Capturing Natural Expressions in Family Photographs

3 Tips On Capturing Natural Expressions In Family Photographs

When you look at your family portraits, what do you want to remember the most? Is it the fun of being around your family? Perhaps you want images that really capture each persons personality? I believe that these types of images are the most important to capture. Here are my top three tips on capturing natural expressions in family photographs.

Keep An Open Mind

First and foremost (as the people being photographed), you have to keep an open mind. One of the worst things you can do is to come into the session with a bad attitude 🙂 In my experience, the women are usually excited for the session – and the guys take a little warm up time to get into the session. The great thing to understand is that the session will not be like “pulling teeth.” But being able to capture fun and candid images requires participation from everyone. So keep an open mind and be ready to have fun with your family 🙂

I Like To Ask Questions

One of the ways I like to capture great expressions in family photographs is by asking questions. Depending on the question, it may put you on the spot – but most of my questions are designed to get really great reactions out of you and your family. For example, in the below image I asked one of the family members, “who are the two family members you would choose to rob a bank with?”

ALWAYS-ALWAYS-ALWAYS Ask Clients For Their Ideas

Last but not least, I always make a point to ask my clients if there are any ideas that they have. Over the years, I have found that this works really well. Sometimes clients really do not have any specific ideas in mind. But there are many times that my clients come up with really great ideas for poses. And if they are good, I’ll steal it and use it with other clients 🙂 It might be a funny thing that they previously did in another session. Or it may have been something that they found online. Incorporating some of the ideas of my clients is a great way to make the session into your own.

Hopefully these three tips are some things that you can keep in mind for your own family photographs. If you are looking to have your portraits taken, I’d LOVE to hear from you. The best way to reach me is with a quick email ([email protected]) or through the contact form on my website. Thanks!