Summer is the perfect time to capture beautiful family portraits. With longer days, warmer weather (we hope!), and vibrant natural backdrops, it’s a wonderful time to create stunning images that showcase your family’s unique personality and bonds.

Whether you are planning a photoshoot day, or just want to capture some lovely pictures to remember a family day trip, here are some tips for capturing perfect family photos this summer.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT LOCATION

The beauty of summer lies in its variety of scenic locations that can serve as the perfect backdrop for family portraits. Here are some ideas:

Parks and Gardens: Lush greenery, blooming flowers, and expansive open spaces make parks and gardens ideal. Look for local botanical gardens or well-maintained parks that offer a mix of flora and open spaces.

Beaches: Nothing says summer like a day at the beach. The golden sand, rolling waves, and expansive skies provide a stunning backdrop. Opt for early morning or late afternoon photos to avoid harsh midday sun and capture the soft, flattering light.

Countryside and Farms: Fields of wildflowers, rustic barns, and wide-open fields can give your photos a charming, pastoral feel. These locations are perfect for a more relaxed, natural vibe.

Urban Settings: If your family loves the hustle and bustle of city life, urban environments can also work well. Look for colourful murals, quaint streets, or city parks that offer a mix of greenery and urban elements.

Photography Studio: If you’d rather not take your chances on the weather or would like professional family portraits, we can schedule a session in my studio!

COORDINATING OUTFITS

One of the key aspects of a successful family portrait is coordinating outfits that reflect the season’s vibrant colours. Here are some tips:

Colour Palette: Embrace the bright and cheerful colours of summer. Think of hues like coral, turquoise, sunny yellow, and fresh greens. These colours pop against natural backdrops and enhance the overall feel of the photos.

Avoid Over-Matching: While coordination is essential, avoid having everyone in identical outfits. Instead, choose a colour palette and let each family member wear different shades and patterns within that range. This creates visual harmony without looking too uniform.

Comfort is Key: Summer can get quite warm, so choose lightweight, breathable fabrics. Flowy dresses, linen shirts, and comfortable shorts can keep everyone cool and relaxed.

Accessories and Layers: Accessories can add a fun touch to your photos. Consider adding hats, scarves, or statement jewellery that fits the summer theme. Lightweight layers like cardigans or shawls can also add depth to your outfits.

TIMING AND LIGHTING

Summer’s long days offer flexible timing for photos, but the quality of light can make a significant difference. Here are some tips for photos at different times of the day:

Bright Sunshine and the Middle of the Day: Sunlight is harshest in the middle of the day creating hard shadows, over blown highlghts and squinted eyes! Seek out shaded areas to avoid harsh sunlight. Trees, buildings, or umbrellas can offer relief and create a more comfortable environment for you. If no shade is available, try to place your subjects with the light behind them.

Backlighting: Having the sun behind your subjects can create beautiful 'halos'. Be careful not to get the sun in the shot though or you will get under exposed images and lighting flares (though sometimes breaking these rules can work too!)

Golden Hour: The hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset, known as the golden hour, provides the most flattering natural light. This time of day offers soft, warm tones that are perfect for capturing the essence of summer.

Overcast Days: Don’t be discouraged by cloudy weather! Overcast days can provide even lighting and reduce harsh shadows, making for perfect portraits.

POSING AND INTERACTION

Natural, candid interactions often make for the best family portraits. Encourage your family to play, laugh, and enjoy the moment. Here are a few examples:

Activity-Based Poses: Incorporate activities your family enjoys, such as having a picnic, playing a game, or simply walking together. These activities can help everyone relax and interact naturally.

Close-Up Moments: Capture close-up shots of intimate moments, like a child holding a parent’s hand or siblings sharing a laugh. These details can highlight the emotional connections within your family.

Group Dynamics: Mix up the groupings in your photos. Take shots of the whole family, but also capture smaller groupings, like just the children or the parents alone. This variety adds depth to your photo collection.

By carefully selecting your location, coordinating outfits, and choosing the right time for your photos, you can create beautiful, lasting memories of your family enjoying the summer season. Embrace the warmth, colour, and joy that summer brings, and let your family’s unique personality shine through in every shot.

And of course, if you need some help creating the perfect family portrait, drop me a line and we can plan the perfect portrait session together!