Part of the fun travelling as a family is the joy of coming home with an unforgettable family photo from places you have visited. Follow our 7 basic tips for taking better family travel photo
We live by the mantra less gear more travel. From each trip we want good pictures but at the same time not wanting to carry or spend too much on equipment.
We usually bring along our Canon 70D camera with a 18-135mm lense, Velbon tripod and a remote control trigger. All these easily fit into a Manfrotto camera bag or in a backpack together with our son’s bits and pieces. Whatever gear you choose, remember you also will need to bring children daily essentials when travelling.
1. Read the Manual
If you choose to splurge and buy new camera for your next trip, consider how expensive it is, how heavy it is, and how likely you are to learn how to use it BEFORE the trip.
Let’s be honest many people don’t read their new camera manual and try to wing it. While you don’t have to read the whole thing, do go through the basics and commonly used functions.
2. Do not rely on selfie sticks
With selfie sticks your angles and type of photos you can take will be very limited. Tripods are now relatively cheap, light and easily folds away. Combined with a simple remote trigger it will go a long way to help you create all sorts of family photos. You don’t have to take the tripod out everyday. Only bring it on days you plan to take a family photo.
3. Be Steady
Stop moving and avoid camera shake. You want to be as still as possible when shooting to avoid blurry images. Be steady, hold your camera with both hands or use a tripod.
4. Use simple Prompts
Let kids be kids it is amazing what action they come up with. Don’t force them to do the same pose every single time. Simply help them to spot the camera and let them be their natural self.
Use simple prompts to get them to look at the camera. When our son was a baby (like in our first ever trip to Thailand) making animal noise will make him giggle and look at the camera. Later as he became a toddler we ask him to look for police car behind the camera.
Also no need to have dozens of family members making funny faces behind the camera to get their attention, this will only confuse your little ones.
5. Take multiple shots
Just like our London trip family photo, for every nice family photo we have many other failed versions. Your little one may look away, distracted by a passer by or smile for only a split second. Take a few shots (but not too many) as backup.
A standard camera timer is usually set to 2 seconds (too quick) or 10 seconds (too long). Which is why we prefer to use the remote control trigger. It allows you to take a couple of quick shots without the need to readjust the camera.
6. Relax
Family photos (especially with children) is a hit or miss. Try to take photos during your little ones most cheerful time of day, for us this is usually in the mornings or later in the day after nap time. Don’t do it nap time or close to nap time. You will get uncooperative and cranky toddlers.
Despite all the preparation your little one might still not be in the mood to smile or look into the camera. If you don’t get your dream shot, don’t worry it’s all part of the fun.
7. Plan your family photo
Simple planning will be enough. There is no need to come up with new photo location or ideas. One of the easiest thing to do is to copy examples from Instagram or Google images. Try to get away from taking photos in front of “Welcome to… ” signs, hotel lobby, eating in restaurants, too many selfies, these kinds of shots doesn’t create lasting memories.
Finally give your family a break from having their pictures taken. Travelling family holiday should not be one prolonged photo shoot. Create wonderful memories. Put away the phone, camera and appreciate your beautiful new surroundings.
For places we have visited, Checkout our website’s travel Destinations section. We buy of our travel essentials online via Ebay
