I LOVE photos. I have literally thousands &thousands of photos of Shane, doing everything from taking his first breath to eating dinner tonight {seriously}.
That said, I’m seriously lacking in the professional photography area. I have only had Shane’s photos taken once, and it was when he was six months old- and he’s almost three. So, you could say we’re overdue.
I do actually plan on taking him in soon though, so I’ve been looking at some of my favorite pictures from his last photo shoot for some inspiration for our next portraits! Below are some of my favorite photos from that session, with my tips on getting your own great photos!
1. Use color: Whether it’s the color of your clothing, your accessories, or your background, don’t be afraid to use color! It can really make a picture beautiful.
I wanted to use the blue tulle in this photo because it brought out Shane’s eyes, but it ended up even better as it gives a quality of softness that reminds me of him at that age.
2. Capture milestones: Milestones should be celebrated- and not just the big ones like birthdays. At this point in time, Shane had just really started being fascinated by his feet, and now I have that stage captured forever.
3. Accessorize: Accessories can make an outfit, and they can also make a photo! When kids are older, you can use accessories that reflect their personalities, but since Shane didn’t really have one at that point I used this Nebraska bib because Justin’s family is from there & they’re all big Huskers fans. So you can use accessories to make a statement about the person in the photo, or your family as a whole!
4. Don’t Forget the Little Things: Kids really do grow up too fast, and I am so glad that I thought to capture his little tiny toes before they turned into the smelly toddler feet they are today!
5. Don’t Stop Shooting: You never know when you’ll get the perfect expression! This one still makes me laugh every time I see it because it was one of the first times that he gave us this sarcastic expression {that he totally got from Justin}!
While these may be tips I learned from taking infant photos, they can all be used for older kids & even portraits of the entire family!
What are your family portrait tips?
RJ says
I love the don’t stop shooting tip! Whenever I am taking photos I click click click so I won’t miss a shot!
Stefani says
I went to Downtown Sacramento today to take pictures for a post I am working on. I was clicking a few times with each shot to make sure I get some good ones.
Thanks for your tips.
Tiff @ Babes and Kids says
I love it, especially not to forget the little things. There are so many little moments you can forget!
Amanda says
Shell, I am a big fan, and this pictures are adorable. Your tips are very helpful as well. That being said… if I had knew you (or Justin) were Husker’s fans I don’t know that I would have started reading. JK of course… but Go Buffs!! 🙂
Mimi says
Those are awesome tips! I definitely agree with the don’t stop shooting! LOL I’ve got so many photos of all four of my kids it’s insane. I need to get portraits done of my kids so I can do a wall with nice photos! =)
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy says
Thanks for all the great tips for making a great family portrait.
Karen says
When you get your photos done, don’t forget to get some extras for Grandma! As a grandmother, I live for photos of my grandchildren.
Tricia Nightowlmama says
fantastic tips and its funny without even knowing it I followed all those tips too
Henrietta says
Great tips! I have tons and tons of photos as well,e specially of the kids when they were smaller, we need to get in and have a family one dne though!
Nichol says
Great tips! I seemed to always forget the feet and lips, those little things that I miss so much. I’ve had to crop photos to get them up-close and personal. He is an adorable baby!
Brandy says
I love all of these tips. I want to get our first family photo, since I haven’t ever had one since having my two sons, only have one with my daughter. I want it to be more fitting to what our personalities are, so a cute but funny family photo… some day!
Jenn @therebelchick says
What a little cutie pie! I was really good about getting kiddo’s photos taken on a regular basis as a kid…but once she got to be around 10, we totally slacked! And she hates school photos so I am never able to get her to take them.