Dreaming about updating your profile photo with your family photo from your wedding day? No? Probably not, but hear me out. Those group photos will grow in meaning to you with each passing year. No one stays the same and certainly not a group of someones. But you’ve captured that lightning in a bottle on your special day. That one day when your most special people were by your side.
Even if you don’t see family photos blasted across magazines or the top pinned posts (or as your profile pic). Those photos matter because YOU matter. And the people in those photos matter to you. I go to extra lengths to capture memorable family photos and create a special atmosphere where you all feel connected.
Here are five ways an experienced photographer levels up your family photos without you realizing it:
1. Lighting
The base of a great family photo begins with lighting. The lighting will determine whether you love them or hate them.
What happens if you’re outdoors? Know how to work the light. The shade is the most consistent and forgiving during high sun. Not only is everyone exposed to the same degree, but there is enough light coming from the high sun to add a beautiful soft light across each face. That gentle light brings a cheery, energized look (ditching any bags under the eyes).
As the sun goes down, it’s time to take advantage of the beautiful softer light of the evening sun. As the sun sets, it’s time to turn those lovely faces toward the sun. The key is having enough light hitting the face to keep those dark circles and pesky shadows away.
Indoor Family Photos
How about indoor family photos? Inexperienced photographers will struggle to adapt to indoor lighting. But let’s be realistic…can all of the grandparents really walk down the hill to the lone tree for photos? Do you want to take photos outdoors when it’s 110 degrees? Or 4?
Finding locations that offer beautiful light is key in offering you the best experience. But so is creating the perfect lighting setup–whether indoors or out.
After you’ve decorated your venue beautifully, you want it to be in photos. So don’t hire a photographer who doesn’t know how to work that lighting.
Learning to perfect indoor light has been a huge passion of mine to ensure you photos you will love. I have 3 different forms of lighting equipment that I use throughout the day: constant light, off camera flash, and direct flash.
Most photographers shoot direct flash for family photos in those dark venues. Many years ago, I did too. No more! The direct flash removes the luxury look of the photo. With it, the photos look too lit up, have glares, and the bright light removes the special details of the faces you love. If you try bouncing the flash off the ceiling, it causes dark circles under the eyes. And occasionally, a few people will stay dark while the rest are light in large group photos. Direct flash is just not good.
That’s why I have a stunning indirect, constant light I use for family photos. I want them to be pretty. The setting needs to be comfortable. I want to show the details of each smiling face. And I want those family photos to be my absolute best for you.
It might be tempting to look at gorgeous bride and groom photos on Instagram and assume all of your important photos will be lit correctly, but dig deeper. Make sure you see the emotion and quality you expect from all types of photos.
2. Show The Love
Your family photos NEED to show the love. The joy you experience throughout the day should be reflected in your photos- in every part of the day! And I have learned ways to do that.
Whether it’s suggesting where to put your hands, squishing you close together, getting everyone to interact, or making the atmosphere comfortable and cheery (so you forget I’m even snapping photos) I do everything I can to keep the momentum of the happiness of your day going.
I love to capture real emotion and love from your special day. So you may have the sweetest photo of you and your mom hugging, or a quick kiss from your grandparents, a shot of him smiling as he watches you have the time of your life, – because I ensure that the atmosphere is comfortable, enjoyable, and encouraging that connection.
3. Use The Correct Camera Lens
One lens is never enough. In fact, I use four different camera lenses on a wedding day (with an occasional specialized lens for additional creative touches).
For those who want to geek out on the details: For family photos, I use either a 35mm or a 50mm 1.4 Sigma. The 35 is great when I need to get a lot of people in a photo and am limited on space. I don’t shoot on any shorter lens than that because then distortion happens. And you want your dearest family members looking like themselves–not stretched out, kinda-off versions.
Another lens I love for wedding photos is the 50 mm. It is great to use to add some depth between you and the background. I love the way it makes the entire photo never look busy and keeps the focus on you and your family.
Each family photo location is different, which means knowing what lens to use to capture the moments and deliver a great gallery is key.
4. Know The Correct Settings
Ooft. This goes without saying but needs to be said. Using the correct settings will make or break your family photos. This is why hiring someone with experience, knowledge, and someone who will make sure everyone is in focus is key.
If your photographer uses too low of a shutter speed, people will be blurry. Which is why I never go slower than 1/400. Aperture must be at least 3.2. As for ISO, I adapt to the current degree of light to the room but if you go too high it will become grainy. Which is why I add my own light and watch my settings closely.
5. Have Two Cameras Always Ready For Family Photos
I love having two cameras for family portraits! Two cameras aren’t just for the bride and groom!
While everyone is getting lined up for photos, great little moments happen. This might be when the grandparents steal a quick hug from the bride, exchange a smile with their grandkids, a maid of honor lovingly fusses over the bride, or the flower girl tries her basket on as a hat. Being ready with a longer lens (my 85 mm 1.4) is key to grabbing those shots that you’ll treasure forever.
These tips are the tip (ha ha) of the iceberg for things you should expect from an experienced photographer.
Add up my nearly 10 years of photography and over 200 weddings with more professional shoots like state conventions, projects for state agencies, and events for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the experience shows through for my clients.
I wish I could say I have “nailed” it every time. But I haven’t. And that is why I dove so hard into education and experiences to take exceptional portraits on a wedding day that you love regardless of the location or lighting. From investing in workshops, equipment, and mentorships while doing continual reflection, I feel confident in delivering quality images while creating a quality experience, every single special time.