Simple Tips for Great Family Portrait Photographs

Family portrait photographs are treasured and cherished in every family.  They occupy a place of pride in every home and are often passed on down generations.  They bring a smile to each member of the family every time they look at it.  Here are some tips to make sure that taking a family portrait photograph is an enjoyable and fun experience for everyone and that you end up with a great picture.

Lighting

Whether it is in the studio or outdoor, lighting is extremely important.  Make sure everyone’s face is well lighted.  Avoid very bright lights.  For outdoor portraits, take into account the backdrop.  If shooting around buildings or large trees, avoid shadows that could take the focus away from the family.  Similarly if you are taking the photographs in bright sunlight, take it from an angle where everyone can focus comfortably on the camera and do not need to squint.

Posing

For studio portraits, generally a formal pose works well.  Position each member of the family so that nobody is overshadowed or hidden.  Young children should be placed in front and taller members at the sides and the back.  For outdoor family portrait photographs, you can experiment more and go for a more casual look.  Get everyone comfortable and ensure each one is well positioned in the frame and you will get some great photographs.

Colors

Depending on the look you want, you can go for a natural color photo or try something more interesting like a black and white or an old sepia look.  This will give the portrait an old world look and also add a certain warmth to it.

Props

For indoor family portraits, props could range from a chair or side table to more dramatic props like an empty photo frame or even a musical instrument like a piano or a cello.  For outdoor shoots, props can be trees, boulders, flowers, toys, balloons, painted fences, boats and so on.

Have fun

Taking a family portrait photograph should be a fun event for everyone.  Firstly ensure that everyone is comfortable.  Give children space so that they do not get irritable or cranky.  Be sure to have fed and rested babies well before the shoot.  Make sure that older members have a comfortable place to sit in so that they are relaxed.  If there is a pet or pets, give them space and try not to get them too excited (this can be quite a challenge in an outdoor setting).  Finally, click lots of pictures in different poses and with a variety of expressions and you will definitely capture the essence of the family.