This post is sponsored by Expedia.com.
Can you believe we’ve never had a professional family photo? Sure, we have the family selfies that are perfect for sharing on social media, but nothing wall-worthy.
And most of the time it’s only three of us in the photo anyway because…someone has to be taking it. If we do get a stranger to take the photo, the expectations have to be set low. You’re grateful for the photo, but it might not be something you want on a Christmas card.
That’s all changing this year. We don’t need to hire a professional photographer for this, we can take our own family pictures.
Our family loves to travel, so it only makes sense that we would capture photos for our first family portrait and our holiday card while on vacation. So far this year we’ve already traveled to Taos, New Mexico; Tulum, Mexico; and all over the Texas Hill Country.
And with two months more to go of summer, we also have trips to Missouri, Florida, and the Texas Coast planned. So many different and unique options to capture for photos that include the entire family.
In preparation of all of this, I’ve been talking to my friends that have taken their own family portraits. Between what I already know and what they said, today I’m sharing 7 tips for taking your own family pictures in partnership with our sponsor, Expedia.com.
7 Tips for Taking Your Own Family Pictures
1. Plan ahead.
Don’t head out on a whim for family pictures. Make sure to plan ahead with these other tips so you can get the best photos possible. If you can, try to take photos around dusk when the light is less harsh and more golden to allow for more beautiful pictures.
2. Decide on the location.
For us choosing the perfect location for family pictures is going to be tricky. We’re traveling all over so we need to be prepared whenever we see the perfect spot. You can find locations for your family portrait by checking out professional photographer websites or keeping your eyes peeled while driving around. You never know when a wall, barn, or landscape will catch your eye.
3. Coordinate clothing.
You have two options here – match or coordinate. Matching would mean everyone is wearing black shirts and denim bottoms. Coordinated would be to find colors that complement each other and building off of it. Dad could have on a plaid shirt and the other family members could wear pieces in colors that are on his shirt. You could also focus on the feet as the common element – barefoot at the beach or boots in a field. Get creative!
4. Tripod and remote.
If you, the photographer, plan on being in the photo investing in a tripod and a remote is your best bet for a professional looking photo. We’ve all seen those pictures with the photographer trying to outrun the camera timer and no one wants to be that guy.
5. Plan your poses.
Your family needs to know what to expect. Practice poses at home and check out Pinterest for inspiration.
6. Shoot the hardest shots first.
By taking the hardest shots first, I don’t necessarily mean anything crazy. Just take the direct, posed pictures first while everyone is still fresh and focused. This will allow kids to be kids and let you get some truly candid pictures later on.
7. Take lots of pictures.
The beauty of taking your own family portraits is you’re not limited by a photo count. Take way more pictures than you think you’ll need so you can hopefully capture that one shot that makes it all worthwhile.
Where would you go on your dream vacation?
This post is sponsored by Expedia.com.
You bring up a lot of great tips! We may have to start taking our own family photos to get the feel of it. Awesome post, and thanks for sharing!
These are great tips. I understand the photos when strangers take them, I hate taking photos for people as I am afraid to not get it right.
These are great tips. A little planning goes a long way when you’re taking photos. Matching outfits is a nice touch, too.
I like these ideas! I need to start planning photos ahead of time more often. It’s nice being able to get those perfect shots for framing!
These are great tips! I’ve also found that putting my iPhone on a tripod and using my Apple watch has allowed me to get some great photos too. I need to figure out how to use the remote I have for my good camera because I’m sure that would make for even better photos!
Love the tips and will keep them in my memory. Taking family pictures can be difficult without any thought or planning.
Those are some really good tips. I always take photos myself too. I have a nice camera to take great photos and a tripod too. I’ve done holiday photos of my family before and they always turn out nice. A lot better than having others do them.
Great tips! We love taking our own photos too!
These are great tips. It is always fun to have pictures of the whole family!
Love all your tips and all the photos of your own family turned out great. I especially like your points about planning ahead and coordinating the whole family’s outfits for the best portraits.
What a beautiful family and pictures! I love family pictures!
I need to put these tips into practice. I never thought of planning or coordinating our clothing. I always take photos myself and struggle. I have a professional camera and never use it! These photos are very nice.
Great tips! Can’t wait to implement these next time.
Love this, what a really good idea and a great investment. Definitely a way to save
The pictures tells a thousand stories. You are not alone, tons of families has no official professional picture neither. It will be great to have one.