A Professional Family Photographer’s Guide to DIY At Home Family Photoshoot
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR A PERFECT AT-HOME PHOTOSHOOT
A family photoshoot is the perfect occasion for family members to get together and create precious moments for posterity. Many families prefer to do a photoshoot once a year. It is not necessary that you hire a photographer. You can do it yourself and take a great photo at home. We reveal some great at home family picture ideas. Read on to get inspired, so you can do an at home family photoshoot.
1. Why do an at home family photoshoot?
Before getting into how to do a family photoshoot at home, let’s look at the reasons why you should such a photoshoot.
Doing a family photoshoot brings family members together. It is possible that family members stay at different places or are busy with their work & studies. The photoshoot can be an opportunity to bring them together.
Capturing your family in a photo is the best way to preserve memories. Years later, you can look on in joy at the photo remembering the wonderful moments spent together.
A photoshoot gives family members the chance to spend time together. There are many natural moments of happiness that can be captured in a photo.
You can print the photo and display it in your living room, so the precious moments are before your eyes at all times.
2. How can I do my own family photoshoot at home without the help of a photographer?
Many people prefer to get a photographer to take the family photo. The problem is posing before an outside person is not something everyone is comfortable with. Also, there are unnecessary costs involved. Doing the photoshoot yourself offers two advantages.
One is you spend time with the family and when they pose for the photo, it would appear natural. There would be no inhibitions due to the presence of a stranger. The photograph would be natural and not look as though people were forced to post. The second benefit is that you can save money.
You also get a chance to show off your photography skills. We have some DIY family photoshoot ideas for you. They will help you get the best photo that captures special moments spent together.
The first thing to thing is to plan. Have a vision in your mind about how you want the photo to be. Find inspiration from your surroundings. Do you want the photo indoors, by the fireplace or the sofa? Do you have an outdoor photoshoot? By the pool or near a tree? Plan your photo and work out the location for the shoot.
Next is to plan the actual event. You need to fix the date and time. This is not a problem if everyone is at home. If family members are in different places, you need to get them together. Talk to everyone and find out a convenient date and time. Also, let them know in advance that you are planning a photoshoot, so they come prepared. The best time would be a holiday or a weekend. Try to plan well in advance.
3. What do I need for an at home photoshoot?
Before the big day, keep everything ready. This will ensure there is no last minute tension or running around looking for things. Here are a few things to keep ready for the photoshoot:
You need a good quality camera to take the photo. While a DSLR would be ideal, it is not necessary that you need a top-quality camera. Most mobile phones today have the best quality cameras with the ability to shoot high resolution photos. You can even manage with your mobile phone. It is important that you take a photo with the timer on, so you are also a part of the photo. Getting a tripod will be helpful, so you can position the camera/phone in the right place and also prevent camera shake.
If you are shooting outdoors, light will not be a problem. If you are planning to shoot indoors, then ensure you get sufficient natural light. Using a flash is not a good idea as the result will not look natural. Try to take the photo near an open window, so you get natural light.
Ensure all family members are well-dressed in their best outfits. Try and get them to co-ordinate outfits. It doesn’t mean everyone wears a uniform. Let the colors match, so the photo comes out well. If someone wears a gaudy-colored dress, it can ruin the photo.
4. How should my family pose for the photoshoot?
On the big day, ensure everyone is ready at the specified time. Here are some tips to help you get a great photo.
There are two options to consider, one is to get them to sit. And the other, of course, to make them stand together. A photo where everyone is seated looks a bit posed. If you don’t want a very formal photo, consider asking everyone to stand for the photo.
Let everyone be close. This is a family photo of people who love each other. Let them be physically close to show the connection between them. Ask them to put their hands on shoulders, clasp hands, or lean on someone’s shoulder. This makes the photo look natural and conveys the family bonding.
Ensure that mom and dad or family elders are at the center of the photo. The others can be on both sides. Making mom and dad sit with the others standing is also a good idea for a family photo.
It is not necessary that everyone looks at the camera. The idea is to get a natural photo that shows your family together. They can look at each other. For instance, if you have a newly wedded couple they can look in each other’s eyes. New parents can be smiling at their baby. Little ones can even hug their parents. Try out these ideas that make the photo look natural.
Don’t restrict yourself to one photo. Take as many photos as possible. You can later on edit them and decide which one to use.
While you may want one photo where everyone poses for a portrait, try more for candid shots. Let your family members look relaxed and comfortable in the photo. You can even take a photo with family members laughing and talking with each other. A candid photo will allow emotions to shine through.
Final thoughts
Now that you have gone through this guide, you would have a clear idea on how to plan your family photoshoot. Use the tips given to get the best photo that you will cherish for a long time. Start planning today and have an enjoyable time with your family photoshoot.
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