It’s 2023, and we’ve officially entered the age of the family photo shoot. More and more parents are setting aside time to take pictures of their kids and families, but it can be tricky to know where to start.
First, there is no wrong way to do it but to hire a photographer. According to IBISWorld, there are 293,339 photographers in the US as of 2023. Pick someone who is closer to you and whose style appeals to you.
If you’re looking for tips on getting started or want inspiration for your next shoot, here are five tips on achieving stunning Instagram-worthy family portraits every time.
Matchy-Matchy
Wearing matching pajamas is a great way to get your family in the mood for a photo shoot. Whether it’s a holiday or just another day, everyone will be more ready to have their picture taken if they know they have something fun to wear. You can even match it with accessories like shoes and hats.
As long as you stick with one color scheme, there are many ways you can get matching PJs for your family portrait. If you shop online, there are so many options available at any given moment that finding something that works may take some time but will be easy. Visit here to check out tons of matching PJs for families.
Pick a Location
The next step is to pick a location that is close to home. You want to choose a familiar place so the children feel comfortable and relaxed. Also, get a professional camera if you don’t already have one. The average cost for a digital camera in 2022 was $189.52, so you can choose one that fits your budget.
You also want to make sure you choose your location wisely. For example, if you’re going with nature, try not to pick a location that isn’t too busy. The last thing you want is for your family portrait session to be interrupted by tourists walking through the frame or kids running around screaming as they play hide-and-seek in tall grasses.
Finally, consider whether your chosen location has good natural or artificial lighting options. If your subject requires some extra illumination, make sure that the spot provides an ample supply of light sources nearby, whether from street lamps or outdoor lights strung up on trees throughout town.
Find the Right Light
When it comes to lighting, you want to find the right natural light. It can mean different things depending on where you are and the time of day. If you’re shooting indoors, try taking photos during daylight hours or in rooms that have large windows with direct sunlight coming in through them.
If possible, avoid harsh artificial lights like fluorescent bulbs and spotlights because they will make your subjects look washed out and unflattering. Get professional photography lights in this case, as they are better suited for this purpose. According to the Global Photography Lighting Equipment Market Research Report 2022, the market is projected to grow at a 13.6% CAGR from 2023 to 2029.
For outdoor shots, morning or late afternoon sun is typically ideal. It has a soft quality that is flattering for people’s skin tones and hair color. Morning light also helps create soft shadows that give depth and dimension to your images by creating beautiful catchlights in the eyes.
Layer Up with Textures
Using a variety of textures is a great way to create interest in your photograph. Think about the different surfaces you see around you, from wood and fabric to rocks and leaves.
These add beautiful textures that can be used as backgrounds for your family portraits. The best part is that they’re easy to find. If you have kids with an adventurous spirit, get out there and explore.
You can even use them in the foreground as well. Try placing a few flowers or small pebbles on top of a white wall or neutral-colored sheet. It will add depth and dimensionality while making the photo interesting from all angles.
Play with Props
You can use props to add color or fun, but they can also help you tell a story. If you plan to take photos inside your house, consider adding some seasonal touches. For example, pumpkins and fall leaves are great for October portraits. For spring pictures in April or May, try using brightly colored flowers.
There are many options available for outdoor shots at home or in nature. Think about what’s around you and how it could be used as a prop in your photo. You might not want any props at all! But if you decide to use them, make sure they’re complementary to the other items that make up the background of your shot.
Get Everyone to Cooperate
Getting everyone to cooperate is one of the most essential parts of shooting a successful family portrait. You don’t want anyone to be grumpy or uncomfortable, so you’ll need to set the mood and make it fun. Set up an area in your home where everyone will feel comfortable getting their photo taken. Maybe use some colorful props that match your look and feel., That way, when it comes to a shoot, people will be excited about what’s happening.
Setting up an area with space for everyone to sit down or stand up will make it easier for everyone involved in the shoot. Parents can relax while watching their children play around, kids can run around freely without worrying about bumping into furniture, and even pets can participate by bringing along their favorite stuffed animal toys.
Finally, if someone isn’t having fun doing this activity, then there’s no point in continuing. Be patient with your subjects until they warm up, and get used to taking photos together as a group before moving on from one pose/place into another.
Be Yourself and Have Fun
One of the most important things to remember when taking a family portrait is that you don’t want to stress out about it being perfect. Instead, have fun with your kids and make sure everyone has a good time! Everyone else will feel more relaxed if you can relax and let your guard down. Try making silly faces at each other or doing something silly together as a family. It doesn’t matter what it is so long as everyone is having fun. It will help make for some great photos in the end.
Conclusion
Let’s face it, taking family photos can be stressful. So many of us have tried to capture that perfect shot with our loved ones and failed miserably. But luckily, there are tricks to getting the best possible family portrait. And by following these tips, you’ll be able to ensure that your next photo shoot is a breeze.