Top 9 tips to make the best family photographs this summer.
Commissioned for the Škoda DRIVEN edit, we set off to our favourite Yorkshire seaside destination Robin Hoods Bay to share my top tips for capturing family life this summer.
Whether you’re heading to the beach, going on a road trip, or just hanging out in the ‘costa del backyard’, here are a few tips you can use to take some great family photographs to hang on your walls for all to see!
No. 1 – Keep it relaxed.
First off, and I think this one is the most important, the beauty of documentary (or candid) photography lies in its spontaneity. So instead of posing your family members, let them engage in their natural activities and interactions.
Stay relaxed, unobtrusive, and observant, allowing your family members to feel at ease in front of the camera. Avoid directing or interrupting the natural flow of moments, and let the magic unfold organically. Those moments are often the most authentic and beautiful.
It was far too cold for ice cream (typical British Weather) but we braved it out anyway. Who can resist those ice cream vans on the beach?!
No. 2 – Wait for it.
With family photography, patience is key. Wait for the right moment to unfold naturally, whether it’s a shared laugh, a loving glance, or a playful gesture. Avoid rushing the process, as the best moments often come when you least expect them. Have a cup of tea and observe, just be ready with your phone camera when the action strikes!
Squirty cream is now an all time essential for cream tea on the beach (clotted cream is too faffy apparently), although when the wind picks up, anything can happen! (also good for hot chocolate - see slideshow at the end).
No.3 – Light is your best friend
Light can be your best friend or your worst enemy! When choosing your location, look for places with plenty of natural light and wait until your subject(s) move into it.
Try to avoid shooting in the middle of the day when the sun is high – the harsh light can cast unflattering shadows on your subjects. Instead, aim for early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and warm.
A cloudy day is actually perfect (which is good news if you’re holidaying in the UK!), the clouds act as a big soft box in the sky, softening and evening out the light.
The tide is going out, ready to go and find some crabs in the rock pools.
No.4 – Change it up
To capture a refreshing perspective, especially with children, get down to their level, or shoot from above. It can be really interesting seeing the world from a different angle. Experiment with getting up close or taking photographs from a distance, setting the scene for the location. Move with your feet instead of using the zoom in feature on your screen, this only reduces the quality of the image.
No 5 – Colour
Sometimes colour can be distracting and take away from the story you are trying to tell. See here the red object in the background, it is quite dominant because it’s a bright colour. Test a few photos in black and white using an editing app like snapseed, does the colour add anything? If not keep it black and white for a timeless look.
No. 6 – It’s as much about the journey as the destination.
The moments in between the big times can make for beautiful alternative family portraits. Notice what happens during quieter moments such as travelling, waiting around or walking from one place to another.
On arrival to the beach there was much disappointment that the tide was in and we had to wait to go on the beach for a few hours, we killed time by having a picnic, taking a walk to Bogle Hole, playing frisbee and a walk around the quaint village.
No.7 – Sharing is caring!
Don’t forget to include yourself in the photos, so hand your camera/smart phone around! As a family photographer I’m always surprised by how often parents forget to get in the picture (including myself!). Your kids will love looking back at these photos and seeing how much fun you had together.
In the rock pools searching for crabs, we only managed to find teeny tiny ones and sent them back to sea.
On the tops, walking to Bogle Hole, it was very fresh up there!
No. 8 - Get everyone in the frame (group shot)
Instead of taking a selfie, find a rock or a wall you can balance your phone on and set up how you’d like the composition to look before you call everyone over… Set up the timer and get everyone in the frame!
No. 9 – Print them out
Get out there and have some fun with your family this summer, take some great photos and don’t leave them stuck on your phone, print them out for all to see!
Thank you
Thank you to Škoda UK and the brilliant brand team at Havas CX, we had a wonderful day at the beach in the bright red Škoda 7-seater Kodiaq vRS which the children absolutely loved. It was brilliant for our family of 5, no more ‘heated debates’ from the 3 children over who has to sit in the middle seat, which led to a very calm and comfortable drive. We managed to fit all our beach gear into the book, even the crab buckets and nets which we ‘acquired’ for crabbing.
The full article can be seen on the Škoda DRIVEN hub here.
A day at the beach slideshow
Here’s a few more photographs from our day out at Robin Hoods Bay.
Book a family photoshoot with Nic
I’m passionate about telling thoughtful stories full of warmth and personality. I believe that family is everything and always strive to make real photographs that matter.
If you are interested in learning more about my approach to family photography have a look at my Family photography page or get in touch to have a chat. I’d love to hear all about you, and the family you’re lucky enough to call your own.
Robin Hoods Bay
Robin Hoods Bay is a great location for a family photography session, it’s a picturesque old fishing village on the Heritage Coast of the North York Moors. There’s a beautiful sandy beach with rock pools to explore and ancient fossils to discover. You can also wander through the quaint cobbled streets full of cafes, pubs, restaurants, and small shops and places to explore, as well as many stunning coastal and country walks, cycle-paths and bridleways right on the doorstep.
More family photography stories can be viewed in the Journal Gallery
Take a glimpse into a North Yorkshire family photography session in the beautiful grounds of Broughton Hall, with an unforgettable falconer experience!