The art of story telling through family photography

Family photography is not just about taking pictures; it’s about capturing moments, emotions, and stories that shape our lives. Each photo depicts a slice of life filled with love, laughter, and memories, transforming ordinary scenes into something truly special. In this post, I want to share and explore how to effectively use storytelling in family sessions and what makes it such a special form of photography.

Why Storytelling Matters

Storytelling is a fundamental part of who we are as people. It’s how we share our experiences, pass down traditions, and foster connections. Family photography captures the essence of these narratives, freezing moments in time. Each photograph tells a story—whether it's a spontaneous laugh or a thoughtful portrait that reflects a specific chapter of life.

When viewing family photos, you often remember the backdrop of that moment: Who was there? What was happening? How did it feel? Family photographers committed to storytelling do more than snap photos; they create visual narratives that evoke strong emotions and create connections with viewers.

Choosing the Right Location

The setting is critical in telling a family's story. Locating a spot that reflects your family’s character or significant experiences adds richness to your narrative. For instance, a favorite park where you have picnicked or a local beach where you have spent summers can showcase different dimensions of your family's journey. It's another reason I favour in home sessions over studio sessions, because your home tells your story. It's where your children are safest and happiest, where all of your core memories are developed.

Capturing Authentic Emotion

The heart of family photography lies in genuine emotions. Rather than asking subjects to pose stiffly, photographers should aim for natural moments that demonstrate the family's dynamics. A child’s laughter, a playful nudge, or a tender hug can tell profound stories of love and unity.

Engaging family members in activities they love, such as cooking dinner, playing games, or sharing stories on the couch. These moments allow for spontaneous interactions, resulting in heartwarming images that truly reflect your family's spirit.

I'm always happy to guide my families through some posing ideas if they're feeling a little stuck. But my go to method for this runs more along the lines of suggesting games and things to do together. Rather than 'Stand here, put your hand there and do this', I like to say, 'Why don't you pick your child up and run around, play games, hold hands and take a walk' etc.

An un posed photograph, just capturing a real moment in time.

Highlighting the Little Things

The most powerful stories often lie in the smallest details. Close-up images of meaningful items such as a child’s favorite toy, an heirloom passed down through generations, or a pet that completes your family can add depth to your storytelling. These details can stir strong emotions and revive cherished memories that might otherwise be forgotten.

Incorporating personal elements into family photos gives meaning to the imagery, enriching the overall narrative.

The Impact of Color and Light

Color and lighting play a vital role in a photo's feeling and narrative. Using natural light can produce gentle, heartfelt images, while bright colors can capture excitement and joy. Learning to manipulate these aspects can help photographers tailor their narratives to fit the family's mood.

For example, the golden hour—right after sunrise or just before sunset—is renowned for its warm light, making it an ideal time for family portraits. Photos taken during this magical time can beautifully enhance storytelling.

Composing Your Family Story

When shooting a family session (or any session), I'm always keeping my eye on composition. This is my job and not something I expect my families to worry about. Whilst my familys are playing and engaging with each other, I'll be on the move looking for the best angles and compositions. I often like to get some further away shots and some close ups. I play around with shooting from up high and down lower, I often shoot through door ways and use windows to frame my scene. All these things are in my mind as I'm working, and come naturally from experience but it's the composition that really elevates a story telling photograph.

Building Family Legacy

The storytelling aspect of family photography creates a legacy that can be cherished for generations. These photographs preserve memories that can be shared during family gatherings, birthdays, and holidays. They become touchstones that remind us of where we came from and how we’ve grown.

Investing in professional family photography not only elevates the quality of these captured moments but ensures that these narratives endure through time. It’s a worthwhile commitment for any family aiming to document their unique journey.

Embrace the Power of Storytelling

Family photography is a powerful tool for storytelling. It goes above and beyond a standard family portrait and brings emotion and feeling. By appreciating the significance of storytelling, selecting meaningful locations, capturing authentic emotions, highlighting details, and using colour and light effectively, I aim to create compelling visuals that resonate for years to come.

So the next time you prepare for a family photo session, consider the story you wish to tell. Remember, every picture is a chance to preserve a moment in time—a memory to be treasured by future generations.