Tired of awkward family photos that scream “we tried” instead of “picture-perfect memories”?
We’ve all been there – you spend weeks planning outfits, securing a picturesque location, and prepping the kids, only to end up with a gallery of forced smiles and distant gazes. It’s enough to make you want to chuck the whole thing and settle for mediocre snapshots year after year.
But deep down, you know that nailing those holiday photos is a big deal. It’s about capturing the essence of your family, freezing fleeting moments in time before the kids grow up and the grandparents…well, you know.
It’s about creating heirlooms that’ll be passed down for generations, reminders of the love and chaos that makes your crew uniquely yours.
So don’t wave the white flag just yet.
This guide is packed with insider tips and tricks to help you slay your next family photo sesh. From wardrobe wisdom to working with pros, we’ll cover all the bases – and maybe even add a sprinkle of sanity to the process.
Let’s get started.
Planning Ahead
Don’t leave your family photo shoot to chance – get organized well in advance.
- First, coordinate schedules to find a date/time that works for everyone. Put it on the calendar months ahead if needed.
- Next, choose your location carefully. Opt for at-home if working with unpredictable kids or pets to avoid meltdowns in public. Parks or local landmarks can provide nice outdoor backgrounds, but scout them first to ensure no construction, etc.
For lighting, golden hour before sunset is very flattering, creating a warm radiant glow. But bright, airy natural light can work too if that’s the vibe you’re going for. The location will determine the optimal time.
Eliminate any unnecessary stresses by planning the shoot logistics out early. A little foresight goes a long way in ensuring great results.
Wardrobe and Styling
Coordinating outfits for family photos is crucial for a cohesive look. Choose a color palette that fits your vision and location – rich jewel tones or soft neutrals. Coordinate but avoid anything too matchy-matchy.
- Incorporate textures and patterns like cable knits, plaid, etc. to add depth. Use accessories like scarves, and jewelry to reinforce your theme.
- Make sure Mom’s outfit is figure-flattering and photogenic. She’ll feel more confident.
- Get haircuts, color, and do makeup trials in advance. What looks good in person may not photograph well.
Taking a little time with your wardrobe elevates your shoot from snapshot to portrait quality.
Props and Decorations
Listen, I get it – schlepping a van’s worth of stuff to your photo locale sounds like more hassle than it’s worth. But having a few choice props and decorations can seriously level-up your shots and make them extra memorable.
If it’s holiday pics you’re after, some festive props are an absolute must. I’m talking Santa hats, reindeer antlers, maybe even an ugly Christmas sweater or two (no judgment here!). They’ll add an instant dose of Christmas cheer that screams “holiday card-worthy.”
But don’t just focus on the big holidays – any seasonal accessories can elevate your family’s natural vibe. Apple picking in the fall? Baskets and plaid blankets will cozy up those shots. Summer beach sesh? Vibrant umbrellas and oversized sun hats for the win.
Bringing along some decorative pieces is a genius way to anchor your location too. If you’re stuck shooting at the home studio (thanks a lot, Polar Vortex…), string up some twinkle lights and lay out a fun patterned rug to create an instantly dreamy vignette.
The finishing touch?
Tossing in a few personal mementos that are meaningful to your crew. That well-loved teddy bear, grandma’s vintage quilt, or the mini baseball bat from the championship game – not only do they make adorable props, but they’ll give your photos even more sentimental value for years to come.
Preparing Children and Pets
Alright, let’s be honest here – kids and fur babies can be total wild cards during photo shoots. One minute they’re angels, the next it’s a real-life remake of Nanny 911.
But with some simple prepping, you can maximize your chances of capturing those Kodak moments before the meltdowns start. For the kiddos, get them excited about picture day by hyping it up in advance. Let them help pick out their outfits and give them a job like being the “prop manager” – anything to make them feel invested.
Once you’re on set, come equipped with a bagful of tricks to keep them engaged. Bubbles, snacks, even a new toy they’ve been eyeing can work wonders for briefly holding their attention. And don’t be afraid to play silly games or tell jokes between shots!
If you’ve got pets in the mix, wear them out with a good pre-shoot workout so they’re mellower. Also, bring along their favorite treats to reward good behavior with plenty of positive reinforcement.
At the end of the day, remember that some controlled chaos is to be expected. Those unscripted, candid moments when your child is mid-laugh or your pup is licking your face? That’s the real, unfiltered stuff that makes for iconic photos.
Working with a Professional Photographer
While talented friends or family may be tempting, hire a pro for best results. Experienced photographers know how to pose groups, work with kids, and get great lighting.
To find one, get referrals and browse online portfolios for a style you love. Pay attention to personalities too – you want someone who puts subjects at ease.
Discuss your vision and must-capture shots/moments upfront. But also be open to their expertise on shoot day to get authentic candids. The right pro will effortlessly direct your family while you just focus on having fun. Worth the investment for quality holiday portraits.
DIY Photography Tips
Of course, not everyone has the budget for a professional shooter. If you’re taking the DIY route for your family holiday photos, no sweat! With a few simple tips and tricks, you can seriously up your amateur game.
- First, get acquainted with your camera’s settings and invest in some basic gear if needed. For example, an external flash and reflector can work wonders for Indoor shots by helping bounce light more flatteringly. Outside, look for shady spots or use a diffuser to soften harsh sunlight.
- Composition-wise, avoid those boring straight-on shots at all costs. Get creative with angles – baixing down to kid level or shooting from above can yield way more interesting frames. And don’t be afraid to get in close for tighter crops that capture fun details and expressions.
- When it comes to posing, the name of the game is interaction. Those stiff, call-the-pediatrician smiles are out. Instead, have your subjects engage with each other naturally. Whisper silly jokes in their ear, ask them random questions – whatever it takes to inspire genuine giggles and candid moments.
For bigger groups, approach it strategically by positioning taller folks towards the back/sides. Put a little distance between rows, then stagger heights so no one is straight-on blocked. Bonus points for embracing authentic messy chaos here – it adds personality!
Finally, take full advantage of that continuous shooting mode. Rapid-fire a ton of frames, because even small movements can make or break a shot’s energy and emotion. With enough attempts, you’re bound to score some real magic.
Post-Photo Session
Back up those image files immediately to an external drive or cloud storage. Don’t risk losing them. Do a ruthless cull to narrow it down to your absolute best shots. Delete any blurry, poorly framed, or closed eye duds.
Learn basic editing like preset filters, cropping, color correction, and blemish removal to elevate the images. Print your top favorites professionally and frame or display them on a gallery wall. Create photo books/calendars as gifts for family.
Don’t let great photos get lost in a camera roll graveyard – make them tangible keepsakes you’ll cherish for years. Following these post-shoot steps ensures your time and effort pay off with beautiful holiday portraits.
Final Thoughts
Let’s be real – the pursuit of perfect family holiday photos can feel like an obsession. That nagging voice telling you it HAS to be Instagram-worthy as you meticulously prepare? Yeah, we’ve all been there.
But putting in the work to properly prepare is a small price for capturing those rare, radiant moments that make parenthood feel magical. Nailing those natural smiles, and personalities shining through – it’s balm for the soul.
These photos won’t just be for likes or cards. They’ll be treasured heirlooms, vivid reminders of the beautiful family you’ve created and all the messy, wonderful love that binds you.
So get obsessive if that’s what it takes. Because when you have those stunning portraits greeting you, that feeling of pride and joy will be worth every ounce of effort. You and your people deserve to be immortalized at your best.
Want to learn more about how to create your own professional-looking family videos? Check out our beginner’s guide here!
If you enjoyed this article on family holiday photo shoot tips, or think we left out anything important, please leave us a comment below! We would love to hear from you!
