Travelling with your family is a brilliant way to create cherished memories, and what better way to record these moments than through perfect family portraits? Capturing family moments while exploring new places can be both an art and a joy, especially when you know the best family photo techniques to use.
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Whether you’re wandering through the bustling streets of a historic city or taking in the serene beauty of the countryside, photography tips for families can help you create images that tell the story of your adventures. We’re here to guide you on how to incorporate local scenery into your family travel portraits, play with lighting, and even get the kids involved in the fun.
Table of Contents
Choose the Right Camera Gear
Having the right camera gear is crucial for capturing high-quality family portraits during your travels. While smartphones are convenient, a dedicated camera, like the Canon R7 offers more control and superior image quality. This is particularly important if you plan to print your photos.
Another good choice for beginners in family photography is the Sony A7 III, known for its excellent image quality and reliable autofocus. Consider investing in versatile lenses. A 35mm lens is perfect for capturing environmental portraits and storytelling. For close-up portraits with a beautiful background blur, an 85mm lens is ideal. A proper camera set-up allows you to experiment with different settings, giving you more creative freedom than a smartphone.
Plan for Golden Hour
Timing your photos is key to enhancing their quality. Shooting during the “golden hour,” shortly after sunrise or before sunset, transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. Golden hour light is soft and warm, adding a magical glow to your portraits. This lighting is particularly flattering, enhancing skin tones and making eyes sparkle. Photos taken during this time often appear more professional and aesthetically pleasing.
Capture Early Morning Moments
Starting your photography early in the day offers unique advantages. When children are well-rested and have eaten breakfast, they are more cooperative and cheerful. Early morning sessions allow you to capture iconic landmarks without crowds. The lighting is soft, reducing harsh shadows and creating pleasing images. This approach requires waking up at dawn, but the results are well worth the effort.
Get Down to Their Level
To create engaging images, change your perspective. Photograph your children from their eye level to view the world through their eyes. Crouching down or sitting on the ground connects viewers to your child’s experience. This technique helps minimise background distractions. It creates more intimate and relatable family portraits.
Create Natural Smiles
Capturing genuine smiles can transform your family portraits. Making the photography process fun is vital for authentic expressions. Use humour: Saying something silly can trigger natural laughter. Physical interaction: Holding and tickling your children encourages genuine giggles. These moments of joy are often the most treasured travel portraits.
Embrace Imperfect Moments
The best family travel photos aren’t always perfectly posed. Embrace the spontaneous and imperfect moments to capture genuine interactions. Silly faces and blurry action shots often hold the most emotion. These images can show the true spirit of your holiday. They reflect your family’s personality and the authentic experiences of your travels.
Try Different Perspectives
Experimenting with different perspectives can add creativity to your photos. Don’t limit yourself to standard eye-level shots. Photograph from above or below for unique angles. This creative approach can make ordinary scenes visually interesting. It adds variety to your travel album, making it more engaging.
Use the Timer Function
Incorporating yourself in family photos can be challenging, but using your camera’s timer function makes it possible. Set up your camera on a stable surface. Arrange your family and use the self-timer to capture everyone. Be ready for the signal so that everyone can smile at the right moment.
Schedule Strategically During Your Trip
Timing your photo sessions can influence their success. Planning them towards the end of your holiday helps in several ways. Children adapt to new environments, becoming more comfortable. Discover special locations during your stay that make perfect backdrops. This timing allows everyone to be more relaxed and natural in front of the camera.
Set Realistic Expectations
Travelling with children can be unpredictable, so it’s best to set realistic expectations for your photography. Aim for a few great shots rather than perfection in every frame. Children might be affected by time changes and new environments. Be patient and flexible, and you’ll likely capture many wonderful photos. Check out more tips for family travel photography here.
