Tips for Taking Family Photos

I was clearing out my computer and found some old and very cherished family photos. These photos of my daughter and me were taken by my friend Pete Lacker exactly 5 years ago. What I think is so cool about these images is that they could have been taken yesterday! I don’t attribute it to me having the same exact hairstyle, but to a few other things.

1. I chose a great professional photographer.

When I got to Pete’s studio, MY IDEA was to get photos of my kids, NOT ME. My plan was to make the baby do funny things and try to make her smile while he zoomed in on her. But Pete saw the way I was interacting with my baby and didn’t zoom in on her. He got me in the frame as well. The reason I have these awesome photos of my baby and me is because he saw something creative through his lens. It’s fun to see us together when she was so tiny!

2. I Wore Classic Clothing

As much as I love wearing hats, wild prints, scarves and feathers in my hair, I really think those will be dated in 5 years. I’m so happy I chose basic black to wear that day and put my baby in something classic as well.

My favorite old photos are of my grandparents because they wore simple trousers and dresses. The ones of my parents are pretty funny in their wild 1970′s patterns and colors. You can really tell they weren’t taken yesterday!

3. I Chose a Simple Background

I chose a white background for the simple reason of not wanting my photos to be dated or too busy looking. I just wanted my kids in the photo. Do I like Graffiti walls and fluffy chairs in fields now? Yes. Do I believe those will look dated in 5 years? Yes.

If these photos were done outside in a park, they would still look as if taken today. Whether it was a backdrop or nature in the background, I chose wisely that day with a simple background.

You might recognize my “baby” (5 years later) from the last edition of Fix-It Friday. Oh how time flies!!

Edited for Fix-It Friday by Adrienne Zwart.

I hope that this article will be a reminder to get some new family photos taken this season with a good professional photographer. Don’t be afraid to get in the photo yourself as well! In 5 years, you won’t be sorry:-)

Amy Locurto, Co-Founder of I Heart Faces, is a mom and graphic designer who provides free printables, DIY craft and party ideas on Living Locurto. You can also find cute party Printables by Amy in her shop. She sometimes she even gets a little sleep!

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