The busy season for family photography is underway! As you prepare for your session, here are five tips to consider for better family photos:
Let Me Do the Work During Group Shots
I aim for a mix of candid and posed group images during each family session. During posed family and extended family shots, leave it to me to get the attention of your children. All adults should gaze toward my lens and maintain their smiles, that way when your child does look at me, everyone in the frame is also looking. Otherwise, we’ll end up with everyone smiling except for mom or dad, who is instead pointing at the camera with an awkward mid-sentence expression! We’ll take little breaks to redirect children if necessary, and in between posing I’ll give your family prompts to elicit certain expressions for more candid images.
Buddy Up to My Lens
During family sessions, I like to get a few portraits of each child individually and then as a group. While I’m getting these shots, I recommend adults get as close to my lens as possible, even if that means squatting down and putting your head right next to it. This will coax your young children to look in the direction of the camera so that when we do get that smile or signature expression, it is toward the lens instead of off into the distance.
Watch Your Angles
Strategically position your body relative to my camera depending on whether you’d like to appear broader or slimmer. If you’d like to appear broader, stand square to my camera. If you’d prefer a slimming effect, turn your body so that you are at a slight angle to my camera.
…And Your Posture!
I love photographing parents standing while hugging their children, and I almost always see the same posture for the first few shots: the parent brings their child in for a snuggle and shifts their hips forward waaayyyy past their shoulders. It’s a sweet moment, but a wonky stance! Instead, guide your hips directly underneath your shoulders as you bring your face in toward your child. Standing shoulders over hips will result in a more flattering pose.
Bend Those Limbs and Avoid Dangling Hands
No need to stand like you’re in a lineup! Put a bend in your arm and leg closest to the camera and tilt your head toward another family member. Not sure what to do with your hand during standing poses? Slip it into your pocket or on the shoulder of your child. You’ll look and feel more natural during the session and your images will better show your family’s connection.
Have you scheduled family photos for this year?