Inspiration & tips for forever family photos
Photo by: Noel in Dublin
We’ve all seen them…some of us have even been in them! Department store family portraits, with gray backdrops, harsh lighting, and generic poses. Well, we’re here to say: family photoshoots have come a long way!
Because today when we think of family photos, we envision photographs that express our unique identity as a family, our personalities and love for each, and the places that represent us best.
With Angle family photoshoots, you hire your own personal photographer to come to you and your family, wherever you are, whatever you're doing, and whenever works best for you all!
Our Family photoshoots are all about your family, your vision, and your relationships.
So let’s get inspired! Here are some ideas to get you thinking about how to make your family photoshoot with us as special as you all are.
Get inspired
Nature
Is your family outdoorsy? Or do you all just appreciate a beautiful setting? Nature is the perfect partner for family photos, whether it's the beach, a park, or your own backyard. Outside in nature, our photographers can make the most of the beautiful natural light (including that legendary golden hour) and a variety of backdrops that show you all off at your best.
Your home
The great thing about using one of our professional photographers is that they can make your dream family photos come true where you’re most comfortable: your home! The old saying goes that “the home is where the heart is.” If this rings true for your family, then we’ve got you covered. Gather everyone in your family home and let us come to you!
Studios
Now don’t think we’re dismissing studios entirely. A gray backdrop can create magical pictures when done right. Imagine a new mother and father holding each other as their arms also envelop their newborn baby. One perfectly placed lamp casts golden lighting from above, while another creates a limn light on their hair. The family glows as the background melts into the shadows. This is what studio photography is all about, and these days professional photographers can bring the studio to you, with portable softboxes, backdrops, and flashes.
Vacation
Families on vacation are usually relaxed and happy, spending time together that they might not otherwise be able to share. So this is the perfect opportunity to hire a photographer. We have professional, local photographers in over 500 destinations around the world. So wherever the family is headed next, however many of you there are, book that family photoshoot so you can treasure the memories when you’re back home and for years to come!
Photo by: Tian in Perth
Celebrations
Another happy time to capture families as they are naturally gathered together? Celebrations! This can be for an occasion specific to your clan - a reunion, an anniversary, a graduation party - or one of the many holidays throughout the year. Both are great opportunities because they come with built-in decorations, props, and activities! Think graduation gowns, specially ordered cakes, dancing, Halloween costumes, formal outfits, and Christmas decorations.
History
There are certain places and events that are specific to each family’s history and identity. These are moments and places we especially want to capture. It might be a yearly trip to a cabin, or grandmother baking with the grandkids, or exploring national parks together. Think about what is unique or special to your family and then let it inspire your photoshoot setting or outfits. Dancing, skydiving, car shows, sports…let your photos tell the story of your family.
Plan ahead:
Rest and eat
Try to get a good night’s sleep beforehand. Make sure the kids have had their naps and don’t schedule the shoot right after someone is getting off a long work shift. Have some snacks on hand, especially for the kids. Sometimes, family’s plan a celebratory dinner after their photoshoot. Even so, have snacks and water around to fuel you through the shoot.
Coordinate clothing
If there’s a lot of you, start working on this early. Make sure clothes capture the mood and colors don’t fight one another. People don’t have to match, but they should complement each other. If this is a small family it can be a bit easier, but the larger the group grows the more coordination it will take. Either put someone in charge, or get a group email going and hash it out. What colors and style you all opt for should be inspired by your setting. If you need ideas, our photographers are happy to help!
Include everyone
One of the main reasons for family photos is posterity…having a way to remember those who will one day be gone and how everyone looked at a particular time in life, especially those little ones that grow up so quickly. It can take extra planning and time to coordinate the whole gang, but it’s worth the effort! That means family photos should capture all the generations of the family and include the furry family members as well, who are just as beloved!
Communicate with your photographer
Your photographer wants to make your vision come true. So don’t be shy! Let them know what you’re thinking, what sounds fun, which family members might be a little tricky. Our professional photographers all around the world have state-of-the-art equipment and tons of talent. They want to use both to make sure that your inspiration for amazing family photos shows in every picture. Use our in-platform chat feature to communicate directly with your photographer as soon as you book your photoshoot.
Have fun
Finally, have fun! Sure, everyone has to show up on time and dress nicely, but after that, it’s all about having fun and being yourselves…letting your love shine so our photographers can capture it! If you’re worried about some family members’ nerves or keeping kids happy during the shoot, talk with your photographer who has experience handling large groups. Other ideas: bring an activity you all love to do, wrestle in the grass, dance in the street, go for a walk. If you’re on vacation, plan an activity or outing the shoot can be part of. Of course, organizing a family photoshoot can be stressful, but we’re here to help. Once the photoshoot day is here, we want you to relax, be yourselves, and let the great photos happen!