{"id":95715,"date":"2023-07-14T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-07-14T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/?p=95715"},"modified":"2023-07-14T09:29:39","modified_gmt":"2023-07-14T13:29:39","slug":"authentic-family-portraits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/authentic-family-portraits\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips for Relaxed and Authentic Family Portraits"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Stress can happen when families get together for portraits \u2014 kids complain, parents worry about what they\u2019re wearing. When your subjects are uncomfortable in front of the camera, the images can fall flat. But you\u2019re the photographer and, the good news is, all this beauty and chaos has been given to you! With a little prep and vision, you can set the scene for authentic family portraits<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some tips to get to know your families, have fun, and create incredible images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Moments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

From the time they book a photo session, families want an experience. <\/em>Give it to them. A little prep will get you there. Have them fill out a very simple questionnaire including who will be there, names and ages of kids, and what would make this a special experience for them. Give them a short guide on what to expect, or simply reassure them that anything they do is great. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your portfolio will help them understand what you might create. Pay attention and share images that align with what you want to make. Research images you want to make: looking at the groupings, lighting, and time of day. This will help you start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you meet families, connect with the kids \u2014 guess their age, tell a joke. Ask them to show you around their home; it’s a great way to scout locations and allow kids time to adjust to your presence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reassure the parents. Tell them all the beautiful things you notice. Let them know they look amazing \u2014 they do! I always tell parents that kids don\u2019t need to smile or have fun. Anything children do is great. All emotions are welcome. When kids cry or turn away, or someone just isn\u2019t into it, I reassure parents to take their time and offer whatever the child needs. You are encouraging closeness, and authentic emotions are part of that. Often that acceptance is exactly what kids need to stay in the picture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo by Liz Fish<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Choosing a Location<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Home is the most relaxing place for families. Not all families love how their home looks, but assure them you can make it all work. I\u2019ve photographed around boxes and construction zones. The benefits of being home are great. Families will change their clothes, take a break and relax, play their favorite music. Kids will play in spaces that are most comfortable to them, and you can photograph it all. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Homes can be visually busy, so find settings that create the scene and don\u2019t distract from your people.   Find doorways or archways, backgrounds to frame your group. Back or side lighting by a window is great, with everyone on the floor. Beds are wonderful for playful photos. Challenge yourself to use any furniture in an unusual way. Encourage them to perch on the edge of a chair or the arm of a sofa. Find a beautiful rug or wood floor and photograph them on the floor from above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outdoor locations are lovely and offer variety. Prepare families for where you will meet them \u2014 how long of a walk, what the terrain might be, any considerations. Find backgrounds that are minimal and soft. Find layers in the distance. If you\u2019re meeting somewhere, allow plenty of time. When you find soft grass, don\u2019t miss the opportunity to have the family lie down and play. Photographing families from above, or from a distance next to a tree, is an opportunity for an authentic family portrait. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo by Liz Fish<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How to Keep Kids Engaged<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Keeping kids engaged with a photo session can be a wonder or a challenge, depending on your approach.  Photograph the whole family together first. The kids will likely be most interested in you when you first arrive. If you lose someone or kids need a break, smaller family groupings can come next. I often ignore whoever is over it, rather than make them the focus of attention. It usually brings them back faster than chasing them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Talk to the kids <\/a>about collaboration. How can you work together and make some art? This is something kids know all about! Offer them small jobs to do. Play simple games. Play music they enjoy. Offer to photograph their favorite things. It will make all the difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Newborn sessions are about setting an environment. make sure the parent(s) and newborn are all set first \u2014 on a bed, against a window, on the floor, near a couch. Bring children in once the parents and newborn are settled and your camera is set. I offer alone time with older kids and parents as well. It\u2019s vital for older kids to feel important and valued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kids love cameras, and they are usually curious. Encourage them to inspect your camera, or push a button for you. Bringing a camera they can use will keep them engaged. Offer an inexpensive digital camera<\/a>, an old point-and-shoot, or an instant camera<\/a> for them to play with. Wooden toy cameras are fun for toddlers. Encourage kids to find one of their toy cameras and help you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo by Liz Fish<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Prompts for Authentic Family Portraits<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Start small. To help parents stay close to their kids, I offer small, specific movements<\/a> \u2014 take a breath, smell your kid\u2019s hair, step toward each other, shake out your hands. Authentic joy and laughter translates on camera, and kids love to laugh. Encourage laughter. Blurt the silliest word you can think of \u2014 kid-friendly potty humor works great, even with adults who may be struggling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Setting up and playing is always a great idea. Layer in the kids after parents are settled. Frame your shot before you give the kids any direction. For small kids, recruit them to be a helper and offer them the chance to jump in, give a gentle kiss, hug, or wrestle the parents. Ask them to close their eyes and show you what dreaming looks like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The simple act of observing families can make a difference. Get close and look for details. Move around your scene. Experiment with the family in shadow or through an object. Go outside and photograph them through a window. In-between moments can yield beautiful results. Be ready when they walk from one scene to another. If a child is cranky, cries, or isn\u2019t having it, just go with it. If you reassure the parents to do whatever they need and continue to observe, you\u2019ll find magical moments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo by Liz Fish<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Cameras and Lenses <\/strong>for Family Portraits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The camera is yours to choose. But, overall, don\u2019t be precious about gear when photographing families. Use cameras that allow for play and that you don\u2019t mind kids being curious about. I love small cameras!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mirrorless cameras<\/a> are small and light, and easy to carry. You can\u2019t hate a 24-70mm lens<\/a> for families, often somewhere around 40mm will be ideal. My 50mm lens<\/a> opens up to f\/1.8: it\u2019s not a fancy lens, but it\u2019s small and I love creating family portraits with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t be afraid to experiment with cameras. I started using a Fuji X-series camera<\/a> with a 23mm F2 lens<\/a> and I love it. When visiting people at home, I\u2019ll bring my vintage Polaroid to slow things down and try something new. You may find yourself fumbling for a few minutes, but don\u2019t stress. Explain what\u2019s going on. It\u2019s reassuring to families to see you as a human who makes mistakes too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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More Ideas for Authentic Family Portraits<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n