When photographing families...
I take a lot of photos. I usually create a specific "shot list" for each individual session, but there are 5 shots that end up on my list nearly every time!
Photo by Amanda Corlew Photography
#1- Family Holding Hands and Walking
Have the family walk, looking at the camera. Then tell them to look at each other. You can give them some fun direction here, too, in order to get real laughs. You can also get some of these, as they walk away from the camera. Make sure you get far enough back. These shots can make for great Facebook cover photos!
#2- Kids Running Towards Their Parents
This is another one that can be shot from two angles. First, get behind the parents. Tell the kids that you are going to count down, and when you say "Go!", they need to run towards their mom and dad as fast as they can and give them the biggest hug. Then, switch sides and have them do it again, but this time you are facing the parents so you can get their reactions, too.
Photo by Amanda Corlew Photography
Photo by Amanda Corlew Photography
#3- Individual Shots of Each Kid
This one probably goes without saying, but make sure to get the individual shots. I know it's a cliche to say it, but kids really do grow so fast. Mom and dad will want these photos to remember their kids in this season of life.
Photo by Amanda Corlew Photography
#4- Shots of Just Mom and Dad Together
Not all families want this shot, but I make sure to ask at each session. I think these ones are so nice for families to have. Once we become parents, we can sometimes forget about photos without the kids. This also adds nice variety into your client's gallery.
Photo by Amanda Corlew Photography
#5- Shots of Each Parent with the Kids
These ones will be great for the family to have, especially when they want to make Mother's Day and Father's Day posts on their social media.
