Do you want to take some family photos but are worried how the pictures will turn out? Are you stressed about trying to organize a family of five, six, seven or more into a balanced and good-looking photo? Have no fear! We have some tips for photographing a big family!
Balance is Key
If you only absorb one thing from this post, remember this: it’s all about balance, balance, balance! The perfect picture — no matter if it’s a portrait, a landscape, or anything in between — must look balanced and equalized. The human eye likes symmetry and stability. Basically, we don’t like to look at something that’s a little off or tilted.
Because balance is key, it’s important to know that you can balance your pictures in a variety of ways. Color scheme, levels, and varied body positions all can be toyed with to make things look a little more clean-cut and equalized.
This family helps us make our case with their family photo shoot at Denver’s Millennium Bridge! With a family of six, you can imagine it can be a little tricky to organize this crew into some organized pictures. However, our job was not as difficult as you might think since this crew followed our simple balance rule.
Patterns and Hues
While your family does not have to wear matching outfits in your photos by any means, complementary colors and patterns are always a plus! Take some time to think about what your family members will wear as they smile for the camera. Will the kids wear patterns and the parents wear solids? Are you going to a jeweled tone effect? Or will the rule simply be “dark jeans and whatever shirt you want”?
Levels are your Friend!
These four children all stand at different heights, and Mom and Dad are nearly the same. This situation honestly couldn’t have been easier to work with. We balanced levels by placing the tall parents on the end of their shorter children. We even created a funnel effect where Mom and Dad in the middle had their adorable children sitting on their sides for a kind of mountain-like cascade effect.
Height can be your best friend – and it’s all about embracing your foot to inches ratio!
R e l a x
How cringey is a family photo where no one looks comfortable and everyone seems awkward? Your family members are your closest companions, so we want photos to look natural and comfortable! For a photo session with a family (big or small), it’s important to look relaxed and sit or stand in a way you might normally. Photographers can help you achieve this, but don’t stress too much about placing your leg and turning your neck just right.
These guys looked entirely charming as their gaggle of six because they did not let awkward body positions get in their way! These cute kiddos and sweet parents hugs and kissed and snuggled like they were right at home!
Photographing a big family can seem like a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be! As long as you bring some of that genuine family TLC and a little eye for balance, you’ll have perfect family photos in no time at all!
Check out our Hints & Tips blog page for more photography and life advice!
