Hey guys! Hope you all are having an amazing start to spring! Everyone is out starting to enjoy the nice warm weather finally, and with that, more people are getting out to take their yearly family portraits!

Family portraits are always special moments to capture, so it’s essential to get them just right. Here are some tips for photographers to nail your sessions.

1. Get to know your clients. Getting to know the people that you’ll be photographing will put them at ease. Show that you care about their story, know who in the family might need some extra persuading. Allow them to loosen up, allowing you to take those true candid shots. Genuine moments can make the difference between standard pictures and moving photos.
2. Lighting is everything. Good lighting can make or break a photograph. Many new photographers often overlook this aspect of photography. Learning to use great natural light and to position your subject optimally can make all the difference in the final image quality. Taking photos during the golden hour can add warmth to your images, creating that magical feel you’re looking for.
3. Location is key! To tell a great story with your images, the chosen location matters. Ask your subjects if there is a particular place that holds significant value for them or an interest in the kind of location they’d like to show in their photos. With a location in mind, you can better prep for the right lighting and different setups.
4. The small details. Remember to look beyond the big moments and catch the small, intimate moments of the shoot. The more candid shots you take, the more natural the final feeling of the images would be. It’s the small details that give meaning to the story you’re trying to tell.
5. Direct and guide your clients. Communication is vital during a family session. Directing your client while capturing them should be done in a positive and enthusiastic way! Encourage your clients to loosen up, you can do this by giving them silly prompts such as just getting them to hold hands and spin, or look at each other and give the most over the top laugh – afterwards they most often than not would be giving their genuine laughs.
6. Backups! Having backups of essential gear like batteries, or SD cards is another critical aspect. Things can break or suddenly fail, and it’s best to always have extra equipment on hand for ensuring the moment isn’t missed.

Capturing family photographs isn’t always easy, but it’s always rewarding. Putting in the extra efforts, from communication and planning to backup gear, helps in achieving your vision. Remember to focus on the small details and capture the intimate moments that make every family portrait unique. With these tips, you’ll no doubt improve your portrait and family photography skills and leave your clients with cherished memories.