How To Make Your Family Photos Look Better - Especially in the D.C. Area

It’s that time of year again where families come together to celebrate Christmas and New Years. Your parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, whoever it may be, will nag you to take a family photo. Whether you’re in front of or behind the camera, these steps will help you drastically improve your photos!

You know those pictures that have a special feeling to them? Almost as if they look bright and dreamy? Golden Light. It’s soft, warm, and gives your subject an outlining glow. The golden light is at sunset.

STEP 1: TIMING

Timing is extremely important. You have about one hour of golden light everyday. If you’re too early, you may have harsher shadows; while being too late might result in not having enough light. Around this time of year, the golden hour starts around 4 P.M. and ends at 5 P.M. Hitting the sweet spot of that hour is what creates amazing photos.

STEP 2: WHERE YOU WANT TO BE

If you want to recreate that outlining glow on either your friends or family, you want to make sure you’re placing the sun behind them. The soft light from the sun will wrap around your subject. If you’re taking the photo, position yourself accordingly.

STEP 3: TAKING THE PICTURE

Pose your friends and family how they look best. An iPhone or any phone camera would work great, but a DSLR is preferred for the best results. Get out there and be creative with it!