Take next-level family photos with these 5 tips

From: keh.com Sep-15-2024 11:21:am

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Tip 1:
Location, Location, Location

Before everyone starts picking outfits, you should settle on a location. In Atlanta, a popular portrait locale is the Beltline, an easily accessible trail circling the city with a variety of colorful urban settings. Having a location with a variety of backgrounds is ideal for giving the family some different looks.

Photo by Luca Eandi

Just don't make everyone stand in direct sunshine and call it a day—look for flat or diffused light. This will be more flattering and can help reduce squinting. Step into the shadows or use reflectors to even up the light when possible.

An overcast day is not your enemy—just have people wear colorful clothes or choose a lively background to brighten things up a bit.

Tip 2:
Dress accordingly

Many families are tempted to match outfits or go overboard on formality. Consider having everyone just pick their favorite casual outfit. Not only will they feel more comfortable in clothes they're used to wearing, it will also be a truer representation of who they genuinely are.

Photos by Courtney Coles and Jackie Parker

Tip 3:
Gear up for the big day

As far as what gear to bring, it never hurts to be prepared. Our own Luca Eandi brought his Fujifilm X-T1, three Fujinon lenses (18-55mm, 35mm, 60mm), a Manfrotto BeFree tripod, a flash (Nissin DI700A), a light modifier (Westcott Rapid Octa) and a reflector. "I didn't end up using the tripod, the flash or the modifier, but I did want the option in case I needed them."

Photos by Luca Eandi

When in doubt, stick to the basics. One camera and one lens may be all you need. Luca shot his next portrait session with the medium format Fujifilm GFX 50S and the Fujinon 63mm f/2.8 lens.

Don't just use traditional portrait focal lengths above 85mm, either. When capturing groups, it helps to go wider to get some of the surrounding environment in your shots.

SHOP ALL LENSES

Tip 4:
To pose or not to pose?

The more comfortable the family is with you, the more likely they are to be relaxed and natural. It helps when you have some rapport with them obviously, but it's also possible to build it up during the photo session.

Photo by Joseph Gonzalez

"I usually do a mix of posed shots and candids. For poses, I let the family huddle up, and make changes to my liking. If things are not working, I move on. I also shoot plenty of photos as people are getting ready and I try not to miss candid moments."
- Luca Eandi

When everyone's holding a pose, shooting in continuous mode will help you capture the right time when everyone smiles, looks their best and has their eyes open.

Humor helps to bring out smiles, especially when it's at your own expense. Genuine smiles are better than fake ones, so try to capture authentic moments when everyone's personality shines.

Tip 5:
Don’t overstay your welcome

Get the shots you need in less than an hour. These family sessions should be fun, so keep them short or kids (and even adults) may get bored and restless. About 20 minutes in is when everyone starts to feel comfortable and loose. That's when the best photos happen, so make the most of it. Hopefully, at the end, you'll have at least one shot that the whole family agrees on.