Capturing a large group, especially when doing family photography, can be tricky for many reasons. You might struggle to find the perfect pose, get the kids to cooperate, and even find the best shooting angle for yourself.
Furthermore, if you’re shooting outdoors, you might also struggle to strike a balance between your camera settings and the ambient lighting. This challenge is not limited to beginners or amateur photographers; even professional family photographers often encounter this issue and may benefit from some tips and ideas to capture the best shots.
That said, here are some professional tips for family photos to help you capture unique family portraits.
A. Before anything else,
1. Try to understand the vision
In fact, before anything else, try to understand the reason behind the family photo shoot. Understanding your clients’ visions can help you plan a better session for them.
2. Find out the actual size of the group
Ask about the number of family members that will come for the photo shoot so you’ll know how to plan the scene and poses ahead.
3. Find out the number of kids in the family
If it’s an extended family photoshoot, ensure you ask about the number of kids in the family so you can determine how many props to bring.
4. Ask for a shot list
Another important tip is to ask for a shot list or create one yourself for the family. A shot list is a document that outlines specific shots that need to be captured during a photoshoot.
5. Discuss locations
In some cases, your clients may already have a specific location in mind for their family photo session. At other times, you might be given the opportunity to decide for them.
If it’s the latter, discuss the features of the top outdoor locations nearby and allow them to decide by themselves. This is because every family is unique!
If you don’t know the top places for photo shoots in your area, I’d highly suggest you take a day off to drive around your city and find them. Don’t forget to exchange contact information with the heads of those places.
6. Find out how they want to receive the images
Furthermore, ask to know whether they want to receive the images in an album or as digital prints. This will help you determine how much to charge them for your service.
7. Talk about your charges
If you don’t currently offer packages, you can ask about their budget and negotiate the fees for your services.
If you want to be on edge when it comes to negotiation, I’d highly suggest you draft at least three different family photoshoot packages for family photography.
B. Before the photo session
8. Dresses and colors
Unless it’s a themed family photoshoot, encourage the family members to wear outfits they will be very comfortable in. It’s also important they dress for the weather.
Regarding colors, solid colors are usually the best for pictures. Nonetheless, encourage them to come with any outfits of their choice.
9. Pack and ready your equipment
To avoid forgetting anything, I strongly recommend packing your tools a couple of hours earlier. Here’s a reminder of the list of tools you’ll need for outdoor family photography:
- Wide-angle lens
- Tripod
- Reflector
- Lens filters
- Lens hood
- Lens cleaning kit
Furthermore, ensure that all equipment is in good working condition before leaving your base.
10. Encourage the family members to rest well
Some family members may feel nervous about a photo shoot, with some worrying about their appearance. Reach out to reassure them not to stress but instead focus on getting enough rest and having a good meal before the day.
11. Grooming and personal care
If it’s not an emergency family photoshoot, encourage them to consider new haircuts, styles, and makeup before the portrait session.
12. Always keep to time
Ensure you reach the shooting location at least 30 minutes before the family members arrive. Once you get there, explore the surroundings, look for new, interesting features and beautiful natural backdrops, and try to optimize your camera settings.
C. During the photoshoot
13. Posing the family members
Start with posing the parents, and include the kids when they are ready. If they’re aged people in the family, consider taking their shots first.
14. Don’t make them stand for long
Our profession as photographers may have made us used to standing for long, but our clients are not! So, keep every pose brief and beautiful.
15. Make them comfortable
Regardless of the location, treat them as if they’re in your studio. Remember, they had several other options before hiring your service. So give them your possible best, at least the quality they paid for.
16. Dealing with the pets
Some family members may bring their pets, which can be challenging to control. In this case, you can use pet-related props to entice and keep them busy until you’re ready to capture or include them in the portraits.
17. Dealing with the kids
Photographing children can be challenging. They often move quickly, don’t follow instructions, and do as they please during photoshoots. To get their attention or make them cooperate, you must act funny and friendly, and also entice them with props.
18. Observe their body language
Try to observe their body language when taking the pictures. Watch out for signs of fatigue and displeasure over certain poses, and change styles or poses if necessary. Don’t forget to take breaks in between the photoshoots.
19. Keep the atmosphere lively
A dull atmosphere may result in uninteresting images. So, lighten up the atmosphere with good music and jokes.
20. Capture the details
If you need to get close, get close. If you must use a zoom lens, use it. Whatever you do, ensure you capture the tiny details -the little things happening that no one else but you is seeing. It could be a baby looking at her father’s eyes unusually or trying to snatch away a toy from a pet.
21. Try different settings
Don’t limit yourself to a single camera setting; instead, explore different options. In fact, I highly recommend capturing each picture using two different settings.
22. Make them smile
An easy way to make family members smile during a photo shoot is to show them the images you’ve just captured. This will not only make them smile, but it will also make them adjust their postures during the next shot. If your camera isn’t connected to a computer, you can display the photos on your camera’s LCD screen.
23. Don’t forget to compose your shots
Look for natural elements, such as roads and trees, and add them to pictures. This will make the portrait appear well-composed, detailed, and natural.
24. Capture candid moments
Posed photos are good, but unposed moments are the best. So, watch it for candid moments and capture them as they happen.
25. Get close and fill the frame
Get close to capture and fill the frame with their facial expressions and emotions.
26. Use props sparingly
Don’t overuse props. Instead, choose and use only props that are meaningful or relevant to the family’s theme or story and keep everything relaxed.
27. Be patient
Don’t rush the process. It may take time to capture the perfect shot, so be patient.
D. After the photoshoot
28. Selecting the images
Transfer all the shots from your camera to a computer and ask them to select their best photos. These are the ones they’re going to receive.
29. Post-processing
Import the selected images to your photo editor and carefully enhance their quality.
30. Deliver the pictures within the time frame
Lastly, ensure you deliver the final family photos to your clients before the stipulated deadline. This will help you earn their trust.
I hope you found these tips for family photos easy and interesting. Before you go, kindly check out the article below to learn the best family photo poses.