No matter what your destination, a family vacation is something we all look forward to. It’s a much welcomed break from reality, when we get to kick back, relax, and enjoy each other’s company. It’s exciting new adventures, and fitting in as many fun activities as humanly possible. And of course, you’ll have your camera by your side to remember the good times.
My family and I recently returned from a trip to sunny Florida, and like you, I wanted to make sure to capture some great moments. Here are a few tips to help you get the best possible photos of your family vacation.
1. TELL THE WHOLE STORY
Start taking photos from the very beginning. Packing the suitcases, loading them into the car, waiting at the airport…all of these things are a part of the story! For us, this trip was the first time my girls had ever traveled by plane, so it was important for me to document that experience.
2. INCLUDE YOUR LOCATION
Be sure to get some shots that include details about where you are. A well placed sign or landmark in the background can add context to your image. Here, I made sure to grab an image of the hat from our pirate cruise, which says Clearwater Beach, Florida.
3. CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE
Add some variety to your photos by taking them from different angles. On the day we played miniature golf, I set up this shot by getting very low to the ground. Changing the viewpoint from what you would normally see at eye level adds interest to your image.
4. CAPTURE CONNECTIONS
Family vacations are all about togetherness and reconnecting. Be sure to document those loving moments, especially if you’re traveling with family you don’t get to see very often.
5. HIRE A PRO
Something a lot of people don’t realize is, even photographers hire a photographer. Why? So that we can be in the photos too! I was lucky to have my girl Kelly from Momma Got Soul Photography join us at the beach one day, and it was the best decision I made the whole trip. I was able to relax and enjoy the day with my family, knowing that Kelly was there to capture the memories.
Photo courtesy of Momma Got Soul Photo & Films
I hope these tips help you create some amazing photos of your next family trip. Do you have any vacations planned? Let me know in the comments! And if any of those trips happen to be in Eastern Pennsylvania, or the NYC or Philadelphia area, I may be able to help you out (see tip #5!) Happy travels!