Move to the right. Wait, now you’re in shadow. Can you hold the baby in the other arm? Hold on, you’re blocking Grandma. Can you get your sister to put her clothes back on? Just for a second?
The annual family photo session is a rite of passage, but not one most of us relish. Family photo ideas are one thing; execution is another. The first step to getting the perfect shot—the one that will live on aunts’ and uncles’ refrigerators for a year to come—is getting the family’s buy-in. This is where matching family pajamas, like Butterblu Family Jammies, are a game-changer: Insanely soft, incredibly comfortable, adorably matching, and about a million times more fun to wear than anything formal.
Fun fact (and yes, it’s a fact): Even most camera-shy, can’t-sit-still kids can’t resist a photo shoot filled with matching family outfits and fun props. This goes beyond just what to wear for family photos. A few days before you break out the camera, ask everyone in the family to help plan a grand finale photo: help little ones pick a favorite toy or stuffed animal, and let older kids get creative with sports equipment, books, and funny accessories. But before the finale, you’ll need to keep them happy and fidget-free. We can help.
THE BEST FAMILY PHOTO TIPS
Find The Right Light
Natural light is always best for holiday family photos: Shoot by a window, with the light source in front of your subjects’ faces or coming from the side.
The best time to catch warm, soft natural light is one hour after sunrise (if you have little ones, you’re probably up anyway) or one hour before sunset.
Avoid backlit photos! Unless you’re going for creepy, haunted family vibes.
Family Photo Inspiration
If you’re feeling ambitious, choose a location that captures your family’s personality: Cozy up in front of the fireplace—the perfect place for matching family pajamas, like Butterblu Family Jammies—or head to the beach or a favorite park. Actually, Butterblu Family Jammies look pretty adorable everywhere.
If you’re strapped for time, living the two-under-two life, or just want to keep it simple: The front steps of your family home or any neutral wall are practically foolproof. Remember you’ll probably be cropping this photo anyway.
Avoid busy backgrounds to keep the focus on the family. Take a few test shots before getting everyone settled, in case you need to shift a picture frame or reposition a wreath.
Bring the Energy!
Make sure everyone is well-fed; extra snacks on hand are never a bad idea.
With a fun playlist and those props the kids have been planning out all week, genuine smiles naturally show up to the party.
Make a list of must-have shots—a classic family photo, a fun one, just the kids. Check them off as you go. When you know your bases are covered it’s easier to encourage spontaneity. More than likely, that’s when it actually gets fun.
How to Take the Perfect Family Photo at Home
Try out a mini tripod—it’s a small investment that makes a major difference. If you’re taking photos without one, set up a stable environment for your phone or camera and do a few test runs.
Practice with your self-timer ahead of time.
For close-up shots, skip the zoom feature on your phone or camera and move closer instead. The higher resolution will give you sharper photos.
Try shooting at different angles. Even if you think you have the perfect shot and the perfect frame, experiment so you know you’ve got a winner.
How to Pose for Family Photos Naturally
Take multiple shots—someone always blinks!
If the smiles are just not working and everyone’s cheeks are frozen, tell the whole crew to scowl for ten seconds. Now break into a smile! It will be fun and look much more genuine.
TIPS FOR TAKING PHOTOS WITH A PHONE
Clean your lenses.
Only use the back camera. Save the selfies for fun shots when you’re wrapping up!
Turn on the grid feature for easy framing.
Experiment with portrait mode and switching between preset lenses (the .05x, 1x and 3x options on an iPhone).
Make Editing Easy
If you catch the right light, you shouldn’t need to make any edits. If you’re feeling fancy, the adjust, crop, and filters tool on your camera app on your phone make amateur editing foolproof.
Once you’ve got the shot, have a little celebration—let everyone pick their favorite images over pizza or a round of spiced cider. It’s the perfect way to close out the day and turn your family photo shoot into a memory everyone will look forward to repeating next year.
