Candace Cameron Bure has said, “The memories we make with our family is everything.” We experience a lot with our loved ones and we celebrate with them many special occasions, such as birthdays, graduations, and holidays. Many of which are worth documenting. Thinking about those seemingly insignificant everyday activities is enough to put a smile on anyone’s face. Researchers found that the rediscovery of mundane moments can bring people unexpected joy and pleasure.
To help you remember these events, the tendency is to grab the camera and capture things as they happen. Taking a snapshot of the exact moment your kid takes their first step or of that time the entire family went to an amusement park allows you to keep these memories intact.
Memory can fade or change over time. Preserve every little detail as much as possible through photographs. It doesn’t matter if you take the pictures yourself or hire a professional who specializes in family portrait photography, these little pieces of time can bring so much value to your life:
- Document Life as It Happens
You may not want to admit it, but change can happen without a warning. You never know when the moment right here, right now will happen again or if it ever will. Sometimes, people don’t realize how important family photographs are until it’s too late. These photos will continue to put a smile on your face and help you carry on when distance or life has pulled you apart.
- See How Much You or Your Family Has Grown
No matter how old you are, there’s always room for growth. Every day, you and your family grow and evolve together. Too often, you’ll be too caught up with life to even realize how much things have changed. In the blink of an eye, you and your partner will have celebrated your 10th year anniversary or the children will have grown up and left the nest. Family photographs are a great way to see and support the progress each one of you is making.
- Celebrate Every Milestone and Achievement
Throughout your life, you will be celebrating many milestones and making many achievements. Photography lets you capture and preserve as you seize each moment. Did you just welcome a new baby, send your child to their first day in school, or receive a new promotion? All these are picture-worthy. Finding a souvenir of these milestones allows you to feel the joy and excitement you encountered then.
- Express Creativity
Each family has its own traditions, values, and lifestyle. Whether the whole family loves going hiking together or observe the tradition of wearing matching sweaters on Christmas, each unit has its own unique quirk. Show your uniqueness off to the world. Come up with themes and work with a photographer to capture your family’s one-of-a-kind dynamics.
- Relive Memories
Photography is best known for freezing moments in time. Not only do they remind you of how you looked or dressed years before, but they can also remind you of how you felt that day. Photos can turn the clock to make you feel as if you were in that very moment once again. It also becomes a legacy for future generations. When your grandchildren and great-grandchildren ask to see pictures of the family, you’ll have a few albums to show them and stunning memories to tell.
Tips to Capturing the Best Family Photos
Here are a few tips to consider when taking family photos:
- No Such Thing as Perfection
The most picture-perfect moments often happen when you least expect them. It can happen while the home isn’t clean or when your hair is still messy. Don’t squander the opportunity to take an unforgettable photo just to wipe those faces clean. Family photography doesn’t wait for perfection. Take the photo and run with it. You’d be surprised how you’ll end up loving the photo of the mess your kids made as they munched that chocolate cake with their bare hands.
- Plan It but Remain Spontaneous
To get the best results, it pays to do some planning. Think where, when, and how you want to take the photos. Coordinate your clothes, but remember to still keep them pretty open and spontaneous. Note that kids may complain a lot when told to pose for photos. You can set them up where they can play and have fun during the shoot. A sweet spot between planned and unplanned often brings out the best results.
- Be Candid and Keep It Moving
Candid moments often have the best and most natural results. Family photographs don’t always have to be structured, particularly when you have a child who just won’t sit still. Instead of trying to stage a specific photo, let them be themselves.
It’s okay to take pictures of your family even if they’re not looking straight at a camera — as long as you have their consent, of course. You don’t want to ruin an adorable moment just to make them pose for you.
- Use Your Surroundings
Be familiar with the location. Use what’s already there to your advantage. There are many possibilities to get creative. Allow your kids to climb trees or run wild. Don’t be afraid to use props or have your pet join the family photo too. You can make use of the different shapes, colours, and backgrounds to keep it interesting.
- Take as Many Photos as Possible
There’s no such thing as too many photos. Events happen quickly, so you should take as many photos as you can in one go, especially true with kids and pets.
- Document Daily Routines and Activities
You can also shoot around your normal activities at home. This makes a good combination of candid and posed photos and works best for a large group of people. It also allows you to have more control over the situation. If you didn’t get it the first time, you can always reenact events.
There is beauty in the mundane, and the best part, you get to record everything — all the laughs, tears, meltdowns, and messes.
- Don’t Forget Styled and Formal Photos Too
While a candid and in-the-moment approach to family photography makes for the most natural results, styled and formal photos remain timeless and elegant. It doesn’t hurt to have a few posed shots during the session. You can come up with themes, and you and your family can dress up for the occasion.
- Keep the Basic Rules of Photography in Mind
To capture better family photos, keep these basic rules in mind:
- Move around and change the perspective. Take photos within eye level, take a bird’s eye view, or lie on the floor if necessary. Changing the angles also allows you to remove any mess in the background from the frame.
- Be aware of the light source. Lighting is important in photography. The last thing you’d want is for overexposure to ruin an otherwise perfect moment. Adjust the shutter speed, aperture, or ISO.
- Immerse yourself. Don’t remove your subject from the activity so you can take their picture. Instead, get involved and interact with them while you do your shoot.
- Embrace the chaos. Chaos doesn’t always mean mess. It can also bring out the personality in the photos. Photograph the family as they jump in bed, roll down a grassy hill, or dance funny to a catchy song.
Family photography is too valuable to pass up. It can bring you joy, comfort, and hope. It connects you to other people from the past or the future.
Preserve your most treasured moments. We, at Twenty5 Films, strive to capture each special and natural moment to reflect what it means to be a family. If you are looking for a family portrait photography near Hamilton, Ontario, give us a call at +1-905-741-3697 or send us a message at [email protected].
