How to: Photograph Family Photos

Portraits of your loved ones—your spouse, children, even extended family—serve as reminders of special moments in time that you can cherish through the years.

Whether you’re looking to take a classic portrait of your child that will endure on your living room wall, or a group portrait you can use for your next holiday card, our experts offer suggestions for how to capture fun, natural photos that showcase each family member’s unique personality and the deep connection you all share.

TIP 1: Simplify the background

It may be tempting, especially if you’re taking portraits for holiday cards, to find a background that complements the “theme” you have in mind—and that can be desirable, in some cases. But by finding as clean a background as possible, you’ll ensure your image serves as a more “timeless portrait” instead of merely a “holiday picture.”

TIP 2: Use shallow depth-of-field to focus your viewers’ attention

Family photos are often shot at F/11 to ensure every element is super-sharp, but that might not always be the desired effect. Many times, you’ll be taking pictures where there are distracting elements lying around, especially if you’re shooting in your own home (admit it—we all have some clutter). An easy way to eliminate those distractions is to shoot wide open (say, F/1.8) and throw the background completely out of focus.

TIP 3: Not every photo needs smiling faces staring directly into the camera

Capture candid photos where you can’t even see your subjects’ faces—perhaps a little girl nestling her head into her mother’s shoulder. Or focus on other parts of the body altogether and work in some of the environment at the same time with a wide-angle lens.

For instance, if you live near the beach, take a photo of your little ones’ toes in the sand. That allows you to capture your location, as well as the size of their tiny feet while they’re still small. Or capture a favorite activity from a distance and capture the environment as well.

TIP 4: Keep it simple

Entertaining them and capturing their reactions. It may require you to take more images than you’re used to but going through a few more frames to select one that feels natural is worth the extra effort. Asking children to dance, jump, or even run is one way to make sure they’re having fun during the photo session, which will guarantee you more smiles.

It also helps if you can get the youngest children in the group to open up. Ask the parents what their child’s favorite things are, bring those subjects up at the opportune moment, and start taking pictures.

TIP 5: Experiment with different lenses for portraits that fit your style

The Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 DI III VXD G2 (Model A063) lens is an especially versatile high-speed zoom for portraits (especially for backlit photos). The wide-angle 20-40mm F/2.8 DI III VXD (Model A068) lens can lend a sense of place to enhance your subject’s storyline.

Learn more about these lenses and more at an authorized Tamron dealer in your area or visit the TAMRON Store today.

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