Embrace the beauty of the fall season with these tips for capturing stunning family portraits in Dallas. With the holidays just around the corner, no celebration feels complete without personalized holiday cards for your loved ones. What better setting for your family portraits than the vibrant hues of autumn leaves, creating the perfect seasonal backdrop?
Family Portraits: 10 Secrets to Capturing Great Shots
Use a Tripod
We know exactly what you’re thinking: tripods cramp your style; they’re heavy and cumbersome, and you prefer photography that’s free-flowing. Yes, shooting with a handheld camera is better for a documentary, but family portraits come out best when tripods are used.
Tripods naturally encourage a slower, more thoughtful approach to photography, requiring you to pause and carefully check settings like exposure, focus, and composition before snapping a picture. This deliberate process ensures that every detail is just right, something you might overlook when holding the camera up to your eye and shooting on the go. Additionally, using a tripod frees up your hands, allowing you to interact with your subjects more easily. You can make eye contact with the family you’re photographing, direct the kids’ attention, and engage with them to capture more natural, joyful expressions. This connection often leads to more authentic and memorable shots, enhancing the overall quality of your family portraits.
Let The Kids Be Kids
Parents often tell their kids to “behave well and smile” before a photoshoot. This puts pressure on the kids to “perform,” and as a result, your family portraits end up with disappointed faces and frowns that are forcefully being turned into smiles. So when photographing kids, the rule of thumb is to let them enjoy and have fun. However, you need to prepare beforehand; keep props with you and ask the mom to bring along the kids’ favorite toys.
You can even keep bubbles and hand puppets handy so you can get the babies to be comfortable in your presence. Make funny noises and play peek-a-boo behind the camera; in a nutshell, be as silly as you can! And once the little ones are having being themselves, get ready to capture the moment!
two children dressed in formal attire sitting together on white bench for family portraits dallas
Lighting Is Key!
Lights can make or break portraits! Photography is all about “drawing with light,” therefore, you need to make sure the light gets into the subject’s eyes. Here’s what you need to do to set your portraits up for good light:
Late evenings—about an hour before the sun sets is the ideal time for portraits. The pictures won’t have harsh overhead light at his time; instead it’s usually directional and diffused along the horizon.
If shooting at dusk isn’t possible, create your own shade to ensure your family stands out in the photo. Harsh sunlight can create unflattering shadows or make your subjects squint, so finding an alternative is key. Avoid brightly lit backgrounds, as they can distract from the main focus of your photo and may cause overexposure. Instead, opt for shaded areas, such as beneath large trees or near tall buildings, which not only provide softer, more even lighting but also serve as excellent, visually appealing backdrops. These natural or architectural elements can add depth and texture to your composition, making your family portraits more polished and professional-looking.
Last Words
If you’re looking a licensed Dallas family photographer, get in touch with me 972-832-259. I love to shoot unique family portraits that perfectly capture the essence and personality of the family!
Check out our incredibly and amazing family photography, work and don’t wait to capture such a memorable moment with your little one! Schedule your family photoshoot today!!
So why wait? Book your session today and start creating your own beautiful memories! Learn all about affordable family photography pricing in Dallas.
With limited slots each month, it’s best to secure your spot well in advance. All lifestyle family sessions take place at my welcoming family photography studio in Rowlett. Lily Hayes, your family photographer, also specializes in Dallas newborn photography and Dallas maternity photography. Family photography services available in Dallas, Richardson, Plano, Carrollton, Little Elm, Frisco, McKinney, Rockwall, and nearby regions.
