These golden hour family sessions are my absolute favorite, and they’re what made me fall in love with photography. Being able to capture the warmth of family connection WITH the golden hour makes it that much better.
Capturing Connection
As your family photography session begins, my biggest goal is to capture the connection between the family members. This is an essential element of a successful family photoshoot as it is what makes the photos meaningful and timeless.
I first get everyone comfortable and relaxed. The more relaxed you are, the more likely you are to show genuine emotions, and the more likely the I am to capture those moments. I’ll always be chatting to make you feel at ease. Most of the time clients become friends because we spend so much of the session chatting between shots.
Once your family is comfortable, the photographer can start capturing candid moments. I’m always looking for moments that happen naturally when the family is relaxed and comfortable help me get the best images. Maybe the father has a tickle fight with his son, or the mother shares a laugh with her daughter. These moments should be captured as they help convey the family’s connection beyond just posing for the camera.
Posed shots are also essential. Having something for a Christmas card or a more traditional posed portrait will not be overlooked. I’ll always try to add those in. I always try to bring a bench of blankets to add variety to your session with props or posing. I also try to coordinate the blanket with your outfit, so everything will blend seamlessly. This helps break up the monotony and adds visual interest to the photos.
The final step is to direct the family into specific poses. This is where the photographer can show off their creativity and make the family photos unique. Whether it’s a fun pose where everyone jumps in the air, or a serious pose where the family stands in a line, these poses can help capture the family’s personality and connection.
Overall, capturing the connection during a family photography session requires a lot of patience, skill, and creativity. It’s important to make the family feel comfortable and relaxed, while also directing them into poses that showcase their connection. With these elements in mind, the photographer can create beautiful, memorable photos that the family will cherish for years to come.
The Smith Family
The session below is the perfect example of knowing a family well and capturing their connection. I’ve shot this family since little Clara was a baby, so I feel that I can really get to the core of their personalities. Showing their love for each other is always such a joy. Little Clara certainly puts on a show for my camera. Capturing all of those expressions is always a blast! Be sure to check out more of my work here.
