Tips to Create Natural and Effortless Family Photos from Northern Virginia Family Photographer
I am going to let you in on a secret as a family photographer… having natural and effortless family photos actually does take some effort. A huge part of my job is helping you feel comfortable and confident throughout your session so that your final images feel so natural. Many families tell me that they’re “awkward” and worry about how their photos will actually look. If you’re someone who loves those natural and effortless family photos but worries about if it’s actually possible to do, then this week’s blog post is for you! Here’s three tips to create natural and effortless family photos!
#1: Move.
Movement, even if it is as simple as moving your hand during a cuddle, brings images to life. We don’t sit still all day with our kids beside us or on our lap. Instead, we’re hugging them, playing, and moving around. Bring that energy to your family photos. All movement makes photos feel real and more natural.
#2. Work with a photographer you trust and feel comfortable with.
A good photographer – and one that you trust – will help support you. They’ll make sure you’re in flattering positions, provide prompts to create movement, and be thinking about all of those pieces so you don’t have to. Work with a photographer you feel comfortable with so that you can relax and let them take charge.
#3. Do an activity that comes naturally to you and your family.
Think about what you like to do on a normal weekend or weeknight. Do you go for nature walks? Love to bake? Dance parties your thing? Whether we plan an in-home session or do something on-site, I want to know what makes your family special. I like to learn about your family in the questionnaire I’ll send before your session, so we know what to include. If we do an in-home session, we can even plan a specific event for your photos – like baking cookies together or a pillow fight. Whatever it is that makes your family feel most at home, let’s include it! Doing something you love will definitely help you feel more comfortable and at ease.
In the end, creating natural and effortless family photos is about knowing what makes you feel most comfortable together. Your family photographer should help create an atmosphere that’s all about being together – not stressing about how you look or feeling like a statue. With a little bit of pre-planning, natural and effortless family photos are definitely possible!
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Christina did an amazing job with our family photos. From the first time we spoke--she was incredibly thoughtful, organized and detail oriented to ensure the session would be a success.. – Katie A.
