5 Tips for Taking Great Family Photos

One of my favorite ways of capturing everyday and some of my all time favorite moments in time with my family is using my camera. I’ll tell you everything you need to know with these tips for taking family photos. 

It’s important to take photos of the milestones, moments, and memories you have with your family. As they say – “the years are long, but the days are short.” Some of my favorite times are spent just sitting down with my kids to show them baby pictures or relive some of our best (and simplest) times through looking at old photos.

That family vacation, that first step, and that first time on the school bus can all be captured forever. I don’t think anyone would argue that it’s not important to take photos, but I know the $64,000 question is how do I take a great family photo? 1. Color Coordinate.  Coordinate, but don’t match. This puts too much pressure on you, running around trying to get matching shirts, pants, and accessories. Photos look better when everyone blends well, but not too much. It’s okay if one family member wears a simple design, but avoid intricate patterns. If in doubt of what to wear, go with a simple, solid-colored shirt.   2. Get In (Mom). I know that sometimes moms avoid photographic evidence of our existence. When we see ourselves in pictures, we worry we look too tall, short, thin, fat, or ______ (you fill in the blank). I know I am not the only one. Too much of our lives go undocumented and unseen. Stop it!   3. Use Sunlight. I love taking photos right before sunset. In the photography world, it’s called the Golden Hour. The last hour of sunlight. Avoid bright sunshine at noon. Getting a professional to take studio, local park or beach portraits in the late hours of the daylight can produce beautiful results. You can produce similarly beautiful photos by sorting out a photo session in the first hours of the morning sunlight, though it might be a bit colder! 4. Smile Naturally. Don’t say cheese, as it stretches your mouth in an unnatural way. Instead, say words that rhyme with yoga. Laughing to yourself before the photo is taken will bring out your natural smile. You can also place the tip of your tongue behind your front teeth to help your lips get into a more relaxed position (don’t show this, though).   5. Be Candid. Images of people doing things tend to be much more interesting than people sitting, doing nothing but posing. Allow the subject will to focus on something else and take their focus off the photographer. It adds context and a story. Wait until they are distracted and fully focused on what they are doing or who they are with. The purity of the moment will shine through and create a remarkable memory.

What’s important to you in choosing products for your family?