2020
Another fantastic Orange County family photography session with the Chatterton Family! This year’s session was at one of my favorite locations, Jeffrey Open Space Trail in Irvine. The more I shoot at this location, the more it’s requested by my clients. With good reason… it’s truly a gem in Orange County!
This family has been with me for a long time and I swear they get more gorgeous every year. The family session wardrobe is always ON POINT and they always come ready to have fun. So appreciative of them putting their trust in me every year!
I get asked a lot how families can get really great candid images of their families in everyday life.
We WANT those unposed and natural shots of our families, to create those timeless memories and to make sure we never miss the moment.
While a professional photographer like me can help capture these candid moments, there’s no need to wait for a scheduled photo session to document your family’s everyday joy. Here are some tips and tricks on how families can easily capture candid photos that truly reflect their unique bonds and moments of togetherness. Let’s dive in!
- Keep the Camera Handy: The key to capturing candid family moments is to have your camera readily available. Whether it’s a dedicated camera, a smartphone, or a compact point-and-shoot, ensure that it’s within reach so that you can quickly capture those spontaneous moments as they unfold.
- Embrace Everyday Activities: Candid moments often arise during everyday activities. Instead of staging photoshoots, focus on capturing your family engaged in their usual routines. Whether it’s preparing meals together, playing board games, or enjoying outdoor adventures, these activities create opportunities for genuine and candid shots.
- Be Observant and Patient: Candid moments happen in the blink of an eye. Be observant and patient, ready to capture those fleeting instances. Keep an eye out for genuine interactions, laughter, and tender moments. These can occur during conversations, hugs, or even when your children are engrossed in their favorite hobbies.
- Capture Emotions: Candid family photos are all about capturing genuine emotions. Encourage family members to express their true feelings and be themselves in front of the camera. From spontaneous laughter to quiet moments of reflection, emotions are the heart and soul of candid photography.
- Create a Relaxed Environment: To encourage candidness, create a relaxed environment where everyone feels comfortable being themselves. Minimize the pressure of posing or smiling for the camera. Instead, encourage natural interactions, playfulness, and genuine expressions.
- Experiment with Different Angles: Explore different angles and perspectives to add variety and creativity to your candid family photos. Try shooting from above, getting down to the eye level of your subjects, or capturing candid shots from behind as they engage in activities. These unique angles can bring a fresh and artistic touch to your family photos.
- Embrace Imperfections: Candid photos embrace imperfections and capture the authenticity of the moment. Don’t worry about perfect smiles or pristine backgrounds. Embrace the quirks, the messy hair, and the genuine expressions that make your family unique. These imperfections tell your family’s story and add depth to the candid photos.
- Let the Kids Take the Lead: Children have a natural ability to create candid moments with their uninhibited enthusiasm and curiosity. Allow them to take the lead in activities and let their genuine expressions and interactions shine through. You’ll be amazed at the magical moments they can create.
Capturing candid family photos doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By keeping your camera handy, embracing everyday activities, and creating a relaxed environment, you can easily capture those beautiful, unposed moments that reflect the true essence of your family. Remember, it’s not about perfection; it’s about preserving the joy, love, and connections that make your family unique. So grab your camera, open your heart, and let the candid moments unfold naturally.
And if you’re looking for a professional to capture some of those candids, be sure to reach out!
