10 Photography Tips to Elevate Your Family Photography

Capturing the Moments That You’ll Treasure for Years to Come

Family Photography: How To Stop Time

Days fly in the blink of an eye, and before you know it, a year has passed since you last picked up your old family camera. And as you hold it in your hands, fond memories flood back to you of filming birthday parties, capturing first steps and kisses, and cleaning the lens affectionately on the edge of your t-shirt. There’s so much history in this one item. It holds the power of the past, and also of the future. And it’s been there for you. It’s held your moments.

Because capturing your moments means preserving them. It has given you the power to share them, years and years later, with the next generation—with your friends and your family and the people you love most in the world. And this nostalgia, this care, has given you compassion for the versions of you that came before, and for the things you did not yet know. This is the power of memory, of reflection, and of time. This is the power of a single moment.

And in this day and age, we are always in need of more time. In fact, we are so conscious of time that we cannot live without it. It guides our days, steers our lives, and gives our moments meaning. And sometimes it’s okay to want to pause, even just for a second, so that we can slow down and rest. Because when we look back, we propel ourselves into the future with new vitality and curiosity. And without references, or signposts to the past, this degree of reflection would not be possible because we need something tangible to relate to.

Introducing: 10 Photography Tips

So, let me guide you through my top 10 Family Photography Tips that you can apply instantly to elevate your photography skills, and better capture the moments that matter most.

1: Find The Light

Natural light is softer and more flattering than artificial light. It complements the natural shadows and highlights of your face and gives photographs an authentic and timeless feel. Try to position your family near windows or take photos outdoors during the golden hour (the first hour after sunrise or the last hour before sunset) for the best results. Remember to avoid harsh direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows, and instead look for diffused light or a slightly shaded area.

2. Clean Your Lens

This one might seem obvious, but if the last 10 years have taught me anything, it’s that clarity reigns supreme in family photography. And clarity begins with clean, well-tended photography kit. A dirty lens can cause blurry or cloudy photos, which is especially noticeable when using a phone, and can make your images appear clunky and amateur. Try to source a clean microfibre cloth, keep it in an accessible place, and gently clean your lens before taking any photos. Even something as seemingly insignificant as a fingerprint can alter the clarity of your pictures. Use this simple tip to transform your photography and watch your memories come alive.

3. Focus on Composition

A well-composed photo is more visually appealing and helps to convey the right mood. And mood is important in photography because it’s the feeling of a photograph that awakens its true potential—both in the moment and upon reflection. Consider using the rule of thirds (imagine a grid dividing the image into nine parts) to help centre your family, or place them off-centre for a more authentic look. The latter works especially well for group images and for breaking up awkward family ‘lineups’. The goal here is to create balance and dynamic image. Also, remember to be mindful of what’s happening in the background to avoid any distractions.

4. Mind the Background

A cluttered or distracting background can take the focus away from your family members. Look for clean, simple backgrounds that won't compete with your subject, and try to minimize shapes, people, and colours that conflict with the overall harmony of your shot. If you are struggling to find a decent background, try to blur it out using Portrait Mode on your phone or step closer to your subjects.

5. Use Portrait Mode (If Available)

We now carry the power of a digital camera in our bags and back pockets. For many, our phones are now our primary cameras and we rely on them for capturing both the precious and the mundane. Consider using Portrait Mode on your phone to blur backgrounds, create bokeh, and keep your subjects in sharp focus. Additionally, you can use a wide aperture for a more traditional portrait image effect.

6. Avoid Zooming In Digitally

Digital zoom lowers the quality of your photo by cropping and enlarging the image, resulting in a pixelated or blurry shot. Instead of zooming in, physically move closer to your subject. This will maintain the quality of your photo and help you to capture the scene in a more natural way.

7. Consider Framing and Angles

Sometimes a simple change in perspective can turn an ordinary photo into something special. Try shooting from different angles—higher or lower than eye level and experiment with the different perspectives on offer to you. A shot taken from a slightly above angle will capture more detail and avoid distractions, whilst a lower angle will emphasize height and length. If you are feeling particularly creative, you can also experiment with framing, such as shooting through a door frame or window.

8. Use Burst Mode for Action Shots

Family photos can sometimes be unpredictable, especially with kids. Burst mode helps you capture multiple frames in quick succession, so you don’t miss the perfect moment. Hold down the shutter button to shoot a burst of photos. Later, you can select the best one from the sequence.

9. Capture Candid Moments

Candid shots feel more genuine and heartfelt than posed photos, especially for family moments. Try encouraging your family members to interact naturally, without focusing too much on the camera. This could be a laugh, a hug, or just a quiet moment in between. It’s these candid moments that bring people to life, capturing their unique personalities and essences.

10. Use Editing Apps

And last but not least, bring your favourite photographs into simple editing software for post-processing. This can make an already terrific photo shine by enhancing the colours, sharpness, and lighting. Editing tools like Snapseed, VSCO, or the built-in editing features on your phone work best for on-the-go tweaks. Use them to brighten up shadows, adjust the contrast, and saturate/desaturate colours for a more polished result.

Conclusion: Your Family Photography

With these 10 simple tips and tricks, you’ll be sure to elevate your family photography. And in time, you’ll find your images not only stand out, but capture the essence of the memories you have preserved—and made.