Tips for Creating Great Family Portraits – There’s no denying that family portraits are one of the most important pieces to a person’s history. They capture the moments in time, and allow you to look back on them for years to come. What better way is there than to have beautiful, well-lit pictures of your loved ones? Check out this blog post for tips on how to create great family portraits!
Table of Contents
Focus on Lighting
There are certain things that you have to take into consideration when you’re taking family portraits. “The most important of them all is lighting” – says Ron, a professional photographer at Puretouch Photography. Family photos should be bright, colorful and full of life—you don’t want them too dark! You can use natural daylight outside, but if the weather doesn’t allow for it, then you can use a soft box light which is ideal for portrait photography.
Be Composed
This may sound simple, but as photographers we know that even the simplest shots can become easily complicated with just one wrong move. Family photos are no different! Make sure everyone stands where they look best; don’t try to get too fancy by moving them around too much. Family portraits don’t need to be a masterpiece; they’re just for family!
Let Everyone Get Involved!
While it’s great if you have your own photography business, or happen to be a professional photographer (or someone who knows how to use a camera), that’s not necessary. Family photos can be simple pictures of your whole family together in front of the fireplace or on the porch. Family time is important, so why not bring out the camera and make some unforgettable images?
Have Fun!
Family photos are all about capturing memories—make sure you do it right by having fun while doing it! It’s OK if the kids are making goofy faces, being silly or wacky posing with one another. Embrace the laughter and enjoy the moment. Family photos should be fun, and they’re definitely something everyone will look back at in the future. Family is very important, so take this opportunity to capture the memories!
Lock the focus
When taking photos of kids, you have to make sure that the focus is locked on them. You don’t want anything else in the background to be out of focus, because it will end up a distraction. Family portraits are all about your loved ones and what they mean to each other! So if there’s something in the background you just aren’t crazy about, then take it out using Photoshop or another editing program!
Keep it Simple
Family photos don’t need much manipulation or editing at all. Family portraits should be simple, colorful and bright—that’s why everyone looks their best when they stand beside the light source (either sunlight coming in from an outside area, or a lamp). Try not to use any special lighting techniques; just be natural and everything will work out fine! Family portraits are supposed to be fun, so don’t over complicate things. Just make sure you get the right exposure and focus on your subjects, then let the camera automatically take care of the rest!
Be Patient
Taking family portraits is all about getting everyone organized, making sure they look their best in front of the camera and capturing all the right moments as they happen. Family photos can be difficult because someone could always mess up or not pay attention while you’re trying to lock in that one special shot. Family snapshots are much different than individual photos; they require patience—that’s why it’s great if everyone works together towards that one goal: capturing family memories!
Be Creative!
Family photos can benefit from a little creativity. If you have kids at home, then be prepared for them to want to pose in a silly way—that’s OK! Family portraits are about capturing memories, and being creative is just one more way to do this!
However, if you find something is missing from your family portrait and feel the need to retouch or enhance it you can always edit your portraits to remove any imperfections.
Show Your Family Up Close
When taking family portraits, take advantage of the fact that everyone is together, get close and use natural light. Family photos look great when they’re all smiling together in front of the camera! Be sure to capture some up-close family moments like this. Family portraits can be full of emotion if you decide to include things like hugs or kisses—yes, even sibling rivalries need to be captured every once in while!
Capture your Family’s Personality
Family portraits should be memorable and capture your family’s personality. Family photos are a great way to showcase everyone’s unique interests, hobbies, or passions! Family photography is about more than just capturing the memories—it allows you to see one-of-a-kind moments as if they were captured in real time!
Without Family Portraits
If you do not like taking pictures of your family, try something new by trying to take pictures of them at home either with natural lighting from an outside area (like sunlight), use lamps for extra light source or even desk lamp etc., maybe you can also use flashes depending on your experience level. Family photography is all about capturing special moments and showing love toward each other. Family photos can also be about the memories of your family’s favorite hobbies—whatever they may be. Family photos are all about capturing fun and making sure everyone has a great time together! Family photography is one way to capture those special moments in life, so take advantage of this opportunity to create lasting memories with your loved ones!
Maintain Your Family Photo Album
Family pictures will always remind you of who is in it. Family photographs are just better when there is physical evidence around where you can see them first hand (not hidden away on a computer). Family photography comes from love and should show off who you spend most of your days with: your family and friends!
Shoot in Manual mode
Family portraits often require a lot of natural light so try not to use any other lighting. Family photography is all about capturing the right moments, so make sure you are prepared for anything! Family pictures usually include both posed and unposed shots, as well as many different candid photos. Family photographs should be full of life, fun and laughter! Family portraits can be complicated if you allow them to be; keep it simple by shooting in manual mode and letting the camera do most of the work!
Expression Is the Key
Family photography is all about showing love. Family portraits capture the essence of each individual and they should show this! Family photographs will be enjoyed for years to come, so make sure your family photo album is ready! Family pictures are known to include all the family’s favorite hobbies, events and specific times in life that you’ll always remember. Family photos are important because they can tell a story within themselves—can your photos do that?