By: Jacob Maslow
Family photos are a wonderful way to capture memories and create lasting keepsakes. Whether you’re planning a holiday photo session, a casual weekend shoot, or a special milestone celebration, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you take amazing photos of your family.
Plan Ahead
A little planning can go a long way in ensuring your family photo session goes smoothly. Start by selecting a date and time that work for everyone. Consider the time of day, as lighting plays a significant role in photography. Natural light is often the most flattering, so aim for either early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and warm.
Next, think about the location. Do you want a studio shoot or something outdoors, like a park, beach, or your own backyard? Choose a setting that complements your family’s personality and the vibe you want for the photos. A familiar or meaningful location, such as your home or a favorite park, can make the photos feel more intimate.
Coordinate Outfits (But Don’t Match Exactly)
When it comes to family outfits, it’s best to coordinate colours and styles rather than everyone wearing the same thing. Choose a colour palette that works well together and reflects the mood you want. For example, soft pastels for a serene look or bold, complementary colours for a fun and energetic vibe.
Avoid clothing with overly busy patterns or logos, as they can distract from the faces and expressions. Instead, opt for solid colors or subtle patterns that harmonize with the surroundings. Also, think about textures—mixing different fabrics like denim, cotton, and knit can add dimension to the photos without looking too formal.
Choose the Right Camera Settings
It’s worth investing in a DSLR or mirrorless camera, like the Sony Alpha 7 III, which is great at capturing high-quality images and performs exceptionally well in low-light conditions. If you already have a digital camera, start by setting your aperture to a low f-stop (like f/2.8 or f/4) to create a shallow depth of field. This will help keep your family members in focus while blurring the background, which is especially useful in outdoor settings.
Set your shutter speed to at least 1/200th of a second to avoid motion blur if you’re photographing active kids or pets. For portraits, a higher ISO setting (around 400–800) will give you enough light without causing too much noise, but if you’re shooting outdoors in daylight, a lower ISO will work fine.
If you’re using a smartphone, many devices now offer portrait modes that automatically blur the background and adjust exposure, making it easier to capture beautiful photos.
Focus on Expressions
One of the important aspects of family photos is the connection between the people in them. While posing is important, the expressions on your faces are what truly make the image special. Encourage your family members to relax and be themselves. Candid moments often result in the most heartfelt photos, so try capturing spontaneous laughter or gentle touches between loved ones.
If you’re taking the photos yourself, use a remote shutter or set the timer to allow yourself to join in the shot. Alternatively, use a camera app on your phone or tablet to control the shutter remotely.
Vary Your Shots
Don’t just stick to one pose or one style of shot. Vary your compositions and perspectives to create a diverse collection of photos. Start with traditional portraits—everyone lined up together, standing or sitting in front of the camera—but then get creative!
Try capturing your family from above (if possible), experimenting with angles, or shooting through objects like trees or flowers to add depth to the image. You can also shoot from a distance to include the environment and convey the family’s connection to the surroundings.
Action shots are also important. Get a few candid moments of family members walking, playing, or hugging. These types of photos bring a sense of movement and energy to your collection.
Use Natural Light (or Soft Artificial Light)
Lighting plays an important role in photography. Soft, diffused light, often found during the golden hour—shortly after sunrise or before sunset—can be ideal for family photos. Avoid shooting in harsh midday sunlight, which can cast unflattering shadows and squinting eyes.
If you’re indoors, place your subjects near a large window to make the most of natural light. If the light is too harsh, diffuse it by hanging a sheer curtain or using a reflector to soften shadows.
In low-light conditions, you may need to use artificial lighting. Avoid using the camera’s built-in flash, as it can create harsh, flat images. Instead, use a soft, external light source, like a softbox or a ring light, to create an even, flattering light.
Capture Details
While wide shots of the entire family are important, don’t forget the smaller moments and details. Focus on hands holding, a child resting on a parent’s shoulder, or even the family dog nestled in the frame. These small but meaningful details can add depth to your collection and highlight the bonds between family members.
Make It Fun!
The best family photos often come from moments when everyone is enjoying themselves. Don’t be afraid to have fun during the shoot! Encourage laughter, play, and interaction between family members. The more relaxed everyone feels, the more natural the photos will look.
If you have younger children, keep them engaged by incorporating fun elements like bubbles, balloons, or even a favorite toy. For pets, let them be a part of the action, too! A family photo session should be an enjoyable experience for everyone involved, so don’t stress too much about perfection.
Editing and Printing
After the shoot, spend some time editing your photos to enhance the colors and correct exposure if needed. There are many simple-to-use photo editing apps available, or if you’re using a camera, programs like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop offer powerful tools to adjust your images.
Once you have a few photos you love, consider printing them to create physical memories. Whether you create a family photo album, hang framed portraits on your wall, or create a personalized gift like a calendar or canvas print, having physical copies of your images will preserve your memories for years to come.
Taking great family photos is all about preparation, creativity, and capturing the essence of your family’s connection. With some effort and enjoyment, you can create memories to cherish for years to come.
Published by Jeremy S.
