Travel creates the best memories for families, and the pressure can be on to capture the right moments. Want to take the stress out of getting the right photo? Then read on for our top tips on how to take better family photos.
It was school photo day at the boys’ school and we were in the queue for their first ever school photo. The photographer lady had seemingly all the right gear, and she certainly seemed to be taking her time. I had high expectations.
“Now show me those big grins. Great. Open your eyes. And hold it there…”
Both my boys froze like stunned Wallace & Gromit characters. It was a hilarious, but terrible photo of the boys. For novelty purposes, I still bought the photo bundle with pictures of varying sizes, ready for the grandparents’ Christmas presents.
Whilst I don’t consider myself a professional photographer, I’m always snapping away when travelling as a family, and have learnt a few things along the way. So I thought I’d share with you my tips for taking better family photos when travelling.
1. Say ‘wee wee’
This not only makes little ones laugh but naturally brings their mouth into a smile. I often follow with – “Did someone do a smelly trump?” Oh yes, bathroom jokes win the day with projecting happiness through a family photo!
2. Embrace the selfie
Yes you can pass your camera to a stranger to snap your family pic, but it will be a miracle if everyone is smiling and looking at the camera. With a selfie you can see everyone in the photo, frame it yourself and have better control.
3. The running shot
Set your camera to sports mode (so lots of photos are taken one after each other and the lens can cope with movement) and line up your kids to race, standing behind them. Give them a point to run to. “Ready, steady, go!”
4. Embrace the moment
When we visited the Taj Mahal, I really want to get that perfect shot of the boys looking angelic in front of one of the world’s most iconic buildings. This is what I ended up with (see below). Yes, it’s a bit blurry. Yes, they look silly. But they’re happy and the photo is true. It ended up being one of my favourite photos I ever took in India.
5. Hold your kids and tickle
This stops them running away and makes them giggle!
6. Get down to their level
See the world from their perspective and avoid taking photos just of the tops of their heads.
7. Use the timer
Find a quiet spot, set up the camera and your family, ready for a family photo. This one often takes a few goes and I find that a little bribery is sometimes required. Also, watch out for the signal from your camera to give you the warning that it’s about to take the shot, so you’re ready to say “wee-wee”!
8. Get in front of the camera
I’m the one who takes most of the family photos, and as such I am the one behind the camera. It is therefore rather rare to find a travel photo with me actually in it! I get so hung up on angles and getting the right ‘shot’, that I don’t trust handing my camera over to my husband.
However, in years to come, it would be nice to have proof that us Mums were on that trip. So, get over your inhibitions and perfectionism, and get in front of that camera!
9. Get cameras for the kids
Not only does this help them better engage in their environment, but it also gives them an understanding of how special photography is and how nice it is to have a memory of a moment. I sometimes get us all to take turns in taking the family photo. My 3yo uses a Vtech Camera, and my 5yo uses this one.
- VIBRANT VISUALS ON A 2.4″ LCD SCREEN: Experience stunning visuals on the 2.4-inch colour LCD screen…
- CAPTURE MEMORIES IN HIGH RESOLUTION: Dual cameras allow you to capture moments with precision,…
- ENTERTAIN WITH HILARIOUS CHIN PUPPET SHOW MODE: Unleash your creativity with the funny Chin Puppet…
- IMMERSE YOURSELF IN AUGMENTED REALITY: Elevate your content with Live AR filters, providing a unique…
- ENDLESS FUN WITH GAMES, EFFECTS, AND FRAMES: Dive into a world of entertainment with over 20…
- 【2.8″ TFT LCD SCREEN】: With 2.8 inch TFT LCD screen, you can see what you are filming or…
- 【FUNCTIONS】: Anti-shake, face detection, smile capture, panorama, continue shot, self-timer. Can…
- 【HIGH QUALITY IMAGES】: Image stabilization reduces the blur caused by camera shake, allows sharp…
- 【LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN】: Lightweight design & small size make it is convenient for carrying around…
- 【LONG BATTERY LIFE】: GDC80X2 digital camera comes with rechargeable 800mah battery which could…
10. Just use your phone
Throughout this ‘how to take better family photos’ guide I’ve been talking about my ‘camera’. In all honesty, I no longer travel with an actual DSLR camera. In fact the last time I did would have been our overlanding Africa trip when the boys were 1 and 3 years old.
Since then I’ve just used my phone as it’s quick and easy, and in all honesty, the quality these days is brilliant. The only time I’ve missed my DSLR is when we were on a river cruise in Borneo and the zoom on my phone couldn’t cope. But you know what? I put my phone down and just appreciated what was right before my eyes. So really I perhaps didn’t ‘miss’ my camera.
For years now, I’ve been using Google Pixel Phones. In my opinion, they provide the best camera quality. It’s worthwhile taking time to get to know all the functionality, as it’s really quite impressive what your phone camera can now achieve!
You may also like to read:
Best family travel quotes
What is the best age to travel with kids?
10 benefits of family travel and why it’s important