Family Pictures: Tips & Ideas

It happens about this time every year.  The anxiety.  The stress.  The dread.  Yep – it’s time for  family pictures.  The pressure’s on for every woman to wrangle the kids and hubby together into trendy, coordinating (but not too matchy) outfits – in an attempt to capture (ever elusive) natural smiles for a “picture perfect” holiday card.  What’s a girl to do?

Well, never fear – because we are here!  And you are gonna LOVE us after this post! 

We’ve racked our brains and searched all over Pinterest and Blog Land, and gathered the best tips and ideas for this year’s family photos.  Yep, just for you, we’ve compiled…

“The Ultimate Family Picture Planning Guide”

From choosing your photographer, location, props, poses, and clothes… all the way to tips for looking good in front of the camera and getting your kids (and husband) to cooperate – we’ve got you covered!

And if that isn’t enough, to keep you super organized and ahead of the game, we’ve even hooked you up with a…

So say goodbye to all that stress.  This year’s pictures are gonna be a breeze.  We’ve done most of the work for you.  Just sit back, relax, and prepare for some serious photo inspiration…

The Photographer

Consider these tips when choosing and working with a photographer…

1.  Ask for recommendations! 

(You can just choose us ;)

2.  Look at their portfolio/ website.  Usually, what you see is what you get.

3.  Check their work to see if they are used to working with kids, a large group, etc. (we are...)

4.  You don’t have to pick the  most expensive photographer in town, but remember that this is an investment of your memories.  And I’ve never heard anyone say, “I wish I would have spent the least amount of money possible on our photos.”

5.  Schedule in advance!  Talented photographers usually fill up fast, especially on weekends.  And you may have to reschedule if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

6.  Know what you want and communicate it to your photographer ahead of time.  A discussion about the style, location, props, and poses you’re planning on can work wonders to get you on the same page.

7.  Rely on your photographer for suggestions, and value their opinion.  While you don’t want to be completely at their mercy- they are, after all, the professional.

The Location

You’re not restricted to a portrait studio these days!  Outdoor photography offers natural lighting for beautiful pictures and endless options.   Check out these tips to narrow them down…

8. Drive around and pay attention to different areas near you that would make beautiful and creative backgrounds.

9.  Pick a location that matches your family’s personality.  You’ll want these pictures to reflect this time in your lives.  So while railroad tracks can look cool, we recommends that you ask yourself, “Would our family really spend time here?”

10.  Before getting too attached to a location, run it by your photographer.  They should know if there are any issues with your choice (such as a required permit or difficult lighting) or if there are better choices available.

11.  Browse family pictures online for location inspiration. 

The Props

The difference between a good picture and a great picture is in the details.  So don’t forget to add in some fun props for that little something extra…

12.  We  suggest including items from the natural environment in family photos.  ”Keeping the props as minimal and realistic as possible helps keep the focus on the connection between the family.”  So try a bouquet of wild flowers or a picnic blanket.

13.  Incorporate items that have meaning to your family to really personalise the picture.  We recommend using props to highlight your family’s hobbies.  So if you love biking together- why not throw in a bike or two?

14.  Props such as a couch, chairs, stools, or a ladder can help add different posing options to the same location.

15.  Bringing along your child’s favorite toy or blanket will not only capture the special memory in the photograph, but will also help keep your child happy and cooperative.

16.  Props such as chalkboards, signs, wooden letters, or scrabble tiles can help you spell out and convey a specific message.

17.  Choose props that will help your family interact for natural, candid photos.  So bring along a book to read to the baby, a game to lay out and play with the kids, or a picnic to enjoy together.

18.  When choosing props, consider the colour of your clothing and location background as well.  You may want to choose neutral props that will go with anything, or props with a pop of colour for added interest.

Stay tuned to read our next post on family photo-day! We will be giving you tips and tricks on posing, clothing, how to look good and much more!