When it comes to Family Portrait Photography it pays for the amateur photographer to be familiar with the basics of the subject. Too many people fall into the trap of assuming there isn't much to taking the perfect portrait; however any professional will tell you that there are numerous 'key' factors that can be the difference between a photo, and a memory. In this article I will walk you through the basics of family portrait photography; giving you the tools to go forth and capture that memory, yourself!
Capturing the perfect memory is all about planning your shot; you need to make sure each factor within your shot is optimised towards accentuating your family. You should firstly consider the background you will be working with; it is very important to choose a background that is relatively dull and repetitive (e.g. a wall or a bush). This will act to add more emphasis towards the people within your shot, instead of jostling for attention as a more complex backdrop would. Another good way to add further emphasis to your family is to take advantage of a frame within your background (e.g. an archway). What this does is to separate the background from your family, which places more importance on the people within your shot.
Now that you've chosen where to take your portrait, you now have to consider the the lighting within your shot. If you have chosen an outdoors setting, then you need to consider the time of day when you are going to take your photo. The Sun's natural light lends itself best to photography at both early morning and late afternoon, so if it is possible to get your family out at either of these times then you should. If positioned in a shaded area then you should make use of your camera's flash. When taking a photo indoors, make sure you always make use of your camera's flash.
The finished portrait does not only rely on the moment, later editing is also a huge factor. Make sure you take multiple photos to account for any mistakes you may miss when initially reviewing your shot, which also gives you a kaleidoscope of different pictures to chose from when selecting the best one. It is also wise to leave sufficient room on the both sides of your family, as any later cropping may result in the loss of limbs if there isn't enough space.
Taking advantage of these simple, but effective hints can be the difference between an amateur family portrait, and the perfect family portrait; so make sure you consider them when you take your next family portrait.
Craig Stewart is a professional photographer and family man situated in Perth with a in depth knowledge of the best ways to capture the perfect family portrait, which he is keen to share with amateur photographers. To learn more about family portrait photographer visit his blog at http://www.photography-perth.com.au/
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