Family photos; you couldn’t avoid them even if you wanted to. Taking family photos shouldn’t have to be so stressful. People dread the prospect of taking family photos because most of the time tensions run high during these photoshoots, and you often end up with the stiffly-posed photographs that no one cares to look at. To make sure that you leave a lasting impression in your photographs, consider some of these helpful tips.
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1. Dress to impress
Source: Click Magazine
As a general rule, when posing family photos, try as much as possible to coordinate your outfits. Come up with the main outfit to make everything look cohesive for the photoshoot.
An example would be dressing up in neutral colors that are easy on the eye when it’s time to display in a room with muted tones. However, if you like bold colors, then, by all means, go for them. Just make sure that everyone else gets the memo, and you are not the odd one out in a
bright purple outfit in the family Christmas photo. Your outfit options will also depend on the season. You will look awkward in your layers in summer when everyone is in light clothes.
So when picking your clothes, consider the weather and season. It is better to be overdressed than underdressed. As the saying goes, it is better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Sometimes, while striving to be relaxed, you get lazy and go for a ‘relaxed’ outfit.
Don’t be lazy; get dressy. Your photos will come out looking so much nicer, and after you pick one for the family Christmas card, you can create a photo collage with the rest of them and hang them proudly on your wall. For the photo collage online I would suggest you to visit Canvas Factory.
2. Get the perfect backdrop
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A good backdrop sets the mood and tone of the pictures. The best setting is one with plenty of natural light. So consider having your photoshoot outside unless you’re working with a photographer who has a quality natural-light indoor studio.
The outdoors are best, especially if there are young children in the family. The children will have plenty of space to run around and have fun, that the photoshoot will not feel like a chore. With as much fun as everyone will be having, there will be a relaxed atmosphere, and the smiles will come out naturally. There will be fewer tears and fewer tantrums thrown too.
3. Avoid clichéd poses
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You are more likely to take a bad photograph if you have the wrong pose. Avoid poses that make the photo look forced, such as the prom posed, which is too formal and not in a good way. Strive to go with a casual pose that looks natural. You want the photograph to showcase the family and not the pose.
Try experimenting with different poses and use props for more unique ones. Photos of you lying down with your feet propped behind you seem like a good idea, but it is not ideal in a family photoshoot setting. Instead of lying down, try sitting down so that you are at a level with the children. This pose will look much more casual and not contrived.
As much as possible, try to ensure that you are facing the camera. After all, the focus is on the faces of the family members. A pose such as turning to kiss a baby’s cheek is a big no-no for a family photo. We all know that it is an adorable pose, but it is just not suitable for a family photo. Glancing at each other or a baby is okay because the face is still visible, and it also shows a sense of love and closeness.
If you are older than two years, keep your feet firmly on the ground. As such, the piggyback pose is out of the question for a family photograph. It is okay for an engagement photo, though.
If you want to change things up a bit, get the little ones to stand between the adults and hold their hands. This way, you will get a bit of movement, and the pose will feel natural. You are also creating balance for the little ones, especially those who have not yet learned to walk.
If you feel the pressure to pose, talk to your photographer. Make sure that you share the same vision with them. The photographer might also guide you through the poses that feel natural so that your pictures come out looking marvelous.
4. Treat yourself before the photoshoot
Source: Erika Barker
Before the photo session, you need to be relaxed, and that mood needs to last throughout the session, which is why it’s an excellent idea to treat yourself. You can have a beauty treatment where you get your hair and nails done, cleanse your face, do your makeup, and coordinate your outfit with your accessories and shoes.
Basically, do whatever it is that makes you feel beautiful and confident inside and out. Having a beauty treatment will relieve the pressure of trying to look your best during the actual photoshoot, sucking your stomach in an attempt to look slimmer. When you’re relaxed, it will show in your photos.
5. Don’t forget to have fun
Source: Sweet Captcha
The most important thing when you are with family is to have fun. So try as much as possible to enjoy the moment and time you are spending with your family. Play around with the poses, laugh, and goof around with the others, and before you know, the session has ended.
When you are having fun and laughing during the photo session, it will be easier to take candid photographs that show more depth than the posed ones. Another important thing is to be yourself and do what feels natural to you. As long as you are having fun, the photos don’t have to be perfect but they can be wonderful.
A photograph tells a story. Make yours so unique that everyone wants to know the story behind it.
