If you're like me, you haven't had any family portraits taken recently, and now that the holidays are here your favorite photographer is all booked up and you really wanted a great picture to use for your Christmas card, but you're not desperate enough to navigate your way to the mall portrait studio. Sound familiar? Well, if you find yourself in this predicament, don't sweat because I'm here to help!
If you're a DIYer at heart, have a camera, and can round up the family for thirty minutes in the backyard (or a room with natural lighting) then you're all set. Here's what you need to do...
Set up a back drop. We just used a natural colored bed sheet with a thicker blanket behind to block the sun from shining through. You can definitely choose something more exciting. I probably would've used the bright blue blanket if it had been longer. We just hung the sheet from the top of our deck with rocks to hold it down. You could also try duct tape on an outer wall, or hook up a funky shower curtain on some nails.
Next you'll need a tripod. If you don't have one, no worries, just find something tall and sturdy you can set the camera on while you get the shot.
Now pick out some props to liven things up a little. We kept it simple with these bright old school chairs we bought a while back. You can definitely get creative here, and there are tons of portrait ideas online, especially on Pinterest (anyone else addicted?).
Round everyone up and get started! Take some test shots first (like this one) to make sure your camera's where you want it. If not, adjust the zoom, etc. and your tripod/sturdy tall thing before you dash over for the timer.
And you're finally ready for some great family photos! Set the timer, shout at everybody to smile, run and sit in place, and pray that it comes out. Can you believe we actually got this one on the first try? It's pretty hard getting everyone to look at the camera at the same time (especially with six people) so you'll likely have to try a few times.
We took a few more just to have fun. My husband has a great sense of humor, doesn't he?
Be sure to take some horizontal ones too (if you're using your tripod)...
...you can always crop them down.
And here's our awkward family photo of the bunch. Poor Amelia, it looks like we don't like her!
That's better!
After getting photos of everyone together, be sure to get group shots. Here are our little angels, and a little imp named Liam.
Then some girly shots. Amelia was actually saying cheese. Adorable.
And daddy with our monkeys.
And some of mommy and daddy, too!
Stay tuned for how I edit my photos to take them from drab (like this one) to fab (the previous one).
Happy family picture taking everyone! I'd love to see how yours turn out, stop by and share yours in the
Maker Mama Flickr group!
Labels: christmas, family, photography, tutorials
