Three Ways to Capture Fun Family Portraits With Children
I believe that family portraits should be fun and candid. I am more concerned with capturing genuine, fun images that highlight your family’s personality. Especially when photographing kids. Here are my top three ways to capture fun family portraits with children.
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1. Start The Session With Candid Poses
I start off most of my sessions the same way. That is by getting candid images of you interacting candidly with your child. Most kids take a little time to warm up to the camera and so starting the session with fun, candid shots is a great way to get them acclimated… You will know what works best for getting your child to crack a really big smile. Here are 3 ideas that I like to use for getting a really big smile:
- Spinning In A Circle: For this pose, I have Mom & Dad hold the baby on their hip and spin in two really quick circles. Once you’ve spun around, I have you freeze and have everyone look right at the camera. When you stop, your child is typically giving a HUGE smile!
- Tickling: If your child is ticklish, giving them a little tickle under the neck or arm pits will usually get them to smile really big. I usually have you tickle the baby and then give them a turn tickling Mom & Dad.
- Putting Them In The Air: Another classic way to get fun smiles out of children is to either lift them or thrown them gently in the air. I like capturing images with your child mid-air and also the moment immediately after you catch them.
2. Individual Poses With Mom & Dad Separately
Another great way to get fun and candid images of your child is to take pictures with them individually. I find that having Mom or Dad stand right over my should, making funny sounds and faces, gets really good smiles out of children. Both Mom & Dad can take turns doing this pose 🙂
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3. Running Back-and-Forth
Last but not least, I like to have children run back-and-forth to Mom & Dad. Most kids really like running, jumping, and playing with Mom & Dad and so this is a sure fire way to get really great expressions. If your child still takes naps, it is also great to tire them out for nap time after the session!
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If you like capturing fun and candid images, I would love the opportunity to help you capture some really fun moments of your family! The best way to reach out to me is through the contact form on my website. Thanks!
