How To Get Natural Pictures Of Your Family
When you are hoping for natural pictures of your family but aren't exactly sure on how to make that a reality, there are a few things that can help you with that:
CHANGE YOUR PHOTO MINDSET
One of the keys to taking better real-life pictures of your family is to let go of thoughts of "perfect" portraits.
Parents easily get wrapped up in worrying that their kids aren’t “doing it right.” If your intention is to document a milestone or a moment, there is no need for your kiddo to look at the camera for the picture – that completely changes the occasion you are trying to document. I truly believe that we cannot direct anything as interesting as real life.
What I’m trying to say is, don’t worry about your kiddo throwing a tantrum in pictures, for example—all kids act nuts sometimes! You can entertain your kiddo’s boyfriends/girlfriends with those silly moments later in life – like my parents did.
STAY PRESENT WITH YOUR FAMILY
If your goal is to take staged photos and have your kiddos look at you for the sake of the picture, you will quickly use up a lot of quality time getting frustrated that the pictures aren’t turning out the way you hoped. If you stay present, engage with your kiddos or partner, and just react to things as they come, you'll have an easier time getting natural pictures of your time together.
PLAN FOR A FAMILIAR LOCATION FOR YOUR PICTURES
Staying at home, going to your favorite beach, visiting grandma – being in any environment where you are already comfortable will help you and your family to get into a natural groove. Your usual (or brand new!) activities will be a good distraction from the camera.
ALLOW PLENTY OF TIME FOR PHOTOS
If your kids need a while to warm up to your camera or a photographer, make sure that you have allotted plenty of time for the activity you want to photograph. Rushing through can make your kiddos – and you – feel stressed out, which will show in pictures.
PHOTOGRAPH REGULAR EVERYDAY ROUTINES
When your family is occupied with something you usually do, you don’t care about the camera as much. Maybe you’d like to capture your typical Sunday morning with pancakes, PJs, and messy hair snuggles? Hiring a photographer will help you stay present with your kids.
THE MORE THE MERRIER?
Sessions with a photographer (that's me!) don’t have to include just the core family – maybe you have a bestie family, and want to document a typical BBQ afternoon you spend with them.