Why Your Family Photoshoots Don't Look Like Mine (Hint: You're Probably Overthinking It!)

So, you’re scrolling through endless feeds of perfect family portraits and jaw-dropping product shots, and you're thinking, "Why can’t my photos look like that?" Well, buddy, I’ve been there, done that, and got the T-shirt to prove it. Let me take you through the funhouse of photography, where rules are bent, and creativity reigns supreme.

The Secret Sauce to Unique Family Snapshots

First off, as someone who has snapped a million pictures of my spirited kids and our borderline-model dogs, I've learned a thing or two. The secret? Forget those stiff "say cheese" moments. My family photos look like they're straight out of a spontaneous road trip—which they usually are.

Using a technique I like to call 'controlled chaos', I let the kids (and the dogs) run wild. The result? Pictures that are alive, bursting with energy, and oh, so natural. It's about capturing the essence of who we are, not just what we look like.

Turning Products into Icons

When it comes to product photography, my approach isn't far off. I mean, why settle for basic when you can go ballistic on creativity? I use backgrounds that pop, props that tell a story, and lighting that would make Spielberg jealous. And let’s be real, a touch of Photoshop never hurt anyone. The goal? Make every product shot a showstopper that screams ‘buy me’.

For instance, when shooting a new line of eco-friendly watches, I didn't just lay them out on a pristine white background. Nope, I had them dangling from the branches during our last family camping trip, catching the golden hour light. Talk about a conversation starter!

Four Reasons Why Your Photoshoots Are Yawningly Predictable:

• You stick to the rules like superglue.
• Your fear of messy keeps you from greatness.
• Lighting is an afterthought—big mistake!
• Props? What props?

It's all about making your audience feel something. If they scroll past your photo without a second glance, you’ve lost the game.

Couples That Shoot Together, Stay Together

Let's talk couples photography. Ash and I have been in front of more cameras than a Hollywood starlet, not because we're vain, but because we use these shoots to bond. Throwing a theme into the mix, like '80s glam rock or zombie apocalypse survivors, turns a typical photoshoot into an epic date. And yes, it’s as fun as it sounds!

Imagine this: Ash and I, decked out in zombie chic, chasing each other around with fake blood splattered shirts. That's a Saturday well spent! Plus, the photos? Killer—no pun intended.

Embracing the Madness: Family Edition

Back to the family angle—Adela, my mini-me artist, often takes the helm with her wild ideas. Last time, she decided we should all be forest creatures. Ethan was a dignified deer, Zach a rambunctious raccoon, and yours truly? The big bad wolf, obviously. The photos were nothing short of magical, a genuine peek into our world of creative chaos.