How to Take Better Family Pictures?

If there’s one thing in this world, other than time that’s irreplaceable, it’s truly your family. Your family is something that carries so much value and importance in anyone’s life. They are your support system and building blocks, blood relations that go deep down into making you feel the best version of yourself.

And no matter what joyous occasion it may be, preserving those precious moments in time with your family members is what it’s truly all about. After all, wouldn’t you want to go down memory lane, years from now and glance over these clicks while sipping over a cup of coffee?

Weddings and other celebratory events call for a variety of portraits and family pictures are usually considered to be at the top of the list. So what’s the secret that goes into producing that picture perfect click on film?

Well in case you happen to be wondering what the answer to that question is, we’ve got some great news for you. Here are our top tips on how you as a photographer can take better family pictures. 

Take on the role of a director

Getting that traditional family portrait requires a little extra effort and that means taking on the role of a director. Working with a large group of people requires a little extra skill and effort. You need to be demanding and controlling if you wish to get that pose and expression on point. We promise you that your clients will thank you in the long run.

Remember to always put your subjects at ease

The classic shot isn’t something everyone is good at capturing so why not go the extra mile and flex out those creative muscles the right way. Engineer fun and a little spontaneity into your blood and make your subjects feel at ease.

Indoor lighting should be spot on

Lighting is very important and indoor situations are no exception. If you happen to be shooting on the inside and are unable to afford those expensive lighting conditions, then sunlight is your best bet at getting you a picture perfect family portrait. Avoid the use of flash unless you are using a diffuser to assist you.

Outdoor lighting conditions to nail

Let your imagination do the talking when it comes to capturing clicks of your loved ones in outdoor conditions. It’s super important to take into consideration the fact that your backdrop and sunlight are in coordination. The last thing anyone would ever appreciate is a family portrait where unappealing shadows obstruct the subject that should be focused upon.

Squinting subjects must be avoided at all costs

As much as many people may deny, squinting is a very frequent habit performed by the masses. And for those that think it looks good on film, you surely need to think again. Squinting not only produces odd expressions on the subject but makes the subject appear uncomfortable. Many of the times, the subjects are squinting because the lighting conditions are created in a manner that makes squinting unavoidable. And sunlight happens to play a major role in all of this.