{Disclaimer}
I must first declare that I am not an expert photographer by an means.
I do not have a Nikon D300,000 or a Cannon Rebel XZYSCSzzi.
Just a basic Nikon D40 with a 18-55mm lens.
However, the past few weekends I've been taking some fun family pictures for friends. And without getting too technical I have have learned a few things that you might like to hear if you're getting ready to take some holiday pictures.
{Postcard}
But before we get into the nitty gritty I have to plug how much I love photo postcards. I've blogged about them for the past few years, but I still have a huge crush on them. They are so easy and less-expensive to mail...just get a 4X6 and a post card stamp. So once you get that great family shot this is a great way to go!
For more ideas and information you can visit last year's post:
Family PhotoCards
Here's a little example...
{Color Coordinate}
My 1st little tip for better chances of a good family picture is to color coordinate.
Its great to have somewhat but not exactly the same colors. Mixing it up a little adds character to the picture without distracting from being to "matchy matchy". A cute hair bow for a girl can compliment a little guys tie and be super cute.
Case in point: Natalie. My good old backing Europe buddy and her sweet family! Coordinated and super cute!!
Note: I played around in photoshop elements to get the "candy" colors of their clothes to really pop...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdhwHAG2ooj9-X_J3mlaVE3HjefUfPW5jn3U6fErarlcX6phh2-fpt8YDsfFiQZp_pAXjnyPDAZkfQxEPBiPq3npB-gy4sVtWqVVCINZIpcRhEA4ZxK3pntyA2IU-DvlPBWfwrsKq61w/s640/DSC_1415+texture.jpg)
And actually, you should be able to get some good ideas from these great gal friends of mine pictures in this post. {I say gals because I know their husbands are like mine...and probably could care less!} They all did a great job of dressing their families!
{Posing}
The hard part. One thing I've found is that I love when families are holding hands. Its a simple gesture, but something about it brings the family closer together.
I also encourage the gals (if they are a little sassy) to put their hands on their hips...adding a litte character and variety to the shot. (And its also flattering for mom's arms as well...)
I also love when kids are being themselves. Look at Kyler on the right crouching down and holding his mom's hand. Also, check out Kason's little hand on his mom's leg. I love it. I think its the little details that make a photo special.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg49NoQjf5LpJpCzufxAkvfpmpO-squ30kdeSORsJ9jimYM4nvumb_YTCVR4gv0tRzzTzRo3FaCUbnI5uak1TlBEHNzhEyMMSNKMbGIj2JRLIPee2hEeYWzo3Z1PYIEFC0jL5apl8Lm8-s/s640/DSC_0729.jpg)
Ah, hah! Holding hands and the sassy hand on the hip...
{Close Up}
Don't be afraid of a cute family shot that's not full body. When I get a Christmas Card in the mail its so great to be able to see the faces! (And sometimes we ladies even like it a bit better than the full body shot! Well, at least I do!)
And if you can get a good angle where you are looking up it creates a great shot as well...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-l7rnuVMUdwN5ay6aRsoAJV2H4t1a-eFEtTVkryl9twm9iV7bHDOkv7ki382WZgvAkGPAeOeVIB7DuefljiweH3PCf8-iDAq8305R7M1XWWJuBtjuIG62vyUIMqfvXeh7Mor8ydyfXc/s640/DSC_0302vintage.jpg)
I could ramble on about this all night, but I'd better not. Hopefully these few little ideas can make your next family pictures a little less painful!
{Faves}
But before I close, I also have to throw in a few of my favorites...
XOXO
Toad
1 comment:
Thanks again for taking those pictures! You're so good!
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