Tips for taking successful family photos
Over the years, I have often been asked what my tips are for taking great family photos. It has been rumbling around in my head for a while now… so I will go with it as I think. It doesn’t matter what order I do this post in..
How should we dress?
First, since the sessions are an hour and a half or two hours long, I often recommend planning 30 looks. It can be un more chic look (for everyone): a nice dress for girls and clean shirts/pants for guys. As if you were going to a famous restaurant where you have to dress up or "look your best" haha! And a more casual look or relaxed. For example, everyone in jeans, sneakers or sandals in summer, everyday clothes. And the colors? I like neutral colors, blue/gray/brown/beige with a pop of bright color, red/orange/yellow/pink. You have to try to avoid sweaters with logos and things written on them. Clothes that could age badly…
Here are some examples of families where I found the linens to be well coordinated!
Have fun and enjoy yourself
It's important as parents to tell yourself that you don't have 100% control over anything during a photo shoot. Children can't stay still and smile for long minutes, all while looking at the camera! It doesn't take long for them to find it endless and boring! Children should be allowed to play, make faces and be themselves.. I really like it when the family has fun together, what's better than parents to make their children laugh and vice versa! I always have a little puppet with me, just to have a few photos where the children look at the camera and laugh naturally: there's nothing worse than a forced smile, parents notice it right away! More than one child wanted to leave with this puppet! If only they knew how useful it is!
Have photogenic accessories with you
Provide toys to entertain the little ones is always useful and fun. It can be a balloon, a small truck for the child to ride in, a Halloween costume. For the accessoiries It could be sunglasses, hats, scarves, big hickeys. Or why not bring your dog, if you have a dog? It's so representative of families when they bring their dog I think!
No need to always look at the camera
It's a reflex that we all have, to look at the camera in front of us. To smile and wait for the photographer to click. The older the children are, the more I have to remind them not to necessarily look at the camera. While I really like it when parents observe their children and their sometimes very funny expressions. I like it when everyone exchanges or plays together. I like it when there isinteraction between all family members : we are far from frozen and fake smiles. I often recommend little things to do when the family has no more ideas. Like taking a walk, placing the children on each other's shoulders, giving each other big hugs, tickling, kissing each other, etc.
Other tips for taking successful family photos:
- Feeding your children before the session
- Bring water, juice, snacks in case they are still hungry
- If you have young children, a stroller is good for carrying all your things. Or a carry-on if you have several accessories, toys or clothes.
- Have Kleenex, wipes or washcloths on hand in case of need.
- Promise a small reward so that the session goes well: a trip to a restaurant/snack for example, a favorite chocolate or an activity that you haven't done for a long time.
Did you like these tips for taking great family photos? You can visit my family portfolio ici to see even more examples!