Photo Tips: Taking Family Photos During the Holidays

by Mary Denman       Twitter: @MaryDenman     Instagram: @MaryFDenman

With family times of Thanksgiving, Christmas and Hanukkah fast approaching, let's look at photography tips that will help you capture your family in photos. 

While hiring a professional photographer is a great idea, you may not be able to find one at the last minute. 

So, I want to help you think about how to take great family shots when everyone is home to visit! 

Let's get started!


TIP 1: USE THE OUTDOORS IF YOU CAN. 

Nature provides a great backdrop for your family. 

TIP 2: USE GOLDEN HOUR LIGHTING. 

Golden Hour is the first hour after the sun rises and the last hour before it sets. The sunlight at this time provides the warmest, complementary lighting for your subjects. And, it provides beautiful backlight to highlight the hair. 

Here in the northern hemisphere, our days are getting shorter. So check on the computer when the sun sets in your local area and get the family out the door in time! 

Golden Hour Backlight

TIP 3: GET THE ENTIRE FAMILY TOGETHER IN ONE SHOT. TAKE THIS PHOTO FIRST. 

While this may not always be possible, try getting the entire group together first. Especially if you have small kids. Get the whole group while the little one's attention spans are at their greatest. Then, take the smaller family units together. 

Get the entire family together first

TIP 4: TAKE DETAIL SHOTS.

This shot just happened. The father and sons all did a similar pose without thinking or planning it. But I noticed and did a quick zoom in to catch the irony. Or genetics. 

Detail shots

TIP 5: GET THE DIFFERENT FAMILY UNITS TOGETHER. INCLUDE THE PETS! 

Whether the kids are grown, married, or single, take the family units individually. 

Take each family unit and include the pets!

TIP 6: TAKE SHOTS OF THE FAMILY GOOFING OFF AND HAVING FUN! 

Fun family shots

You can do this!
With a little advanced planning to make sure everyone looks their best, selecting a great setting, and scheduling the shots to take place during golden hour you can capture some great family shots that will be enjoyed for many years to come.   

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Taking Family Photos During the Holidays (click to tweet)