How I Capture the Perfect Family Photography Session

Hey there! I’m Amy Dawnelle, a family photographer in Murrieta and Temecula Valley, and today I’m going to spill all my secrets on how I shoot my family photoshoots. If you’re curious about what goes on behind the lens during one of my sessions, or maybe you’re a family who wants to know how I make your photos look so good, this blog post is for you!

My Gear: Keeping it Simple

Okay, confession time: I’m not a tech nerd. I’m more about capturing moments than obsessing over specs. That said, I do have a trusty setup that works wonders. I use the Canon EOS R for my family photography, and my go-to lens is the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM. I love how it creates that dreamy background blur (bokeh, if we’re getting technical). It’s my outdoor session powerhouse, letting me capture families with soft, beautiful backgrounds.

I’m also a fan of my Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM. I occasionally use it outdoors, but mostly It’s for studio work, but outdoors, it’s all about that 70-200mm magic. And here’s something some photographers might raise an eyebrow at: I use a tripod—yep, every single time. Why? It lets me compose the shot perfectly without fuss, so I can focus on connecting with your family rather than fiddling with my camera. Plus, if I’m working with little ones, I can make eye contact and get those natural smiles while my camera stays steady and perfectly composed.

My Exposure: The Recipe to Perfection

I like to keep things consistent when it comes to exposure at every family photoshoot. For group shots, I always set my aperture to f/5.6—it’s that sweet spot that keeps everyone in focus and eyes sharp while still giving me that nice bokeh in the background. My shutter speed? I start at 1/500th of a second. This helps freeze any action, which is a lifesaver when little ones are running around! Plus, I actually love capturing a little movement—it adds a sense of fun and realness to the photos.

Now, the ISO is where I do most of my tweaking throughout the session. I’ll often kick things off at ISO 400 and then bump it up as the light starts to fade. And no, I’m not afraid of a little grain! It can add some character and mood to the photos.

Posing: Let's Flow with It

When it comes to posing, I’m all about the flow posing technique. I like to start with a traditional “everyone smile at the camera” shot, then gradually shift into more relaxed and fun poses. First, it’s all about that classic family photo. Then, I have everyone look at each other—cue the laughs and smiles! Lastly, we go for a fun, arms-around-each-other, leaning-in shot. Boom—three unique family photos, all in one pose. Easy, right?

Next up, we switch it up with a walking shot. Imagine mom and dad holding their toddler’s hands and giving them a swing—it’s always a winner. And yes, I’m still on my trusty tripod! Even for action shots, I rely on it, switching my camera to AI Servo mode to capture movement without losing focus. (Pro tip: I use back-button focus so I never accidentally miss the shot!)

More Variety, Less Stress

What makes my family photoshoots stand out? It’s the variety I can offer in such a short time! With each pose, we break it down even further. I’ll grab a shot of just the kids, then one of just mom and dad. We’ll mix in sitting, standing, hugging, and even twirling around. I also love incorporating the natural environment—think fallen tree trunks, sandy beaches, or grassy fields as perfect props.

The Magic of Golden Hour

I’m a huge fan of natural light, and there’s no better time for family pictures than during the golden hour—that magical time about 45 minutes before the sun sets. It’s the softest, most flattering light, and it’s non-negotiable for my outdoor sessions. You won’t catch me shooting family photos outside at noon—that harsh light just isn’t my style. If we’re at the beach, I’ll push it even closer to sunset for those dreamy, glowy photos.

And here’s a little secret: While we plan for an hour-long session, I often need just 30 minutes to capture everything we need. Quick, painless, and packed with variety. No one wants to spend hours posing, especially not dad, am I right? The key is to make it fun, fast, and relaxed. My clients always appreciate how easy I make it—and that’s why they come back for a family photoshoot year after year!

Why Family Photography with Me Is Different

I believe what sets my family photography apart is the ease and fun of the entire experience. My approach isn’t just about getting those picture-perfect family photos (though we do that too!). It’s about making sure your session is laid-back, comfortable, and even enjoyable. When your family feels at ease, you can see it in the final photos—natural, authentic smiles, laughter, and those heartwarming connections that make for timeless family pictures.

So, there you have it! A little peek behind the scenes at how I shoot my family sessions. Whether it’s flowing through poses, setting up at the perfect location, or using my favorite gear to capture those unforgettable moments, my goal is to create an experience that leaves you with not just beautiful photos but wonderful memories, too.

If you’re ready for a fun and stress-free family photoshoot, let’s chat! I’d love to create some amazing family pictures for you.