The Best Tips for Photography of Family

What Is So Good About Family Photography?

Family photography is about far more than one photograph or one moment. For me, it’s about story. It’s about life as it really is, not a performance for the camera.

This particular family shoot took place just before Christmas, and it was especially meaningful as I photographed the couple’s wedding back in 2018. Being invited back to photograph their growing family is always a real pleasure. It shows how photography follows people through life, from weddings to children and everything in between.

Family photography captures ordinary moments, but those ordinary moments become incredibly important over time.

Why Are Family Photos More Than Just Pictures?

A family photo is never just a picture. It’s a record of life at a specific point in time. Children grow, families change, and new life arrives before you realise it.

What I love about family photography is that it captures more than one person in a frame while still allowing each family member’s personality to come through. Whether it’s a baby taking their first steps, kids running ahead, or parents quietly watching on, it all matters.

These photographs will be looked back on by children when they are older, remembering their mum, dad, siblings, and the life they shared.

How Does Art Influence My Family Photography?

Art has always been at the forefront of my photography. Long before digital cameras became what they are today, I was inspired by painters and sculptors.

I remember reading Degas’ biography many years ago, and since then I’ve studied the great masters of painting, sculpture, and photography. Artists like René Magritte and the Surrealist movement have had a huge influence on how I see composition, space, and storytelling.

Even though family photography is very natural and relaxed, that understanding of art still shapes how I use light, colour, and framing.

Why Is Light So Important in a Family Photoshoot?

Light is everything. Understanding light is far more important than owning the latest camera. Using auto ISO in your camera settings can help adapt to changing lighting conditions automatically, ensuring proper exposure without manual adjustments.

These family images use soft focus and natural light, with careful attention to highlights and shadows. Natural light is often preferred for family photography to create softer images. In the past, I even coloured lights in the studio to create different shadows, simply to learn how light behaves.

Too many photographers rely on having a great camera, but photography has nothing to do with that. You can give someone the best saw in the world, but it doesn’t mean they can make a table. What matters is what goes on outside the camera.

How Do You Plan a Family Portrait Session?

Planning a family portrait session starts with a conversation. I always talk to parents about ideas, location, and how they want the session to feel. Special occasions like Christmas and birthdays are the perfect time to schedule a family photo session, as these moments create lasting memories.

I consider the time of day carefully, as natural light can completely change the mood of a photograph. The perfect time for outdoor family photoshoots is early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the light is softer. A familiar location, such as a place the family already enjoys walking, helps everyone relax.

The aim is never to force anything. The session should feel like a walk, a conversation, or time spent together rather than a formal shoot. Creating a shot list in advance is beneficial to ensure all desired combinations of subjects are captured.

The whole experience should be smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free for the family.

How Do You Prepare Families for a Photoshoot?

I encourage families to talk, walk, and enjoy being together. Children don’t need to be told to smile. When they’re relaxed and having fun, the smiles happen naturally.

I also remain flexible. Kids have their own rhythm, babies need breaks, and that’s absolutely fine. The best moments usually happen when no one is thinking about the camera.

Photographers should remind clients about the upcoming session so they don’t forget the details.

Capturing Your Own Family

Capturing your own family through photography is a wonderful way to preserve the memories and stories that make your family unique. Family photography doesn’t have to be reserved for special occasions—it’s often the ordinary, everyday moments that become the most meaningful over time. Keep your camera close by so you’re ready to capture those spontaneous smiles at breakfast, a quiet moment between siblings, or the way natural light falls across the room during playtime. Focus on the genuine interactions and personalities that shine through in these unscripted moments. Rather than taking hundreds of pictures, select a handful that truly reflect your family’s spirit and story. By embracing the natural light and the rhythms of daily life, you’ll create family photographs that feel authentic and personal, preserving memories you’ll cherish for years to come.

What Makes a Beautiful Family Moment?

A beautiful family moment is often unplanned. Beautiful images are often created through natural, candid photography sessions, where spontaneous moments unfold outdoors rather than in controlled studio environments. A look between parents, a child reaching out a hand, or a quiet pause in the middle of movement.

I focus on understanding composition, colour, and light so that when these moments happen, I’m ready. That knowledge comes from studying art, not from technology.

The photograph should feel honest. It should feel like life. Capturing natural moments is more valuable than staged ones.

How Do You Create Meaningful Family Portraits?

Family portraits should reflect who people really are. I like to capture a mixture of portraits, wider scenes, and candid moments.

Including the whole family, from babies to parents (and sometimes pets), helps tell a complete story. It's important to include mothers and even the mother-in-law in family portraits, as capturing natural, flattering photos of all family members—including extended family—can be a unique challenge. These aren’t just portraits for today, but photographs that will be treasured for decades.

Each session is personal, because every family is different. As the photographer, I take the lead to make the process quick and painless for everyone involved. Effective communication is key in family photography.

Making it a Fun Experience

Family photography should be as enjoyable as it is meaningful. The best family photo sessions are those where everyone feels relaxed and involved. Invite your family members to share their own ideas for the photo shoot—maybe your kids want to bring their favorite toys, or your partner has a spot in mind that holds special memories. Incorporate your family’s hobbies and interests, whether that means a playful session at the park, a cozy afternoon baking together, or a walk with the family dog. The goal is to create an atmosphere where everyone can be themselves and have fun. When laughter and play are part of the session, the resulting images are naturally beautiful and full of life. Remember, the most treasured family pictures are often the ones that capture how much fun you had together, not just how you looked.

Overcoming Common Challenges

Every family photography session comes with its own set of challenges, but a little preparation and flexibility can make all the difference. Harsh sunlight, for example, can create strong shadows and highlights that distract from the moment. To avoid this, try scheduling your photo shoot during the golden hour—just after sunrise or before sunset—when the light is soft and flattering. Keeping everyone’s attention, especially with young children, can also be tricky. Make the session engaging by allowing for breaks, encouraging movement, and keeping things lighthearted. If someone needs a moment to recharge, that’s perfectly fine—sometimes the best photos happen in those in-between moments. Above all, don’t be afraid to experiment and let your family’s personality shine through. Family photography is about capturing the real, joyful spirit of your family, no matter what challenges arise.

Why Do Family Photos Matter More Over Time?

Family photographs grow in value as time passes. What feels ordinary today becomes precious tomorrow.

Digital images from family photography sessions can be delivered via an online gallery, making it easy for families to view, share, and print their photos.

Looking back at pictures of childhood, school years, or a growing family brings a sense of nostalgia that words can’t replace. These images help preserve memories long after the moment itself has passed.

Using contact sheets can help families review and select their favourite images, and maintain an organised workflow.

Adding context, whether through albums, prints, or simple captions, helps keep those memories alive.

How Much Editing Is Too Much?

Editing should enhance, not overpower. My approach to post-production is subtle and natural.

I focus on maintaining consistency across the session while keeping skin tones, light, and colour true to life. Over-editing removes emotion, and emotion is what family photography is all about.

The final images should feel timeless.

What Is the Most Important Thing to Remember About Family Photography?

I place importance on understanding light, colour, and composition, and most importantly, people.

Be patient. Be flexible. Let life unfold naturally in front of the camera. Most importantly, be present—mentally and emotionally - during the photography process to capture genuine moments.

Photography should inspire you, just as studying the great masters inspired me. When you focus on what really matters, the photographs will always follow.