Business & Career
21 Photography Tips for Fun & Creative Family Portrait Photography Ideas!
Family pictures are something we can get creative with before we even book a family portrait session and print hundreds of family photos.
Are you planning on taking family pictures for someone? Or looking for ideas before taking your family portraits?
There are so many ways to take a unique photo. It pays off to consider new ideas outside the run-of-the-mill family pictures we see.
…and if these are photos you want to hang on your wall or print on your next Christmas cards, why not ALSO make it a memorable image?
This year my family chose to do something out of the ordinary.
I took shots of all 7 members of my family, separately, in the backyard my parents raised us in.
Once I finally put the self-timer on and get a shot of myself, I plan to superimpose ALL of us into the backyard, as if we all took the picture in one sitting.
Every member of my family has different schedules.
School, work, conferences…
There’s always something going on.
So I was excited to edit these family photos and make a beautiful family portrait that my family can treasure and hang up in their homes.
Here’s the final product 🙂
I hope it sparks more fun and creative ideas for your family pictures.
Whether you’re the photographer, someone getting their family pictures taken, or BOTH…
Here Are 21 Fun Ideas For Creative Family Photos!
Family Pictures: Idea #1
(Create Intrigue)
In case you or your little one are shy, too young to even know what’s going on or you want to create a story…
NOT smiling directly into the camera or looking at the camera at all, can be interesting, and mysterious and instantly spark a story in the viewer’s eyes.
Having natural conversation and settling into the shooting environment with your family will help evoke fluid movement for fun and inviting-looking pictures.
As the shoot progresses, everyone will start to feel more comfortable in front of the camera and abstract ideas may also come to life!
Fun Family Photo Shoot Ideas: #2
(Family Photos During The Magic Hours)
Family pictures can always be made into a fun and artistic event! Who says you should only have a group family portrait?
Why not mix up the types of images you take?
One fun idea is to think about the time of day, as well as the natural frame you can crop your family in, that can perfectly direct the eye to the most important subjects.
The color of the sky at sunrise and sunset can be the most beautiful times of the day.
Consider the natural resources around you when thinking about your next family photos. It’ll be worth the egg hunt!
Family Photos: Idea #3
(A Family Portrait In Action)
Sometimes the BEST family photos are the ones that are NOT posed. When you catch your family in their element, it can turn into a priceless family portrait.
Imagine getting the best family pictures from your family portrait session and having dozes to choose from, to enlarge and frame and selectively place them on the walls in your home, that tell a unique and insightful story.
I mean… you can’t beat turning your walls into its very own art gallery. Each image taken can be one that your family enjoys and turns into a conversation piece.
Although candid pictures can be fun, they can also have their planning involved.
For instance, if you know that your daughters play in your garden every Saturday morning, you can sneak in and capture that weekend adventure!
Family Portrait: Idea #4
(Let’s Get Personal)
Close and personal.
Zooming in on your subjects can make for a beautiful family portrait.
When your child grows up, they can have a sweet memory of Daddy or Mommy rocking them to sleep.
We renew our energy in our sleep.
We dream in our sleep.
Why not an image of this everyday occurrence in some creative way? Try different angles, try different lenses, and try different times of day.
Family Pictures: Idea #5
(Take Advantage of Shapes and Light)
Silhouettes can be the perfect idea for your next family pictures.
Combining color, with the outline of your bodies along with a fun pose, can look like a work of art!
Before the shoot, try practicing shadow puppets and see what shapes and colors your hands alone, can produce.
…then try it in real life by snapping some pictures.
The ideas you come up with will evolve during the shoot, so have fun and play around with them!
Family Photos: Idea #6
(Capture The Details)
Use your hands and feet to get the emotion of love across, in your family photos.
The detail you see when you zoom in on the regular parts of yourself, becomes ten times more interesting when you see all the interesting textures and colors.
You love your family, so any picture you take that involves different aspects of each other, is a great idea to AT LEAST test out.
Look for props and things you either value or use regularly.
It will add another element to the story and remind you of the meaning of the picture, years later, when you go back to look at it.
Family Portrait: Idea #7
(Use Bold, Contrasting Colors)
Black and white photography can be VERY powerful and beautiful.
Stripping the color from an image forces your mind to think and see other things they would not have, had color been a part of the image.
Black and white images are timeless, carry a voice of nostalgia, and look like artwork when the right balance of black and white colors is used.
Make sure to get a few face shots, but get creative and point that lens in many different scenarios, creating more stories behind the photo!
Fun Family Portrait Ideas: #8
(Show Emotion & Love)
Going out for pizza, visiting family, movie night…
There are so many ways we spend time with our family. Our time together can easily be captured in a picture.
Make sure some of your family photos capture your family in the heart of the moment, having fun with each other.
Nothing makes you smile more, than seeing someone else smiling.
….and pictures of families having fun, is a great way to start each day.
Just like laughing and sneezing can be contagious…
Smiles are contagious too!
Looking back at a family portrait when you were all enjoying each others’ company, is a great way to hold on to that memory and continue reliving the moment.
Family Pictures: Idea #9
(Creatively Use Color)
If you’re struggling with coming up with cool family portrait ideas, here’s a very simple one to try:
Use color in your family portrait for a sense of energy, healthiness, and life! I love seeing joyous family photos.
Adding vibrant colors, whether it’s in your clothes, props, or the environment around you, can help give that POP to your family pictures.
Remember when I mentioned going on an egg hunt to find the perfect location? This hunt applies to every aspect of your family portrait.
From what you wear to the several colors you may be surrounded by, you can create family photos that have a beautiful color palette.
It all counts and helps make a great final picture.
Family Picture Ideas: #10
(Find a Unique Location)
Do you have hidden spots in your backyard or in your neighborhood?
My Dad grew up in Laguna Beach, California.
My Auntie tells me stories about the private cove they used to play at every summer, while my grandpa ran the gas station he owned, not far from them.
How fun to know about a secret entry into the beach, that few people were aware of.
Must have been a treat!
…and a great idea for family photos.
Take pictures where most people wouldn’t have access to, or think to take a picture around.
Maybe a special room in your home?
A treehouse built when your children were younger?
Or a landmark you’re all familiar with and have family memories at?
Take the time to jot down a few ideas. Just make sure to consider the right time of day for the perfect shot!
Family Photos: Idea #11
(Invite Your Fuzzy Friends)
We can’t forget the extension of our families… Our pets!
They bring so much life to your home, that they should have the invitation of bringing life into your family photos as well!
Outdoors, indoors… Wherever you choose to bring along your sidekick, TYPICALLY, I’ve never seen a pet take a bad picture.
Just like kids.
It’s hard to NOT like a child’s picture, no matter how restless they may get.
Pets can be just as fun to work with, because if you get them excited, they almost take on a “top model” mentality.
Family Portrait: Idea #12
(Special Occasions)
Holidays and special events are ALWAYS memorable and a time when we’re around our families.
What a perfect time to hire a photographer to get that “once in a moment” family portrait.
Having a professional around during these times in our lives may be more beneficial than planning a specific day for family pictures.
Creativity can’t always be prescribed.
So try to always have a camera around, for those times when the family is near, even those relaxing Sunday afternoons.
You never know when the perfect picture scenario will present itself.
Creative Family Picture Ideas: Idea #13
(Capture Your Culture and Beliefs)
Is your family heavily invested in knowledge?
Maybe you’re a very spiritual family?
Or a traditional family?
Incorporate things in your family photos that speak the voice of your family culture.
A reminder of who you are and what you believe in, captured in an image, can be a great way to preserve your family legacy.
Think about the things you do together and any symbols around the house that represent who you are and how you want future generations to remember you.
Family Portraits: Idea #14
(Discover a Cool Backdrop)
You can NEVER go wrong with cityscapes.
The illuminating colors from the buildings at night or the simple geometrical shapes that are easily recognizable at any time of day are always eye candy and a familiar backdrop most people can relate to.
Family Portrait Photographer Michele Celentano shares a few location ideas in the free lessons she gives away, from her family portrait, online course.
Drive around for beautiful locations where you can have your pictures taken.
It may be your beautiful home, the historical local mom-and-pop restaurant, or just an open area where the setting of the sun would look gorgeous behind your family.
No matter where you live, I’m confident you can use this idea to find ANY backdrop as exciting or interesting to look at, as a cityscape.
Family Pictures: Idea #15
(In The Distance)
Use a long lens. Have your photographer step back and give everyone room to breathe.
Shooting with things to cover your body can be a creative use of space.
If Mom doesn’t want to show her whole body or Dad wants to hide his skinny ankles, there’s always a way to capture only the most flattering parts of your family and discover comfortable family photo poses for them.
Keep these things in mind before you jump too fast and book a studio session for your family portrait.
Think about the different ways you can have a special family photo taken, then book the shoot!
Family Photography Ideas: #16
(Convey Emotion)
Whether your family fights, debates, hugs, or kisses, capturing that emotion can evoke the essence of the moment.
…because at the end of the day, you love each other, right?
Creating many different family portraits to have stories to tell your kids when they grow up, or proudly share with family and friends who visit, is just a way to add to your family’s prized treasures.
Every instance your family is together can turn into ideas for a great photo you can take, in that very moment.
Family Portrait: Idea #17
(Dinner Time)
Some of the most awkward photos I’ve taken are group photos, around a big table.
They’re awkward because most people don’t know that my lens can fit everyone in the photo WITHOUT them having to scrunch in.
Even when you announce it to the group, it’s either not understood or it’s too loud for them to hear what you’re saying anyway, so they still lean in.
A family picture or two of everyone eating can spark the conversation that took place that night when your family sees the final photos.
Of course, you’ll want to get the group photo of everyone looking at the camera, but the random ones help to remember the mood of the evening.
Family Photos: Idea #18
(Try Different Perspectives)
Remember never seeing the face of Charlie Brown’s teacher?
Or realizing the perspective children see adults, when all you saw on the muppet babies, was the legs of their teacher lol!
Taking family pictures from different perspectives is a great way to take a picture that’s interesting to look at.
Try standing on top of things, or kneeling low to see what it looks like from a different point of view.
From pajamas and seasonal family portrait clothing ideas to confetti or snow (fake or real)…
All of these elements can add to the expression and setting of your family portrait.
Family Pics Ideas: #19
(Get Away From The Daily View)
Go on a trip and take your family photos during your time together.
Getting away is always a great excuse to take pictures and selfies!
You get exposed to scenery other than what you’ve been looking at every day.
Why not schedule your family pictures while you’re away or while you’re trying something new? Like:
- Going on a hot air balloon
- Scuba diving
- Fishing
Creative Family Photo Ideas #20
(Hobies and Interests)
Do you have a talented family or take on interesting hobbies?
There’s nothing more natural than a person having their pictures taken while passing the time with their favorite pastime.
Even if the entire family doesn’t have a hobby, you can find a creative way of making it a collaboration.
Like…
Being in the dance room while watching your daughter have ballet practice.
Or even pretending that YOU’RE the instructor!
You could act as if you’re the #1 fan of your musically inclined children.
Or act as if you’re a part of their band!
There are no rules. If you can envision it, you can make it a reality.
Family Pictures are an enjoyable topic because you can use all the fun aspects of photography and find a unique way to involve your family.
Creative Family Portrait Ideas: #21
(Television Shows)
Some of the most famous family pictures I’ve grown to love are the celebrity portrait photography we all see for popular American television shows.
Like…
They’re creative, fun family photos that show the personality of each family member.
I’ve used these celebrity family pictures, as example ideas, when friends and family hire me to take their family photos.
Ideas are always around us. Look through fashion magazines, walk through a furniture store, and watch commercials and movies.
Once your mind is in “family portrait mode”, everything you see around you will help you come up with ideas, on the fly.
Right them down and consider executing when the time permits!
Make it fun, get prints, and blow them up to hang on your walls.
You’ll start a collection of artistic, one-of-a-kind family pictures, that all have a unique story to tell.
Business
How to Start Up Your Own Photography Business
“Don’t find customers for your products, find products for your customers.” – Seth Godin, Author & Former Dot Com Business Executive
There are several things you need to take into consideration when trying to figure out how to start up your own photography business. This is not a short guide, but a one-stop-shop of information.
The tips in this article will guide you through the beginning stages of starting your own business. You do not have to be an expert or work for an established company to succeed. However, you will need to do the main things to get off on the right foot.
Starting It Up
Develop a business plan. Although this sounds like a too involved step to take, it is very important to include everything you need to know in the business plan that you develop. Some important considerations are your target audience, marketing methods, and specific services.
Create your website. To sell photos, you must have a website. This will allow you to reach your potential customers and list your products. Also, a good website is the perfect marketing tool for your photography business.
Additionally, you must have a method for getting people to your website. This can be through friends and family, paid advertising, social media, or many other ways. Consider where your audience is to try to go to them. Many people are already online, so this is highly preferable.
Once you have everything set up, it’s time to think of what you will sell. Are you going to sell a specialized photography service for clients? Will you focus on a niche or sell general photographs? It’s up to you to decide and get started.
Affiliate Photography
Purchase photographs from a stock agency or an insurance company. Many people do not understand how to start up their own photography business.
What most do understand is that they would prefer to sell photos from a stock agency, rather than a specific source. Unfortunately, not all stock agencies will provide the photographer with the images he or she needs to succeed.
Since so many people buy photos to sell on the internet, consider purchasing photos from a healthcare provider. People who receive medical attention can get quality pictures for a very low price. The stock agencies often charge an arm and a leg for these photos.
Visit the websites of the insurance companies you are considering. There are several of these, as well as at the local office of the insurance companies. Be sure to ask about pricing and services, as well as the policies available.
Buy your photos from online auction sites. These types of auctions offer photographers the opportunity to sell their photos for very low prices. Although you may not necessarily sell the photos on your website, you may want to place them on your website as part of your marketing. Consider creating an online gallery of your work, which will allow you to get the most exposure possible.
Photography Equipment
Whether you want to use your camera skills as your marketing tool or have specialized knowledge, you need to purchase a camera. You will also need a lens and a variety of memory cards. You can find many used cameras for a fraction of the cost of buying new ones.
Consider buying in bulk for a small price range when you can. Camera equipment is one of the most expensive items in your business. By shopping in bulk, you can get items that will last just as long as average camera equipment, and it will cost you much less.
For the lens, purchase one that can handle as much light as you need. This will depend on the type of subject you are taking pictures of and the lighting equipment. Also, if you are using digital photography, you need to get a lens specific to your camera.
Getting Down to Business
When it comes down to it, learning how to start up your own photography business is the easy part. The difficult part is getting started. Remember that your photography business should be something that you are passionate about. Remember why you are in this business.
If you can, try to get a mentor to help you. Even if you begin with the perfect start, there will still be roadblocks along the way. A mentor can help you with this through experience gained over many years. Use this to your advantage when you need help.
Business & Career
What is the business code for Photography?
The (NAICS) North American Industry Classification System for photography is 54192, under the photographic services category
Film photography has evolved over the years from black-and-white images to now colored photography. On the other hand, motion pictures allow us to see the world in the form of moving pictures as much as possible from our different locations. What is the business code for photography?
The revolution in the world of media and photography in general with billions of images captured by photography makes everyone want to know the best practices put in place that upholds ethics in photography. The article discusses in depth the vast topic of the best code for photography.
Appropriation
Billions of photographs are available on the Internet, and it’s not uncommon to see individuals post, but corporate companies use other people’s work for their benefit. Using images without permission may involve serious consequences.
In this scenario, what is the business code for photography?
Art is inspired and informed by preceding techniques, styles, and artists. Blatant appropriation involves taking another person’s artwork and making minor adjustments that cross the code of ethical conduct in photography.
The discussions of these breaches are a broader and more complex topic. Photographers contemplated the push of shuttering all the companies, including freelancers who get to be lone wolves without editors.
Modern technology causes cameras and powerful software to have a huge dynamic range, toning images that conform to the NPPA Code of Ethics but locally enhance the shadow details and vibrancy. Editors and photographers understand the consequences of technological software like Content-Aware Fill, which revolutionized computational photography, and unknowingly crushes ethical norms.
Contests
Photo contests celebrate various achievements in different photography fields, offering exposure to the winners despite winning prizes. Some photographers sour on the contest culture by placing high entry fees, lacking exposure, and giving small rewards.
Complaints from critics about the pains and sufferings in the events were aired out, but they got little response regarding the topic.
Contests get to have ethical minefields that lack diversity hence the need for protection against brands while promoting photography. A photography company’s terms and conditions are put in place to give a structural lead and support in a diligent organization.
Technology
Advanced technology helps and accelerates the popularity of photography in daily activities. The consideration of the prices for taking a photo got disposed of by the use of technology, which has effectively impacted taking photos on zero charges.
What is the business code for photography? AI and Computational photography challenge the landscape of ethics by working on photos without the knowledge of consumers.
Modern smartphone cameras take pictures in a series before and after the order of computational photography and AI to produce the best photos effectively. The current inventions allow images to be stored on online platforms. The visual content gets used without context or intentional misattribution, which may cause devastating results.
Plagiarism
A situation where a photographer borrows their counterparts’ ideas and implements them similarly in an identical shot is known to be plagiarism. The endless debates about this topic get to spark a lot of arguments on both sides.
What is the business code for photography? Photographers get to have unique skills, knowledge, and experience when creating their work. Finding a particular angle, composition, subject, or specific colors to create something original is respected.
An image copied correctly using the traits shows apparent plagiarism and is not allowed ultimately.
Drone Photography
In recent years, drone photography has been used widely by photographers and videographers to capture unique footage from distances and angles with impossible captures.
The idea sounds appealing in many ways but also brings several concerns. Drone photography is highly unregulated, and a few cases show they pose threats in protected areas.
Guidelines and regulations allow mandatory registration of drones.
No specific laws or rules regarding how to operate, which creates enormous problems for everyone with the assumption of what they can or can’t do—operations of the device on private property show trespass and break-in, which aggravates rage from the public.
The complexity of getting private pictures without consent from drones has broken many ethical concerns. With the growing use of the devices, a clear guideline needs to be put in place to protect people from unethical photographers using drones to collect their information without consent.
Business & Career
Where to Market Your Photography Business
“The Golden Rule for Every Business is this: Put Yourself in your Customer’s Place.” – Orison Swett Marden, American Inspirational Author
Are you a photographer and are looking for where to market your photography business? Taking your business online and opening social accounts can help you establish your brand and lead the way to bigger things. There are many tips on how to start using online marketing for business.
Since not every social media website caters to photographers, it’s important to stick with the ones that do. Some examples of platforms that photographers can use are Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, and YouTube. Since Instagram is the biggest one for photographers, this article will extensively go over it.
Getting Started With Instagram
People love photos and videos that show the real you, so use Instagram stories to tell your story. I recommend staying away from hashtags at first. Instead, simply post pictures or videos that capture your creativity. Also add something about why your clients are paying you for your services, or why they should choose you over another photographer.
Instagram provides many options for creative marketing. For example, use Instagram to tell a story about your life. Snap a video with your followers, and then share it on Instagram with the caption “I was there.” The more creative your videos are, the more attention you will get and the more your account will grow.
The most important part of your profile is your bio. You want your bio to be specific about you and your business. Remember to include your location and any additional information you feel is important. This bio will become the page that most people check out first when they visit your account. Use specific keywords and be sure to share information about yourself.
Use Instagram to provide information about yourself, your business, and your clients. You can also share images and videos of you and your partners to create and build a fan base. If you have one, a blog is also a great place to push these pictures and videos.
Additional Information for Instagram
Post images related to your photography business and current events. Place photos of your work in your profile to highlight different aspects of your business. This will establish you as an expert in your field.
Since you can cross-post between different platforms, provide content that is relevant to your Instagram and Facebook pages. This content can include information about your business, current events, and photos. Use keywords to establish yourself as an expert in your field.
When you’re not available to shoot your photography, upload videos and pictures of your previous work. This will make you stand out from other accounts. Also, add a description of your videos and tell people why you’re making a certain video. Think of the video as your advertising campaign for your profile.
Instagram is a great tool for your photography business. It is great for keeping in touch with your customers and clients, as well as creating new ones. While other people are consuming content, you’re creating it.
Using Facebook to Network
Many people enjoy interacting with others on Facebook, which is why you can tell your followers about your work. With this in mind, businesses will benefit from being involved in the conversations.
To expand on the first use of social media marketing discussed above, photographers may choose to participate in Facebook groups that focus on a particular subject matter. Several business owners with photography interests have started creating groups that allow them to offer their services and advice to those interested in their craft.
By joining such groups, businesses have the opportunity to network with other professionals in the photography business. By offering advice and support to others, they will be able to attract new customers to their online photography business.
With the increasing popularity of Facebook, the number of photography groups has grown. Many other social networks offer similar functions, including a larger group of potential customers, but Facebook is the most popular.
Other Social Media Channels
Create a blog for your photography business. Blogging is very effective in getting people to stay on your page and visit your page. If you are trying to establish yourself as an expert in your field, blogging will make this easier than ever. It’s also an opportunity to share videos.
Creating YouTube videos shows more aspects of your business than photos do. Use this to your advantage. Even though you’re a photographer, you can show videos of things such as your ways of working, client interviews, and personal video posts. Show your personality.
Additionally, take advantage of Snapchat. It’s a fun way to engage with people, showing your human aspects. Snapchat isn’t just for young millennials anymore, since many older people are starting to use it. You might as well since it’s free anyway.
Another platform you take advantage of is Twitter. As a platform, Twitter allows you to quickly engage with your audience. Through text, photos, and video, there are endless possibilities for marketing your photography business.
In Conclusion
In short, there are many options regarding online platforms when thinking about where to market your photography business. Use them all to your advantage so you can reach the biggest client base possible. With online marketing, there are unlimited opportunities.
Even though Facebook and Instagram are the best platforms for photographers, don’t use only one or two methods to promote your account. Try doing more so you have content to post that relates to more people. Some people prefer one social media channel over another. Make sure to engage with people where they already are.
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