Creating Fun Family Photos

For lots of people, the words "fun", "family", and "portraits" don't mix well. Nothing's worse than a static image of a family with matching outfits staring straight ahead with stilted, forced smiles. Is that what you want hanging over your fireplace mantel? How can you get family portraits that capture the spirit of the family and the personality of each individual? Consider turning your family portrait session into a lifestyle session by adopting some of these family-friendly strategies.

Just Do It! (Something Fun That Is): The best way to get natural, interesting photos is to do something interesting that your family does naturally. Go get ice cream at the local ice cream parlor; plan a photo shoot at the bowling alley; visit the zoo. The venue adds interest and depth to the resulting portraits; certainly more eye-catching than a black backdrop!

Mix It Up; Don't Match Up: Does everyone in your family wear matching shirts every day? If not, why should you look so "matchy-matchy" in your family portrait? Instead of wearing the exact same thing, choose a color palette (three colors or less) and have everyone create their own outfit within that palette. Look through your favorite magazines for photos; look at how the model families wear individual outfits that complement one another, and mimic their style!

Don't Act Natural--Be Natural: Cameras can make you uneasy; they can also make even those most animated individuals turn stiff. For years, parents have taught their children to smile with one simple word: "Cheese!" How natural is that? Spend time talking to each other; adults should interact with the kids--hug them, play with them, kiss them. Let grandpa tell that story that puts the whole family in stitches every time while the photographer capture those priceless reactions.

Timing is Everything: Choose a time of day that will be best for everyone in the family and for the photographer to make the best use of light. If little Susie takes a daily nap at 3 pm or if the sixteen-year-old doesn't wake up until noon, mid-afternoon or early morning sessions are probably a bad idea! Harsh sunlight is tough on the eyes, especially for young children. Listen to the suggestions from your photographer--he or she knows best!

A Day in the Life: Instead of choosing an hour that will work for everyone, why not book a photographer to spend an entire day with your family? A journalistic, day-in-the-life approach can reveal some of the most intimate, emotional connections your family shares. Photographs of parents telling bedtime stories to their kids, grand-kids baking cookies with grandma, the family gathered at the dinner table; these moments can produce memorable, original photographs that tell your family's story.