How to Capture Authentic Joy in Your Family Photos
Human beings are intuitive; you can almost always tell the difference between a genuine smile and a fake smile. That’s true in day-to-day life, but it’s also true for portraits. When you picture your children and your spouse in your mind, you picture all of them smiling and laughing together - those happy moments are when you feel most connected with each other. That’s why overly posed and artificial family photos can fall so flat, because that’s not who your family is in your mind. But how do you bring authentic joy to the surface in your family photo shoot?
Fortunately for you, that’s my expertise! I create family photo shoots where you and your kids alike can be your most authentic selves and simply enjoy each other as a family, and that creates photos you’ll always treasure because you can feel the genuine joy and love in them. But it doesn’t come effortlessly, of course. There are a few things you can do to help make your next photo shoot a truly happy one.
Choose a Location Your Kids Will Enjoy
Finding a great place for family photos goes beyond finding somewhere that looks pretty. I want you and your kids to be able to actually have fun together, both in front of the camera and between shots. A place like a local park can be perfect, because not only does it have a beautiful backdrop for your portraits, but it gives your kids somewhere to run and play so they’re actually having fun.
Make the Day Special
Adults can intentionally put themselves in a certain mindset on demand, but it’s not as easy for kids. So, you can help your kids be in a great mood for the photo shoot by making the entire day into a special family day for you to spend together. This could include things like playing some of their favorite games at home, making their favorite foods for lunch, and so on. Not only does this put your kids in a great mood before the photo shoot even begins, but it also makes the portraits even more special because, when you look back on them, you’ll think back to the wonderful day you had with your kids.
Have a Trick to Make Your Kids Laugh
As a photographer, I have plenty of tricks up my sleeve to coax a great smile out of your kids from behind the camera. But you might be able to help too if you have a few tricks of your own. For example, if you’re posing together and they look a little somber, you might give them a little tickle or whisper something funny to them so they laugh. Have a few ideas ready in case you need to get a quick giggle out of your little ones.
Have Plenty of Snacks and Water Ready
As a parent, I know you’ve seen how quickly a smile can turn into a frown when your little one is hungry or thirsty. The benefit of a custom family photo session is that we can take a snack break whenever you need to, so make sure you bring snacks, drinks, and anything else your kiddos might need to stay comfortable and happy.
Want joyful family portraits where your family actually looks the way you see them in your mind? I’m here to help! Contact Jaimié Birtel Photography to book today.
