8 Ways to get Great Family Pictures
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I could try to waste your time and go on and on about the value of capturing memories with your family. However, you probably clicked on this blog because you already either feel that way or have some interest in the topic. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just someone with a cell phone, there is always room for improvement. Without further a due, here are 8 of some of the ways I personally use to get great family pictures.
Create Triangles
This is a very basic and a classic pose, especially for beginners. As with the example above, have everyone face the camera, smile and pay attention to make sure that heads are not overlapping each other. Everyone’s face should also be clearly visible. This can be especially challenging with children involved but be patient. Place young ones in the front of the group or have adults who are either short or can kneel go to the front as well. The way the heads look at the end, reminds us of triangles!
2. The Loner
Some of these tips help to fabricate that candid look to your photography session and that is very popular these days. Remember, your goal is to capture memories so the days when people stood like robots staring expressionless at the camera are gone with the 1800s. In this first candid pose, Do a group shot but have one apart doing their own thing. It makes it seem like you caught them just “chilling out”.
3. Freestyle
I get it, some people like to have a hand to play in everything happening but STOP! A great way to set yourself up for success is to just have the family interact in the way they would even if you’re not there. This requires a lot of patience if you hope to maintain proper composition but the results can go a long way. Its very hard to fabricate a real smile and a real hug so it might be worth it to let them “freestyle”.
4. Stunt Show
Get someone jumping and it looks great under almost any genre of photography. As long as you’re careful, when you put people in a fun but almost uncomfortable situation you can force a genuine reaction. Be sure to have them kick their feet back and hey, I’m not cheating, married couples are also family!
5. Bored Games or is it Board Games?
Board Games is a great way to get the family to forget that they are getting their picture taken. Break out a game of snakes and ladders or monopoly and watch how quickly they forget that there is weirdo with a giant camera lurking. Just make sure it doesn’t get too competitive, we don’t want to capture people in their worst behavior lol!
6. Love language
Have you ever been asked “What’s your love language?”
Chances are, you have. Because the concept — first created by counselor and pastor Gary Chapman, unpacked in a series of books, and picked up by many others — has spread far and wide. The five love languages refer to the five simple ways that we want love to be shown to us and the ways that we show others love.
Love language #5: Physical touch
Expressing the language of physical touch can be as platonic as giving a friend an enthusiastic fist-bump when she tells you about landing an interview for a dream job or as intimate as a kiss with your partner to mark the end of the workday.
I know that for some parents with young children, spending too much time in the same small space has created a rub — literally. They’d do anything to have fewer people touching them fewer hours of the day. At the same time, for those living alone or those self-isolating because of their exposure or health risks, they’re experiencing the painful opposite: a lack of touch.
Love languages are a worthwhile concept to become fluent in during this time in the world. Encourage your clients to kiss, hug, and touch each other where appropriate and applicable!
7. Gravity Doesn’t Exist
Well, I’m be facetious because gravity does exist but you wouldn’t be able to tell by looking at this picture! I certainly wouldn’t recommend trying to toss an adult in the air unless you’re absolutely careful but man does it make for a great picture. It’s far more applicable for small children but I can’t stress enough how careful you and your client have to be to attempt this.
8. Track and Field
How many times have you seen others or have your kids gleefully run away from you when you’re trying to corral them? It can be frustrating if youre trying to get them to relax for a moment but in this case, try letting them run free. That gleeful and blissful innocence they have will make for beautiful photos as long as the parents are along for the fun for once!
Bonus Tip
This tip is a reminder that it’s super weird for your clients to have someone lurking around with a camera taking pictures of them, especially children, Be patient as people get accustomed to your presence as the photoshoot goes along and gently remind them to act like you’re not there. You are a fly on the wall there to capture a magical moment forever!
VLOG
Yohance Bailey, recently voted as the Best Photographer in Broome County New York shares some photography tips for beginners and hobbyists alike!
