Easy Guide to the Perfect Family Photo

Are your kids like mine where they are at the stage where they NEVER want to take a picture?!?! They don't want to smile... Or they make weird faces so that you stop taking photos?!?! Well, you're amongst friends here because my kids are notorious for that. Nonetheless, the family photo will be taken whether they like it or not! LOL

So, rather than paying some expensive fee for professional photos, I usually plan to capture my family while we are traveling during the summer break. After multiple years and attempts to capture the shot, I have created this round up of tips to help you get the family photos, capture the moments and memorialize your annual memories.

1. Pick a theme! The goal of a great family photo is to coordinate your look. You

don't have to match exactly - although that's an option - but you should absolutely coordinate. Is there a theme or a color palate you want to focus on? If so, start there.

2. Plan your looks: the point here is to select a base color and then build around it. You can mix prints and patterns and still be coordinated. For our look, we chose the color green. Although my jumpsuit was a mixed print, the rest of the family built their looks around it.

3. Pick your location and get there early: For our shoot this year, we wanted to take our photo on the beach. Given our color palate, I thought the beach would be a nice contrast to our looks. So we got up early and before we ate breakfast, we went straight to the beach for photos. While the kids weren't thrilled, it worked out perfectly. The lighting before 10:00AM was perfect and also, we could avoid accidentally getting a sunbather in the background of our photo.

4. Select a time where the kids will cooperate: Kids can be unpredictable so if

you're shooting little ones, definitely do it around the time when they are their most engaged... meaning, don't skip nap time to take photos... you will NOT be happy and neither will they. Otherwise, I've had the most success when I shoot the kids in their element. Playing, running, sitting, laughing, etc. Those can be the most beautiful shots. All in all, try not to apply too much pressure, otherwise it will show on their faces. Have fun! Snap A LOT and you're certain to get the money shot!

5. Bring a tripod: if you're not planning to use a professional photographer, then you definitely want to use your tripod. You should set it up, frame the shot and then get the family lined up for the shoot. Now, don't get me wrong, there are always friendly people that walk by and offer to take your photo... You are welcomed to accept their offer but be prepared just in case they cut a foot off or get a swimmer in the background.

A few pro tips to consider:

- I have gotten REALLY adept at using my Apple Watch to shoot photos and videos. It

allows me to see where I am framed in the photo and I can shoot multiple photos/ videos without having to run back and forth to a camera or the phone. You should definitely try this out, it will make self shooting more seamless.

- Resist the urge to allow your children (or partner's) protest stop you from taking the photos. No one ever gets upset at the memories they've captured... rather it's the ones you fail to capture that always come back to haunt you. So I say, take the photo! It will only last a few moments but the memories will remain a life time.

XO,

Ayanna