How To Perfect Your Easter Family Portrait

I love the idea of Easter family portraits – spring is around the corner, the flowers are in bloom and everyone has an excuse to don their Sunday best. It’s the perfect time for documenting another year in your family’s life, yes? My friend Betsy King is the master of family portraits, so today I’m sharing some of her amazing photography with tips on how to perfect your own portraits – with or without the fancy camera lens. Click through for over 20 tips, tricks and ideas to snap the perfect family photo this year!

Get simple.

Sometimes all you need is great light, a neutral background and the star of the show – your kid.

Image Credit: Betsy King Photography

Consider the scenery.

Venturing out from the norm can make for a fun, memorable family portrait. Keep your eyes open for hidden gems around your town!

Image Credit: Betsy King Photography

Remember props.

For studio shoots, props can elevate any average portrait. Here, this darling baby sits on an overflowing basket. Adorable!

Image Credit: Betsy King Photography

Document the process.

Kids are squirmy, but sometimes the best portraits are a simple result of what’s happening behind the scenes. Don’t forget to document the process!

Image Credit: Betsy King Photography

Include the pets.

The four-legged members of our family deserve the spotlight, too!

Image Credit: Betsy King Photography

Show your personality.

Whether it’s a beloved vehicle or favorite hideout, show what makes your family unique!

Image Credit: Betsy King

Capture the personal moments.

Families are made up of many separate bonds, so don’t forget to peek at the magic that can happen between the different dynamics in your own family. Here, the bond between a mother and son is heart-warming!

Image Credit: Betsy King Photography

Share your passions.

Have a recent hobby you want to document for posterity? Include it in your family portrait to mark the interests that have developed in your family over time. Consider it your own visual time capsule!

Image Credit: Betsy King Photography

Include the outtakes.

Eye rolls and impromptu jumps make for realistic family portraits, so don’t forget to consider the beauty of an outtake!

Image Credit: Besty King Photography

Venture outside.

Enjoy a change of pace and capture the sense of adventure that comes with being a parent by photographing your family in the great outdoors!

Image Credit: Bobbi + Mike

Get casual.

When it comes to outfit choices, casual, everyday looks always feel warm and inviting. I love the pattern-mixing and individual style of this family!

Image Credit: Betsy King Photography

Take it home.

Consider a recurring location every year to mark the passage of time, like this family’s front porch photograph.

Image Credit: Betsy King Photography

Make it light.

Lighting is so important to capture a mood. Here, an early morning photo shoot infuses this family portrait with happiness and optimism.

Image Credit: Bobbi + Mike

Grab a helper.

Families are hard to wrangle, especially when attempting to capture a moment. Bring a helping hand to help with adjustments and provide entertainment (grandmothers are perfect for this job!).

Image Credit: Betsy King Photography

Remember the everyday.

Sometimes, the best photos are the ones that document the everyday moments – just as you remember them.

Image Credit: Betsy King Photography

Dress to impress.

Is there anything cuter than a baby wearing a silly hat? Never. Consider including a few just-for-fun shots to mix in with your casual snapshots.

Image Credit: Betsy King Photography

Get closer.

Take a step closer and capture the details you might forget otherwise: scuffed shoes, smeared fingertips and the beauty of the moment.

Image Credit: Betsy King Photography

Come as you are.

An Easter portrait doesn’t have to be styled and polished – sometimes a bit of bedhead and genuine smiles outshine the rest.

Image Credit: Betsy King Photography

Crop it.

Angles and cropping can take an average photo to the next level – get creative with your photo edits and enjoy a fresh perspective!

Image Credit: Betsy King Photography

Have a blast.

Play with your kids and get crazy for the first few shots – it’ll burn some energy and relax everyone involved while making for better, happier photos!

Image Credit: Betsy King Photography

Get candid.

The best photos are the ones where we’ve forgotten the camera ever existed.

Image Credit: Betsy King Photography

Snap the baby.

Babies grow much faster than the rest of us – don’t forget to take a special snapshot of the baby to document just how fast time can fly!

Image Credit: Betsy King Photography

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