Family portraits are often in danger of looking cliched. But you can create, compose and style stunning family group shots that look more like professional lifestyle shots instead of awkward or uncomfortable photos. This week we discuss the steps you need to take to ensure you’re taking family photos that stand out – and that your clients will love!
Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast. Sign up to the newsletter for great tips and free Lightroom presets at GinaMilicia.com. Join the dynamic Gold Membership in our Community which delivers monthly tutorials, live mastermind and lots of behind the scenes videos into the creative process.
Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast.
Sign up to the newsletter for great tips and free Lightroom presets.
Join the dynamic Gold Membership in our Community which delivers monthly tutorials, live mastermind and lots of behind the scenes videos into the creative process.
Connect with us on Instagram @valeriekhoo @ginamilicia
Click play to listen to the podcast or find it on iTunes here. If you don’t use iTunes you can get the feed here, or listen to us on Stitcher radio.
The brief from the client
A magazine wants a 10-page story plus cover and website content.
The Gorgeous Family
- Mr and Mrs Gorgeous
- Newborn baby Gorgeous
- 4yr old Freddie Gorgeous
- 16yr old Sally Gorgeous
- 14yr old Dave Gorgeous
- The grandparents Mama and Papa Gorgeous
- ( in their late 70s)
- 2 dogs
- 2 cats
- Goats
The fabulous family live on a beachfront property that backs onto a pine forest.
House has light bright large kitchen/dining area, but rest or the house is dimly lit because it’s pre fabulous renovation. They have a large country property and a large garage.
- We need individual shots of everyone for interview pages and social media
- Couple shots of Mr and Mrs Gorgeous
- Group shot of the kids
- Family shots with and without grandparents
- Posed and lifestyle looking shots
- Details of the home
Types of photos to avoid
http://blazepress.com/2014/02/29-awkward-family-photos-ever/
The Gear
Fixed focal fast lens 50mm is perfect wide open to disguise cluttered unphotogenic backgrounds
24-70mm
Or
24-105mm or similar as interiors can get very tight
Tripod is a must
Crank up the ISO 800. It’s better to have a slightly noisier shot than a soft one
The lighting
- One light large modifier for soft daylight like fill
- Umbrella or umbrella box or any softbox is ideal
- Take a reading as if you were shooting for daylight and just add tiny amounts of fill
- Try and use as much daylight as possible
- Look for large windows.
- Use reflectors for extra fill
- Look for “clean” open shade outdoors
- Backlit for great mood
The set ups
Backgrounds
- Look for clean uncluttered backgrounds
- Look for doors to frame your shot
- Table settings
- Kitchens
- Cars
- Walls
- Garden paths
- Driveways
- Leading lines
- Laneways
- Shot list
kitchen - Bedroom with baby
- Bathroom son (4) watches dad shaving
- Mum and kids bake together
- Gardening
- Walking along the beach
- In the woods
Set up shots
Give everyone something to do
Lifestyle shots
Set up natural interactions
Pick up or inset shots
- Little details
- Boots in a line at the door
- Books on sidetable
- Flowers
- Food
- Hands
- Pets
Some ideas from Gina
