5 Fun Family Photoshoot Ideas
At some point during the late nineties and early 2000s, a major trend took off for family photographs of a very specific style.
Typically these would be shot in a studio, against a white background. The family members usually wore matching outfits; all-white outfits were a popular choice, or matching tee shirts and jeans.
While this trend gained popularity for its simplicity, there are plenty of other options when it comes to family portraits.
Family Photoshoot Ideas
No longer are we having to stand for long periods of time, as the Victorians did with early family photos, but we’re also no longer constrained to just one style of photography.
Planning
While it’s always a good idea to hire a family photographer, it also helps to have a few notes at the ready for them to refer to about the style of photograph you might like.
Will it be inside, or outdoors? Is it fun, or a more sophisticated affair? Does your family have a shared passion (for example music, or a sports team) that you could incorporate into the photograph?
A second consideration is clothing. Ideally, your outfits should feel comfortable and be coordinated, rather than matching outfits that can prevent your picture from looking like a Y2K throwback, unless that’s what you are going for, of course!
Finally, consider the season: this ties in with clothing as this can help you decide what to wear, but it can also affect things such as lighting if it’s an outdoor shoot.
- Action-Packed
If it’s hard to get your family to stand still for more than five seconds, why not lean into it? A dynamic photoshoot of you all running or dancing might be difficult to capture without the assistance of a professional photographer, but with the right techniques, it is possible.
- Candid Camera
In some cases, posed photographs can look attractive, but sometimes they end up looking a little too formal, or even awkward. Instead, ask your photographer about taking a candid shot to capture your family “in the moment”. Natural surroundings are perfect for this; the beach or the countryside can both work.
- Cozy and Comfortable
With the right lighting, a family photoshoot in the comfort of your own home is possible.
Whether around the kitchen table, seated on the bed in the parent’s room, or relaxing in the backyard, there are plenty of ways to give your family portrait that cozy, home-sweet-home look.
- Bring it In
A picture of you all in a group hug can look adorable, depending on the individual family member’s level of comfort. Alternatively, one of you all holding hands while walking captures the same sense of togetherness.
- Bird’s Eye View
Another great way to capture your whole family is to ask the photographer to take an aerial shot of you all laying down. This style can produce some cool and unusual effects, plus, you get to relax a little.
Finally, no matter where your photoshoot is, snacks, drinks, and baby wipes are essential for any accidental messes. Above all, have fun, and enjoy the experience.