The Do's And Don'ts Of Family Portrait Photography

by Alex Melen on January 23, 2023

Do you want to take stunning family portrait photos that capture the bond of your loved ones? With a few simple tips, you can create beautiful family memories with professional-grade results. Here are the do's and don'ts of family portrait photography.

Plan Out a Location

A family portrait photography session can be enjoyable and memorable for everyone involved. To ensure family portrait photographs are the highest quality, it’s important to plan out a suitable location in advance. When selecting a location for your family portrait photography session, there are several things to consider.

Take into account the type of background you want in your photographs. Do you want a beachy backdrop or something more urban? Finally, prepare in advance so there are no unpleasant surprises. If weather conditions affect your plans, then make sure you have an alternative option available.

Hire a Professional Photographer

When capturing special moments with your family, a professional photographer is essential. Family portraits captures amazing memories and preserves them in photobooks to be enjoyed for generations. Hiring a professional photographer will ensure you get the best photos for your photobook. They have the latest equipment, editing software, and expertise needed to create timeless images of your family, making sure everyone has quality pictures to show everyone for years to come. Professional photographers make sure everyone looks their best for the important photoshoot. They understand lighting, environment, framing, and composition, which results in beautiful photographs that are sure to bring joy every time you look at them, whether they’re framed and hung up on your wall, in a picture frame on a shelf, or in your soft cover photobook.

Don’t Overcrowd the Photos

If you’re looking to capture a precious family moment with a portrait photography session, some definite “don’ts” should be kept in mind. The most important of these is not cramming too many people into the frame, as doing so can ruin the quality and feel of the entire photo. Not only will overcrowding make it difficult to get everyone in focus and well-lit, but it takes away from the intimacy of your family portrait. When deciding who should be included in your family portrait, or in different pictures for the family album, it's important to consider which relatives or close friends bring out the best in each other when they’re together. You don’t have to include everyone in your extended family, just those who create an atmosphere of joy and comfort when they’re present.

Don’t Match Outfits

One of the biggest mistakes people make is coordinating outfits for their family portraits. Matching outfits can take away from each person's natural beauty in the photo, and make pictures look stiff and posed. Instead, opt for more subtle color coordinations and individual style choices. Family portraits should be about capturing a moment in time, not everyone wearing matching clothes, or matching styles.

When choosing individual outfits, pick colors that complement each other, without being too similar. Let each family member choose an outfit they feel comfortable in that reflects their personality and style.

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