Tips for Family Photos

Hi friends! If you’re looking for a photographer or planning on doing family photos this year, then this blog post is for you! After years of photographing families, I have put together my best tips for your family photos so you will have an awesome photography session!

Tip #1: Choose a photographer with an editing style & aesthetic that you really personally like!
Broadly speaking, there are three trends in photography styles: 1. dark & moody, 2. light & airy. 3. true-to-life.
As I’ve mentioned before, editing styles are completely 100% personal taste—one is not better than the other. I’ve seen incredibly talented artists in all genres.
If you’re looking for a photographer, it’s really important to hire one who already fits your aesthetic. Don’t hire a dark, moody, rich, desaturated photographer and ask them to edit light & airy for you, or vice versa. It takes years of practice to learn how to shoot in different lighting conditions and edit the photos according to a consistent style. It’s a LOT lot lot more complex than just slapping a filter on a photo and calling it a day. For these reasons, photographers can’t easily switch back and forth between styles. BUT ALSO—they probably don’t want to switch! Photographers are often really proud of their personal style and the consistent brand they’ve created! (This is our art, ya’ll!)
So my first tip is: figure out what kind of aesthetic & style you like in your photographs, and hire a photographer who excels & specializes in that specific thing! That way, everyone will be happy with the finished photos in the end.
Tip #2: Choose a photographer with an artistic philosophy that resonates with you.
Some photographers utilize a documentary style— purely photojournalistic candids. Some photographers like professional, polished, perfectly posed photos. Some photographers use ornate set-ups and Pinterest-worthy props. Some photographers shoot in a studio with fancy lighting equipment. And if they’re like me, some photographers love shooting out in a field at sunset. There’s nothing right or wrong about any of these styles & genres! But you need to hire a photographer who shoots exactly what you love.
Tip #3: When dressing for your photos, choose a timeless, polished wardrobe!
Think about what colors will look good hung up on your walls, which is where you'll be displaying your photos! Stay away from logos, writing on shirts, athletic wear, neon colors, bold patterns, or anything visually distracting.
Tip #4: When choosing your wardrobe: opt for neutral (white, khaki, gray, brown) & warm colors (mustard yellow, orange, red, burgundy, sienna).
These colors universally flatter skin tones, pair great with everything, and add warmth and vibrancy to your gallery. Solid colors are often the least distracting, which allow the viewer's eyes to focus on the authentic moment and expression.
Tip #5: When posing for photos, snuggle in close!
Avoid spaces or gaps by standing close enough to your partner that torsos or hips are touching. Generally speaking, the cozier you get in photos, the better they’ll look in the end!
Tip #6: Turn inward.
Honestly, you don’t even have to look at me! Physically turn your body inward to face your partner focus on your family. Focus on connecting genuinely with them, rather than 'cheesing' for the camera.
Tip #7: Always be touching.
People always ask, “what should I do with my hands?” in photos. It seems like suddenly we become self conscious of our upper limbs and aren’t sure where to put them! So I have the perfect solution: put them around your family! Avoid dangling arms by putting your arms naturally around your partner and children. Put your arms on their shoulder or behind their back. Sometimes I have guys put their hands in their pockets, but in general, make sure your hands are fostering intimacy and connection with your loved ones.
Tip #8: Interact playfully with your kids.
This is the trick to getting the best smiling photos! Here’s a few ideas for how to get authentic moments with your family: Sharing kisses. Telling each other secrets. Playing with their hair. Giving Hugs. Nuzzling noses. The possibilities are endless!
Tip #9: Love on your partner.
Here’s a few ideas for how to capture true connection with your partner or spouse: Kissing noses or foreheads. Cracking jokes to keep each other laughing. Giant bear hugs. Slow Dancing. PDA might feel weird at first, but that’s the trick to getting a gallery you’d love. And feel free to share these tips with your partner, so they know what to expect, too!
Tip #10 Make sure everyone has eaten before the photos.
I encourage everyone to eat a proper meal beforehand and also to bring snacks for toddlers. We don’t want anyone getting hangry in the middle of photos!

And that’s it, friends! With this awesome list, you’ll feel ready & confident to pick the perfect photographer, dress yourself timelessly, and pose like professional models for your upcoming family photos!