Fall is a great time to take the family out for a DIY photo shoot if you just know where to look. Since professional family photo shoots could be hundreds of dollars, we recommend the DIY Family Photo.
How to take your own family photos
First off, choose the right time to take the pictures. I would recommend starting earlier in the season if you can. I hate feeling rushed to get my family photo cards out and regret not taking the pictures earlier each year. You can always brighten up a cloudy photo using a filter but it’s easier when you have enough lighting and don’t have to worry about editing.
Of course, you can choose to go with a professional to take your photos but it may be fun to try to attempt them yourself first. If you are taking them yourself, consider getting a tripod and then something that will allow you to activate the camera remotely using Bluetooth. You can find both of these things cheaply on Amazon. Here is an example of one that might work.
Next, edit the pictures using filters. I use Lightroom which is part of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite for editing my photos but that is expensive. You can use Instagram filters, VSCO, or any other free photo editing online software. Try turning up the brightness on the photo first and then if your editing program allows it, slide the filters for the ‘black’ and ‘white’ color choices until you have achieved that professional look. If you do have Lightroom, think about buying a ‘preset’ filter from a blogger and use that to easily edit the photo in one click.
Family Picture Clothes Ideas
Definitely choose bright colored clothing for your family pictures. You don’t want to get super matchy-matchy a la awkward family photos but having a general theme will look nice.
What is more important though is the backdrop! Here are some ideas for family photo settings. I’ll pick the fall season as an example but you can apply similar thinking to any season.
1. The Pumpkin Patch
Kill two birds with one stone. Get the family together for a trip to the pumpkin patch. Take a few photos to hang on the wall and then let the kids loose to pick their pumpkins. It’s a win-win.
Plus, pumpkin patches offer a great variety of backdrops.
Don’t be afraid to do something different than the typical family huddle that you see in other DIY family photos! What’s cute about the picture above is that it is not “posed” with everyone smiling at the camera.
2. Use a Family Name Banner
Taking a picture outside is awesome, but you can add a little something extra to it with a simple prop. As Photography by Bon suggests, take an old photo frame and pose behind it.
Or consider adding a banner with your family name. Here is a cute name banner you can custom order on Etsy here.
3. Apple Orchards are the ultimate Family Picture
Beyond the Wanderlust suggests a trip to the apple orchard for your next fall photo trip. These photos were taken by L&B Photography.
I have many warm memories of apple picking with my family growing up. This is a bonus in that you get a nice family picture and memories that last a lifetime.
4. Head to the Park
The really cool thing about local parks is that there’s always a good place or two to take a photo, you just need to find it. Pick a less crowded time though so you can be sure that no one else is photobombing your family picture!
Related post: 11 Fall Activities for Kids
Family Picture Photo Prop Ideas and Backdrops
5. Add an element of the Season
It could look nice to have the family sit behind a table with a fall centerpiece. We love the idea to put a basket of apples on the table if you’re taking these photos in fall. You could be taking the photo in your backyard but the apples make it festive.
6. Take a Walk
Take a walk and find a nice spot for a family photo. As Kristen Duke Photography explains, a nice path is all you need for a nice nature backdrop. Maybe a public park would provide the perfect backdrop.
7. Buy a Backdrop
Or bring the photo shoot to you. Buy a photo backdrop and take your fall photos from the comfort of your own home. You can find this cute barn backdrop here on Etsy. You can probably fined a backdrop for whatever season you’re taking the photos.
How can you display your family pictures?
We have family photos everywhere in our house and don’t necessarily need more clutter.
We love this cute “This is Us” Shiplap sign. It’s a great way to display the photos.
We’re obsessed with this sign! Buy it here on Etsy.
Some home decor bloggers actually recommend keeping family photos on a second level of your home and leaving the first level photo free since they think that allows you to better show off the decor in your home to visitors. Personally, I like having family pictures but it’s definitely food for thought!
Where are your favorite places to take DIY Family photos?
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These are absolutely wonderful ideas! I’m not so sure my husband is going to love me wanting to take more family photos but I sure appreciate the ideas! Thanks for the suggestions.