Family photography is about more than perfect smiles. It’s about capturing the chaos, love, and authentic connections that define each family’s unique story. This comprehensive guide reveals the techniques professional family photographers use to create images that families treasure for generations utilising your new found skills from the Canadian Photography School’s Photography courses.
Understanding Family Dynamics
Reading the Room
Successful people photography training begins before lifting the camera:
Pre-Session Assessment:
- Family energy levels
- Relationship dynamics
- Comfort with cameras
- Special needs consideration
- Cultural sensitivities
Personality Types:
- The natural performer
- The camera-shy child
- The reluctant teenager
- The controlling parent
- The wild toddler
Understanding these dynamics helps you adapt your approach for authentic results.
Age-Appropriate Expectations
Newborns-6 months:
- 30-45 minute sessions
- Feeding/changing breaks
- Parent comfort priority
- Safety first always
- Simple poses only
Toddlers (1-3 years):
- 20-30 minute attention span
- Movement and play essential
- Snack bribes acceptable
- Expect unpredictability
- Embrace the chaos
School Age (4-12):
- 45-60 minute sessions
- Games and interaction
- Genuine smile techniques
- Energy burn needed
- Sibling dynamics management
Teenagers:
- Respect their input
- Individual shots important
- Authentic over posed
- Phone breaks necessary
- Music helps comfort
Natural Posing Techniques
Creating Connection
Move beyond “say cheese” in your portrait photography course:
Connection Prompts:
- “Whisper a secret to mom”
- “Family group hug on three”
- “Tell your favorite joke”
- “Dance party time!”
- “Look at each other and laugh”
Movement-Based Poses:
- Walking toward camera
- Spinning in circles
- Piggyback rides
- Running races
- Throwing leaves/confetti
Intimate Moments:
- Forehead touches
- Hand holding details
- Natural embraces
- Reading together
- Playing games
Posing Large Groups
Triangle Composition:
- Varying heights essential
- Create visual triangles
- Avoid straight lines
- Layer family members
- Use furniture/steps
The Rule of Odds:
- Groups of 3, 5, 7 work better
- Creates visual interest
- Natural groupings
- Balanced compositions
- Dynamic arrangements
Location Selection Strategies
Home Sessions
Comfort zone advantages:
- Familiar environment
- Personal props available
- Relaxed children
- Meaningful backgrounds
- Weather independent
Best Home Locations:
- Master bedroom (natural light)
- Living room (space)
- Kitchen (activity)
- Backyard (freedom)
- Children’s rooms (personality)
Outdoor Locations
Golden Hour Magic:
- 1 hour before sunset
- Soft, flattering light
- Magical atmosphere
- Active children calmer
- Beautiful backgrounds
Location Considerations:
- Parking accessibility
- Bathroom availability
- Shade options
- Safety hazards
- Permit requirements
Working with Challenging Situations
The Crying Child
Professional solutions:
- Take a break (5-10 minutes)
- Change location or activity
- Include comfort items
- Parent cuddle shots
- Document the reality
Sometimes tears make the most honest images.
The Reluctant Family Member
Strategies:
- Start with willing participants
- Individual shots first
- Behind-scenes involvement
- Quick essential shots
- Respect boundaries
Divorced or Blended Families
Sensitive Approach:
- Discuss dynamics privately
- Plan groupings beforehand
- Equal attention distribution
- Separate galleries possible
- Extra time allowance
Technical Considerations
Camera Settings for Families
Optimize for unpredictability:
Aperture Choices:
- Single child: f/2.8-f/4
- Small family: f/4-f/5.6
- Large group: f/5.6-f/8
- Environmental: f/8-f/11
Shutter Speed:
- Adults: 1/125 minimum
- Walking: 1/250
- Children playing: 1/500
- Running/jumping: 1/1000
Focus Strategies:
- Continuous AF for movement
- Single point for posed
- Eye detection when available
- Back button focus advantages
Lighting Families
Natural Light Approach:
- Open shade preferred
- Backlighting for glow
- Reflector for fill
- Avoid harsh shadows
- Even exposure priority
Flash Techniques:
- Bounce flash indoors
- Fill flash outdoors
- Off-camera options
- Natural look goal
Capturing Authentic Emotions
Documentary Moments
Between posed shots:
- Loading car scenes
- Snack time chaos
- Shoe tying moments
- Consoling tears
- Spontaneous hugs
These often become favorite images.
Storytelling Sequences
Create photo stories:
- Arrival/preparation
- Individual portraits
- Sibling interactions
- Parent-child bonds
- Full family formals
- Candid play time
- Quiet moments
- Departure/exhaustion
Child Photography Safety
Physical Safety
Non-negotiable priorities:
- Never leave children unattended
- Check location hazards
- Secure equipment properly
- Assistant for newborns
- Parent within reach
Online Safety
Protect young subjects:
- Written permission essential
- Limit identifying information
- Respect parent preferences
- Secure gallery passwords
- Careful social media use
Business Aspects of Family Photography
Pricing Family Sessions
Market rates in Canada:
- Mini session (30 min): $200-$400
- Standard session (1 hour): $400-$800
- Extended session (2 hours): $800-$1,500
- Newborn session: $500-$1,200
Product Offerings
Digital Packages:
- 10 images: $300-$500
- 25 images: $500-$800
- Full gallery: $800-$1,500
Print Products:
- Wall art: $300-$2,000
- Albums: $500-$2,000
- Gift prints: $50-$200
Building Repeat Business
Client Retention Strategies
Keep families coming back:
- Annual session reminders
- Milestone sessions
- Loyalty discounts
- Referral programs
- Holiday mini sessions
Growing with Families
Lifecycle Photography:
- Maternity sessions
- Newborn photography
- Milestone sessions
- Annual updates
- Senior portraits
Post-Processing Family Images
Editing Workflow
Culling Strategy:
- Keep all eyes open
- Various expressions
- Individual shots
- Connection moments
- Safe shots plus artsy
Retouching Guidelines:
- Natural skin preservation
- Temporary blemish removal
- Consistent color grading
- Minimal manipulation
- Authentic representation
Your Family Photography Journey
Capturing families requires technical skill, emotional intelligence, and endless patience. The rewards include creating legacy images and building lasting client relationships. Our family photography course prepares you for every scenario, from chaotic toddlers to multi-generational gatherings.
Start capturing the love, chaos, and beauty of family life.
