The difference between amateur and professional portraits can be vast…
Strike A Pose: 19 Fun, Fabulous Family Portrait Ideas
“Strike a pose, there’s nothing to it.” – Madonna
When Madonna says you have to let your body go with the flow, she’s got a point. This is also a perfect way to approach photoshoots. The following family portrait ideas are a great way to get started with family photography and ensure that you get the perfect shot.
While many photographers have a wonderful ability to make you feel comfortable, it’s also important that everyone in your family has the freedom to express themselves.
All you need is to harness your own imagination! These family portrait ideas will let you decide where and how to take your best shots.
In the comfort of home
Home photography doesn’t necessarily mean DIY selfies. It means arranging a photoshoot by a professional photographer or competent friend in the comfort of your own home.
While you may feel inclined to choose someone you know to take such intimate shots, you might be surprised at how unobtrusive professional photographers can be even when they’re actively directing a shot.
At home, magic just happens, particularly when young children and babies are involved. That’s the beauty of photographing in such a setting. Here are some fabulous at-home family portrait ideas that you can practice today.
1. Good morning, world
From Peta Mazey
2. Spontaneous
From The Little Umbrella
Gather in the great outdoors
If you’re not the outdoors type, that’s great! But keep in mind that you might need to contend with adverse weather conditions. A little bit of snow can be magical, but a lot can be freezing cold and slippery! If it’s the peak of summer, the heat might be brutal. Choose your photo shoot conditions well, and pack for the weather.
To make this work, the whole family has to love the outdoors. If you or your kids are more inclined to get frightened than smile when a bird flies by, it’s not going to work.
But if you love living life outside, the creative possibilities are endless. Check out the shadow play and sunset family portrait ideas below.
Outdoor photoshoots are also a wonderful way to build a collection of photos for canvas collages. You can discover how to make a collage here.
3. Seasonal favourite
4. Use props
From The BMC Report
5. Build a collage
6. Shadow play
From Pinterest/Captured By Carrie Photography & Product Shop
7. Sunset dreams
Control your environment in a studio
Most professional photographers are increasingly encouraging their clients to step outside the studio to capture amazing family photos. That said, there is still a time and a place for studio controlled portraiture. Keep scrolling for some fantastic family portrait ideas for the studios.
Studio photography doesn’t have to mean ‘boring’ or ‘cold’ or ‘soft lens’. Striking the right pose can achieve as much warmth as any other setting.
The key is to use height or layers, or convey close bonds with plenty of cuddles.
8. Create Layers
9. Lie down
Channel that holiday spirit
You don’t need to invite your photographer on holidays with you, but why not try the next best thing? Find a professional photographer willing to meet you in a unique location, like the beach, on a walk in the bush, or even in a cute country town.
Holidays and day trips are the happiest times when the whole family is relaxed and having fun. What better time to capture those moments of joy forever?
And if you’re over photos of your little ones sitting on Santa’s knees, think outside the shopping centre queue. Capture the spirit of Christmas in an inspired place striking a cool pose.
10. The Beach
11. Skiing Day Out
12. Kiss under mistletoe
From Lipgloss and Crayons
Out of this world
When it comes to family portrait photography, the world is your oyster. Find a daring photographer and give them a run for their money.
These ideas below are clever, courageous and crafty. Try to capture a fun action shot that captures the spirit of your family.
13. Make a splash
14. Love spell
15. Comic strip
From Paging Supermom
16. Might as well jump
From Aaron Blumenshine Photography
Once you have used these family portrait ideas to create the perfect family photo, why not turn your beautiful photographs into works of art? With Canvas Factory, you can create canvas wall art, metal prints, acrylic prints or framed prints with your best pics.
You could even create a canvas collage featuring a collection of the best images from your photo shoot. Best of all, create one for every member of the family and gift them for Christmas. Your loved ones will be super appreciative of your efforts!
