Are you trying to take memorable shots of your family, but you keep ending up with low-quality images? You’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re sharing invaluable tips for taking wonderful family photos. Be it a family portrait or candid shots of your family reunion, you’ll know all the secrets of the great photographers that will help you make an iconic family album for generations to look up to.
Choose a quality camera
First and foremost, operating with a good-quality camera is of the essence. You cannot expect to take excellent photos with a mobile phone, regardless of its camera. Investing in a decent camera will pay off in the long run, as it will capture photographs with priceless memories you can cherish forever. Unlike the one on a cell phone, a camera has the option of setting up the aperture, exposure, and all the essential settings that contribute to taking fantastic photographs. Don’t worry, the camera doesn’t have to cost a fortune, so you won’t have to break the bank to offer your family stunning photos.
Take candid photos
Aside from having a decent camera, it’s crucial to capture candid moments when the family least expects it. Family portraits look pretty and will make a stunning focal point in your living room, but candid photos depict a moment in a more genuine and heart-warming way. Wait for a kid to start giggling and hide away to prevent them from seeing you taking a snap if they’re shy. Blowing out candles on a birthday cake, parents dancing to their favorite song, and similar moments look splendid through the camera lens. To prevent having one person always missing from the photo, get a tripod or find a shelf, table or desk that’s tall enough to capture the family from a good angle.
Hire a professional photographer
Even with the best camera in the world, the photos won’t look good unless you have the eye for details. A professional photographer will know precisely what moment to capture and how to get the perfect angle. So, if you’re after one of those exceptional family portraits that leave everyone in awe the second they see it, hire a professional photographer to capture special events. If you’ve just had a baby and want the newborn’s first day captured uniquely, a professional photographer will take stunning photos you’ll fall in love with almost as much as you’ve fallen in love with your bundle of joy. Do you have a growing baby bump and want to have those moments captured in a photo? No problem. A professional photographer will know just how to take the best images and offer you memories for a lifetime.
Consider coordinating your wardrobe
Are you trying to get a Kardashian-like Christmas card family portrait? They’re one of the celebrity families that love making Christmas card portraits one-of-a-kind year after year. Look up to their practice by coordinating your wardrobe. On top of that, choose the setting that will complement your outfits. Not only will the photograph look aesthetically pleasing, but also professional.
Watch your lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in photography. Do you pay attention to the position of the sun when you take outdoor pictures? What about the position of the chandelier or a floor lamp when trying to capture an indoor moment? If you’re after a clear image where the object will be in focus and perfectly captured, the lighting should be behind the photographer, illuminating the object in focus. However, you need to pay attention that the lighting is high enough so that you wouldn’t be casting a shadow on the object you’re photographing. The same rule applies when taking a picture of an entire family or just one family member. For clear photographs, position lighting in the right place. During cloudy days or low light inside, a flash is a must.
Taking family pictures can be easy or a hassle. It all depends on the level of knowledge you have about photography and how talented you are. Some people have a knack for finding the ideal angle and snapping all the iconic moments. Others need a few tips like the ones we’ve listed to lead them in the right direction.