How to Take Your Own Family Pictures

In our house, we love pictures, all of us which comes to a surprise as most husbands really hate it but my husband loves taking pictures and I can't complain. As much of a clique as it sounds, I love the idea of freezing time and most of the situations that moment is also frozen in your mind and heart, especially when kids are involved.

Time goes by too fast, and count me in to freeze it as often as possible, hence the reason why we try to take as many pictures as possible. Now, being completely honest who has the money for that? Who can really afford to have their picture taken every month? So we have come up with a way of taking our own pictures. Whether you want inside or outside here are a few tips that have helped our family

1. Get a tripod. 
 Tripods come in all size but make sure the one you get is tall and very sturdy. Some cameras weigh more than others so you want to make sure it holds your camera. Ours holds mine, my husbands, and even our video camera.

2. Have the right settings.
In my book setting it to automatic works, but according to my husband Manual is the key to great pictures. So he recommends to take a few pictures here and there and adjust the WB and Shutter speed according to your surroundings. Don't know anything about shooting in manual? As always check pinterest for the best tips.
 You can also use Picmonkey.com  to edit your pictures for free.

3.Get to know your camera. 
Every camera has a timer function and that button lets you choose how many images per shot and how much time in between each shot. We usually do 3 pictures with a 5-second lapse in between. With this option, you can choose where to look, to smile, to make funny faces or simply to give your child the option to have a tantrum. (It happens)

4. If you live in the south and are shooting outside you'll thank me for this next tip. Buy a remote.
Guys this is something we didn't know about. My poor husband would run back and forth to the camera pressing the timer button 3 to 5 times to be able to get 4 or 5 good pictures. Yes, it takes a while. Out of 15 picture, we sometimes get 1 good one or sometimes get 6 and that's worth it.
 This remote is for my camera and this one is for my husbands.

5. Have an outfit change.
This matters. Sometimes clothes don't photograph as well as you think and having that option is the world. Also in Texas is super hot no matter the time of year so change that sweaty shirt (eww) and go on with the show.
This also a plus if you want to use your pictures for two different occasions!

6. Have fun. 
It's simple but yet so hard. Toddlers sometimes don't want to cooperate, the camera may auto-adjust itself or even blur you out and that's ok, but remember why you are doing it in the first place. Once you see the pictures you'll be very glad you did it.

7. Have treats available. 
This should really be number one if you have kids. We pack clean treats. Veggie Fries or gummy bears! No lollipops!! They get sticky and they get lollipop color!If you got  TODDLER you know what I mean. Same goes with fruit, sadly! We have tried apples and the slobbery mess is too much to handle! So just for this one time make their day! It will show in your pictures.

Hope you enjoy this post and try it out with your clan!

If you try these tips let know if they worked for you!

How do you take your family pictures?