Family photography can pose unique challenges for even the most seasoned photographers. For one, family photos require you to deal with a group of people in one shot. That means more variables to consider during the shoot—each person’s pose, blocking, and if everyone is looking at the camera, just to name a few. However, taking family photos can also be a rewarding project as you get to see the joy on the family member’s faces while they share special moments with their loved ones.
If you’re a photographer who wants to specialize in the field of family photography, here are some tips to set you on the right path:
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1. Get to Know Clients Better
Family photos are more intimate in the sense that they focus on the relationships of the people involved in the shoot. It’s not enough that you’re able to fit the entire family in the shot—your photo should also showcase their warmth and closeness, as well as a glimpse of their family dynamics. All these will be extra challenging to do if you barely know the family.
With that in mind, photographers who want to specialize in family photography should be willing to extend extra effort to get to know their clients even before the shoot. This could be done by sending them a questionnaire, meeting with some family members to discuss their expectations, or even asking to look at old family photos they feel comfortable to share. These can help you build an idea of how to facilitate the shoot and clue you in on how the client wants their family to be seen in the photos.
2. Choose Locations Wisely
With several people involved during a family photo shoot, stress can quickly pile up as people start feeling tired or irritable. To prevent such instances, keep in mind to choose a location they’ll feel comfortable in, such as a large studio where everyone will have enough space to move about. If you don’t have a studio of your own, then you can always just opt to rent one for the shoot. A quick online search of “photo studio hire near me” can net you affordable and inspired set pieces that can also help elevate the photos you’ll be taking.
However, some families may want an outdoors shoot in particular. In this situation, suggest for the shoot to start early. Children may be easier to deal with in the mornings as they’ve just had a full night’s rest. The adults will also be less tired, as opposed to setting the shoot later in the day.
3. Opt for Dynamic Poses
Working with a group of people for a shoot doesn’t mean your only pose option is to have them stand or sit in a line. Instead, aim to capture the family in their element. Let siblings or cousins play with each other, put the aunts and uncles together while they chat about random topics, or have the grandparents share a moment with their grandkids. SThe last thing you want is to end up with a stiff-looking family photo, so try to encourage as many candid moments as you can.
Another tip is to always ask the family members to move a bit closer to each other while posing for formal shots. Have them touch and be affectionate with each other—hugs, leaning against someone’s shoulder, or kids playing with each other can make for more interesting shots. At the end of the day, being able to showcase the love between family members is your main goal, even if it means the positioning won’t be as precise as you want it to be.
4. Adapt to the Family’s Limitations and Requests
Being a family photographer means being able to easily adapt to the limitations and requests of the client. For instance, if elderly people will be involved, then tailor your shots in a way that won’t have grandma and grandpa shifting constantly from one position to another. Move the people around them instead to vary your shots without having to tire them out.
Similarly, if there are requests such as particular family members wanting to be next to each other in the shot, then be sure to accommodate them. This can make them feel much more relaxed and comfortable, which in turn can help you get more natural shots.
5. Make Each Photoshoot Fun
It’s a must for anyone wanting to specialize in family photography to have the creativity and flexibility to come up with various ways to make a photoshoot an enjoyable experience. Depending on the family you’re working with, you can ask parents to bring their kids’ favorite toys to keep the little ones in a good mood during the shoot or get the family pet involved in the photos. All these can contribute to more organic and authentic photos.
Working with families as a photographer is a one-of-a-kind experience, one that allows you to meet people from different backgrounds and to see the bond they share with each other. Here’s to hoping the tips in this article can help you improve your approach when taking family photos for the satisfaction of your future clients.
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