Finding time to take family photos can be a challenge, especially with kids that are constantly moving and changing. Having some pre-planned photoshoots is the best way to go about it as you will have more time to capture your loved ones without having to chase them around or make them stay still for very long!
It’s important to plan ahead when doing photo shoots so that you don’t have to repeat yourself. For example, if taking pictures in the house, pack up all of your decorations and things you need before taking the picture. If taking outside shots, bring along any needed toys or equipment first. This helps prevent people from being distracted by what they see while trying to get a good picture!
Another thing to consider is timing. When planning photoshoots, find times of the day where everyone is relaxed and not too busy. Some days are better than others depending on the mood individuals are in at the time!
This article will talk about some easy ways to do group family photographs which anyone can do! These can be done anywhere and anytime and don’t require much preparation other than bringing an appropriate amount of clothing and snacks to share.
Bring props that they can use
While having your family sit together and taking candid photos of them is great, there are some things you can do to make your pictures more interesting!
Having enough natural light is always a good thing but if you don’t have much sun, then bringing along some basic props can help liven up your photographs!
For example, my sister and I like to take pictures in nature so we bring along lots of plants or rocks to add some color into the picture as well as give our children something to hold onto while being photographed.
We also like to include at least one item that represents each person in the family because it adds some depth to the photograph and makes it personal.
Bring your own lighting
As we mentioned before, having our family photos taken is definitely an investment. Since it costs money to hire professional photogs or use of paid photography services, you can always bring your own light source or borrow one from somewhere.
We have also discussed how important it is to be in control during a photo session, so if you are not able to find a good natural light source, then don’t worry! You can either go into a nearby room with a white wall or just cover up any bright lights outside using a cloth.
Your children will probably enjoy being posed next to a window or other natural light source, so do that instead of using a flashlight! And remember, when taking group pictures try to get at least five different shots because you never know what will work best.
Plan out the location
A good family photo shoot will start with having a plan of where you want to go. You do not have to stick to your initial idea, but it must be clear!
Make sure that you have all of your equipment ready. If there is anything like a phone or camera that does not work, you can probably find someone else’s equipment at a nearby store or online shopping site.
There are many great free sites where you can upload and edit pictures. Some even have paid versions that add additional features. By doing this early, you will save time in the long run!
Planning the photoshoot before actually going takes up most of the time. Deciding where you would like to take the photos can sometimes make the difference between an amazing picture or not.
Try taking some test shots around your house or home field to get ideas.
Get natural light if possible
Having an outdoor family photoshoot is your best option since you can easily get some nice, natural lighting. If needed, use neutral background colors to fill in any shadows!
Having an outdoor family photoshoot is your best option since you can easily get some nice, natural lighting. If needed, use neutral background colors to fill in any shadows!
In addition to having fun together as a family, photoshoots are a great way to expose hidden parts of the body that may be difficult to find otherwise.
Dress casually
As we mentioned before, having your family photo taken is not like going to the mall or taking pictures with your phone where you are comfortable wearing whatever you want. When it comes to professional photos, there’s more involved than just that!
Fortunately, most vendors will offer some kind of dress code option to use for the photographs. Some ask if you have shoes and whether you need clothes under those, so make sure to check out their requirements ahead of time.
Another important thing to consider when choosing your clothing is being aware of which colors look good together. Looking through your wardrobe and brainstorming potential color schemes can help you find something you’ll be happy with later.
And don’t forget to mix up your style — this includes what hairstyles you prefer and whether you should wash your hair today.
Family portraits can sometimes feel very formal, especially if everyone is dressed in business casual attire. Try to avoid heavy makeup and messy hairdos as they may distract from the rest of the picture.
Try to organize the room properly and include some natural light by putting curtains or shades close to the window.
Bring your favorite clothes
Even if you have no ideas what kind of pictures you want, it is still important to bring your own clothing so that you can mix and match them with other photos later.
The hardest part about having family photo shoots is coming up with new concepts!
If there’s something you always like looking at, go ahead and do that! Take lots of pictures. Or maybe take some short ones then edit those in editing software to make longer ones.
Or how about taking several different positions and seeing which one looks best? Or asking questions about their hobbies or things they are passionate about to get great pictures.
Try not to make it too formal
When having a family photo session, people usually want to have some kind of portrait-style photograph. But there are many different styles you can use!
Inviting your parents into your home is a nice way to capture their special moment with your kids. If you’re already sharing a house together, then taking pictures in the area they live in or around school is another good option.
Try asking if anyone has any ideas about what types of photographs they would like to take before deciding on something new. You could also do an informal lunch time shot at a local park or beach, or ask if there are any landmarks or buildings that someone could point out as being interesting.
If possible, try to schedule several hours so that everyone has enough time to relax and be themselves without feeling rushed.
Use your creativity
As we have seen, family photoshoots do not necessarily look like this forever! There are many ways to take creative pictures with your loved ones that use different settings and creative concepts.
Photography is a medium that allows you to express yourself or convey a message very well. What makes a good picture is what the photographer wants to show us- either directly (contour of body) or indirectly (setting or background).
There are several websites and apps where you can create and edit fun family photos using free resources or paid software. Some of these sites offer quick edits while others may give you more advanced features.
Family portraits should be fun for all involved! If needed, check out some online tutorials or dive in and start taking interesting photographs immediately.