afterward. Figure out how you’re going to use the environment to your advantage. If you’re going to use a tripod, I recommend using a small, collapsible tripod that can be unfolded and used, then easily collapsed and stored away. Using a tripod helps create the height and stability needed so that photos are crisp, clear, and at the right angle for those times in lower lighting conditions.
• Professional family photos are usually taken manually. You may think of hiring someone experienced, but learning the components makes the experience entirely customizable from home. Consistency is the key to family photoshoot ideas. For example, have everyone wear the same outfit in Christmas family pictures. Don’t expect the first shot to be the final shot. Try different angles and lighting to find what works best for you and your loved ones. It makes learning how to take family photos a lot of fun!
• If you want to improve family photo poses, adopt using diagonal lines. Unfortunately, having your subjects stand straight like Roman columns makes the photos emotionless and stiff. You can also use props such as a chair to add dimension and break up the monotony. However, remember to use props that are natural to the background or photo theme. You don’t want an out-of-place item distracting from the true subject of the photo: your family!
• My family photo poses tips are incomplete without learning to bend the subject. Give your subject a prompt on what you’d like to see, see how they interpret it, and then adjust the subject. Maybe what they come up with looks more natural than what you originally planned. Or maybe something they do while transitioning from their idea to your idea sparks a different pose. Keep your eyes open and on the subject and look for opportunities between the planned ones.Â
• Kids and adults are entirely different to photograph. Let the kids act naturally! Do not pressure them too much to pose or act. Introduce props such as their favorite book or stuffed toy to build familiarity in unknown situations and help them feel comfortable. Family picture outfit ideas include dressing up as their favorite superhero or fictional character. You can even capture the kids running around in the backyard or take some shots in the pool. Get creative with it!
• Find the best family photographer near you. If you are searching for professional family photos in San Diego area, I offer affordable family photoshoot packages with high-quality results. Contact me for Christmas family pictures, birthdays, anniversaries, or just a sophisticated family portrait. You can book me online or send me a message to learn more about my services.
• Most importantly — have fun! If you’re finding that staged poses and practiced smiles look unnatural or uncharacteristic for your family, loosen up a little in front of the lens. Crack some jokes, bring in a playful prop, or invite the family pet into your photos, and you’ll be surprised how quickly those fake smiles turn to real joy!
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What are some of your favorite home photography hacks? Comment below to let me know! Follow along with my blog for more photography tips and industry secrets, or follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram to see more of my work around San Diego.Â