How To: Take Stunning Photographs of your Family

March 25, 2024

Taking stunning photos of your family involves a combination of technical skills, creativity, and practise. But I’ve got some tips to quickly take your shots from blah to breathtaking.

A mother looks at her daughter. Her 3 year old daughter is looking at the camera. They're outdoors in some woods in Shaftesbury, Dorset

1. Use natural light.

Manipulating artifical light can be very tricky. To increase your chances of success, either turn off the lights or get outside. Natural light, particularly just at the edge of shade, gives beautiful soft shadows which are very flattering. Get your subjects near a window with indirect light. Or under a tree looking out into the sunshine. Fortunately getting the kids outside also reduces the amount of direction they need. I find the minute I get my son outside, the less I am nagging him and the more fun we have. Which leads to my second tip…

2. Don’t tell them off.

Offer gentle guidance rather than directing children. If they’re being a bit cheeky, as long as they’re not causing any harm, give them some leeway. There’s nothing better than capturing a cheeky smile. If you start telling them off, they’ll soon get grumpy and won’t be interested in playing in front of your camera!

A boy is held back by his Father at a park in Shaftesbury, Dorset

3. Capture candid moments.

Get your camera out and if they are interested in it take some snaps to show them what you’re doing. Once they’re distracted by something else, like playing with each other or another grown up, that’s when you can get some beautiful natural shots. Remember to move your feet. You don’t need to ask them to move. Circle round them deciding what the best angle is. Look at how the light is hitting their faces to see where it’s softest. Look at what else you’re including in the frame…

Two boys kiss their Mother on the cheek in autumnal leaves in Shaftesbury, Dorset

4. Plan your composition.

Eyes are generally considered to be the most important part of the image, and consensus is that they should be 1/3 of the way down the shot. Try taking a shot of your child looking out of the window with their whole face filling the frame and their eyes a third of the way down. Of course, rules are meant to be broken. Experiment! Consider the frame of the image. Make sure that the only things that are in the background are things you want to be there. Cluttered backgrounds can be distracting. Simplify!

A family of four, a father, a mother a 5 year old boy and a baby girl sit together on a bench outside looking at the camera in Blandford Forum, Dorset

5. Get down to their level

I often lie down on my tummy for these shots! One of the most effective ways of getting intimate shots is to get down to eye level with children.

A boy climbs up on a log in the countryside in Child Okeford, Dorset

5. Edit Wisely

After taking your photos, use editing software to enhance colors, contrast, and sharpness. However, avoid over-editing, as it can make your photos look unnatural. Aim for a balance that enhances the overall look without sacrificing authenticity.

A family skip through a field. The daughter is on her Father's shoulders and they're surrounded by the Dorset countryside.