12 Tips for Engaging Family Photos
It’s no secret that family photography is important. Whether you’re in need of a photographer for your own family, or you’re looking to hire someone to photograph others’ families, it pays to know how to find the right one.
We’ll go over 12 tips on how to engage with potential photographers and what questions you should ask when interviewing them.
What is the significance of family photos?
Family time is the best time. The memories created during family get-togethers are so valuable. I love seeing my parents and grandparents getting together for fun times – it’s priceless to me.
I also enjoy photographing families when they come into town, whether it’s just for a short visit or if they’re visiting while my kids are on vacation from school.
These photos are a way to cherish those memories even more.
In this blog post, we want to share 12 tips for engaging family photos that will help you create wonderful memories so you can look back on them with fondness during your busy life.
Many of the ideas in this article come from my own experiences photographing families and the ideas my clients have shared with me.
Starting with the basics
Here’s how you should plan a photography session ahead of time.
• Clothing should be perfect
Ask your client to choose their clothing carefully.
Don’t ask them or tell them what to wear, just let them pick the clothes that they feel most comfortable in! This will help with authenticity and will make for a much better photo session overall.
• Choose your location wisely
Start by asking your clients where they would like to take pictures so you can plan out the photo session.
Ask your clients where they would like to take pictures so you can plan out the photo session.
Suppose there is a specific place that they want to go to, don’t give them too many choices because this will just overwhelm them! Remember, people are not good decision-makers when they’re stressed or exhausted.
If there is a specific place that they want to go to, don’t give them too many choices because this will just overwhelm them.
Remember, people are not good decision-makers when they’re stressed or exhausted.
If you have more than one family coming in for their session and time is limited, then ask other families if it’s okay with the other family in order to make the best use of your time!
• Make your clients feel energized
Avoid having your clients arrive for their session feeling lethargic or hungry.
This will help them to feel relaxed and energized, which is what you want! They are more likely to give you the expressions that show true feelings if they aren’t stressed out by being uncomfortable.
Recommend that your clients be well-rested and well-fed.
12 tips for engaging family photos
Family photography is a great way to remember the people you love during special milestones. However, there are many things that can go wrong if you don’t plan ahead, so follow these tips for successful family photos.
1. Be sure to leave plenty of time to get ready for photography
Family photographs should be relaxed, and fun so make sure everyone is comfortable and ready to go before the photographer arrives.
2. Make sure everyone is dressed for success
Everyone who participates in family photos should be wearing something that makes them feel good about themselves so try to find colors or patterns that complement each other.
3. Avoid distractions
Family photographs can easily become cluttered with too many props, backgrounds, and other distractions. Try to keep the setting simple for a cleaner look that is easier on the eyes.
4. Plan ahead
Family photos can be a lot of fun, but they also tend to take up quite a bit of time, so try to plan things out in advance so you don’t feel rushed or short on time during your session.
5. Be sure to communicate with the photographer
Discuss what you think will make for a great family photo before your session starts, so everyone knows exactly what is expected from them.
6. Don't forget about the little ones
If there are young children in your family, it’s important that they feel included and comfortable during your family photos. Try to include them in the process of getting ready for your session by letting them help pick out clothes, choose a favorite toy or stuffed animal, etc.
7. Treat yourselves
A great way to end an unforgettable day of photography is with some delicious refreshments and snacks, so be sure to treat yourself at the end of the shoot!
Be sure to leave plenty of time to get ready for photography
Family photographs should be relaxed and fun, so make sure everyone is comfortable and ready to go before the photographer arrives.
8. Make sure everyone is dressed for success
Everyone who participates in family photos should be wearing something that makes them feel good about themselves so try to find colors or patterns that complement each other.
If you’re working with a big family, make sure everyone has their eyes open and looking at the camera.
9. Try natural expressions
Keep things moving (and get more natural expressions) by asking people to change positions every few seconds. And don’t worry about having too many photos! You’ll be glad that’s the case when it comes time to choose which photos will go in your album.
10. Try better poses
Try a variety of poses, from silly and intimate to serious and formal: pretend you have an intense discussion about politics, hold hands like newlyweds (you may want to warn the photographer if there are any single-family members), or snuggle up on the couch for a great family portrait.
11. Having fun is important
Remember, you’re having fun with this! You may even want to bring snacks or drinks along. Your photographer will love it too – they’ll be able to keep the atmosphere light and make sure everyone looks their best in every photo.
12. Involve children beforehand
If your children are still young enough that you need a family portrait, ask them what they want to do in their photo. The sillier, the better – and even if they don’t laugh during it, you will!
Final words
We have been photographing families for about five years now and have found that there are a few tricks to getting the best shots.
We all want our photos to be perfect, but let’s get one thing straight- they won’t ever live up to your imagination.
The key is finding something unique in each photo and capturing it. Here are 12 tips from our experience with family photography that will help you do just that.
Which tip did you like the most? Let us know in the comments.
About Us
Based in Missouri, Bright Focus Photography is a name of excellence in providing excellent photography services. Our exuberant services, dipped with a punch of humor, will be everything you need for your big day. By adding a hint of honesty, kindness, hard work, and fairness to our work, we stand out among many others for the effort we put into our work.