Great Family Photos

A family portrait is something that will hang in your home for a long time. So, you want to ensure the result is one that you like. Whether you want something serious or fun, it’s important to have a strategy when you work with the photographer.

I’m here with some tips to help you get the best family photography possible.

How to Choose a Photographer for Family Photography

If you’re hiring a professional photographer in Erie, PA, be sure to interview several candidates so you choose the right one. You also want to determine his or her specialties to make sure they do a lot of family portraits.

Talk to them and learn about their family portrait ideas to make your shoot is special. Above all, you want to be comfortable with the person so the shoot will go well and you end up with images you love.

Cost of Family Portrait Photographers

Many people make the mistake of deciding on family photography based only on price. While everyone has a budget in mind, not every photographer is equal. Basing your decision on cost alone can result in a disappointing experience when your Family Photos are delivered. You can read a little more about what to expect for Family Photography cost by reading our helpful article about it.

Choosing a Location for a Family Portrait

Choosing the best location for a family portrait is one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make. You need to choose the setting that will best suit your family.

Do you want the session to be inside or outside? In your home or some other outdoor setting, such as the beach, park, or a field of flowers? Think about the type of background you want, too. 

If you don’t have a specific location in mind, ask the photographer for suggestions. No doubt he or she has shot in many different places. 

Choosing What to Wear

You want to choose your wardrobe carefully. That doesn’t mean you have to wear matching outfits. I don’t recommend that.

It’s better to choose coordinating or complementing colors. Maybe everyone can wear a shirt in a shade of blue or go with something basic like black and white. I suggest you choose no more than two main colors and then mix it up with neutral tones such as khaki.

Take Advantage of Your Surroundings

You want to make sure you use the best features of your surroundings. If you’re on a beach, use things like the water and patterns of the sand. Find other features such as tall grass, rock formations, or things in the background, such as a lighthouse or boat on the water. 

Maybe you want to frame the family under the branch of a tree or the rising hillside in the background. 

Best Types of Portrait Photography

The Art of Posing

Coming up with poses can be a challenge, especially when you’re dealing with kids or pets. Little ones will have limited patience for being still. One good tip is to stay away from “posing” and instead let the photographer capture everyone acting naturally.

If you’re in the woods or a field, try walking together. With children, try to capture their interest with a flower, shells, or some other object in your surroundings. This may help them slow down long enough for the photographer to get in a few good shots.

It’s also best to stay away from straight lines or rows. Groupings and diagonal lines work better in pictures, adding interest and dynamics to the shot. You can also try different heights, with some people sitting while others stand or lean.

The photographer will also have family photographer poses to try.

Bend Those Body Parts

A bunch of people standing around will result in stiff, awkward poses. One good rule of thumb is to bend body parts whenever possible. Not only will it make the subjects more comfortable, but it will also result in more natural-looking photographs.

Some ideas:

• Shift your weight to one foot and aim your hip away from the camera
• Put one hand in your pocket, leaving your thumb on the outside
• Hook a finger through your belt or belt loop
• Lean forward and put your weight on one hip
• Sit down and rest the elbow farthest from the camera on a raised knee
• Sit down and raise one knee, keeping the other foot flat on the ground
• Lean back against an object and cross one foot over the other
• Crouch on the ground

These poses will create interesting angles that draw the eye across the portrait.

Dealing with Kids

I touched on this briefly, but the subject deserves more attention. Children can be notoriously difficult to capture. Simply telling them to be good and smile can turn the session into torture, resulting in tears and tantrums.

Instead, make the session a fun outing. Bring props to keep them entertained, which equals smiling and laughing subjects for the camera. Things like bubbles, a ball, flowers, or a favorite toy work well.

Rather than have kids sit still and pose, allow them to run around and leave it to the photographer to capture them at the right moment. Good family photographers have a lot of experience wrangling kids so they may have their own tricks and suggestions. 

Dealing with Pets

Photographing pets is also challenging, and talking to them doesn’t always work. 

It’s a good idea to prepare your pets in advance. Get them used to the camera by taking lots of pictures beforehand. You also want to make sure your pet is clean, particularly dogs who tend to get dirtier. 

If you’re using a photographer, allow him or her to get to know your pet before the shoot. Some dogs are naturally nervous or unsure around strangers, while others will jump up and lick anyone. Again, a good family photographer will have worked with animals before so he or she should have their own tricks.

If you’re planning to include your dog or cat, make sure to inform the photographer. He or she should have ideas for how to get the best results.

Book Erie Photography, Photographer Services for Your Wedding or Next Event.

Erie Photography™

Erie Wedding & Event Services
Wedding Disc Jockey | Erie Photography | Wedding Photo Booth | Wedding Videography
1001 State Street, Suite 1400, Erie, PA 16501
814.246.2148 | info@general-mead.flywheelstaging.com | www.general-mead.flywheelstaging.com

Your Family Photo Shoot

Begin Planning Your Family Portraits

A family portrait is something that will bring back memories for years to come. Make sure you plan ahead so you get the best results. If you’re looking for a professional photographer for family portraits, weddings, or newborn photographs in Erie, PA, Erie Photography is here to capture the special moments in your life.

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