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Capturing really great family travel photos on your vacation will give you beautiful memories to look back on for years to come. If you’re celebrating a big occasion or family milestone, taking into consideration what everyone should wear among other tips will help bring your family travel photos to life. Whether you’re looking for classically posed family photographs or candid family photos, we’ve got 10 useful tips to consider below.

1. Outfit planning

When it comes to planning outfits, don’t overthink them and don’t underthink them. While you don’t want to stress over what everyone is going to wear, you want to have some general ideas. Having your family wear complementary colors is easy enough. The main thing is to make sure family members won’t be wearing clashing colors or something that is overly distracting (think 1 white shirt in a group of dark shirts). 

2. Lighting

If your family travel photos will be taken outside, try to schedule photos around “the golden hour” which is the time right after sunrise and right before sunset. The soft warm glow that comes from rising or setting sun rays makes outdoor photos extra beautiful. If you’re needing to get photos taken outside of “the golden hour,” try to avoid doing so when the sun is extra bright. It’ll cause the family to squinch their eyes and most likely will cast shadows. A slightly overcast day is perfect lighting for photos.

3. Consider using a tripod

Assuming you’re not hiring a photographer, a tripod can really come in handy. Even though it’s an extra piece of equipment you have to bring along, it will be worth it, especially if you’re traveling with a large group. You can adjust the frame exactly where you want it and make sure everyone is in the photo, yourself included. Photos are also more likely to be steady and clear compared to holding a camera. 

4. Consider using your phone

Nowadays, our smartphones are so decked out with high-tech cameras, needing a professional point-and-shoot camera isn’t always necessary. Most smartphones include a variety of camera modes, such as portrait, landscape and panorama, to help you capture the best shot. Sometimes these photos are even better than photos taken with point-and-shoot cameras. Plus, it’s less equipment to haul around. 

5. Posed and candid shots

Plan ahead if you want specific posed shots taken. Otherwise, you may not get the poses you’re really hoping for. If you’re not sure what you want, you can find a lot of family photography ideas on Pinterest alone. With that being said, some of the best family travel photos are candid photos—the ones you don’t plan out. Children playing, grandpa sitting with the grandkids, and other memories can be captured on the fly. 

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6. See the trip from different perspectives

Letting multiple family members take photos is a great way to see your family trip from various perspectives. These photos will show you what catches the eye of others. Maybe you like taking photos of the ocean whereas another family member likes taking photos of the family. Want even more photo fun? Hand the camera to one of the littles ones on your trip and see what photos they take. They may capture something you wouldn’t have thought to photograph at all!

7. Try for genuine smiles

Family travel photos with everyone smiling are a gift (especially if all the children are smiling and looking at the camera) but sometimes these smiles can seem a little…well, forced. Encouraging genuine laughs and smiles will bring your family travel photos to life. If it is difficult for family members to do this on-demand, have someone tell a joke (or a few) to get the giggles started. Just one laugh will make it easier for everyone else to smile and relax.

8. Baby tips

Taking family travel photos with little ones isn’t always the easiest. Trying to get a baby or toddler to look at the camera and smile (or at least not cry) is a group effort. Avoid taking photos when it’s nap time, when baby is hungry, or when baby is uncomfortable (e.g. the sun is shining in their eyes, or the wind is blasting in their face). Bringing along a handful of small snacks or a subtle-looking toy will help baby remain happy without being distracting in your family travel photos. 

9. Don’t forget to be present

Having a big collection of family travel photos to look back on is a great gift, but you don’t want to be so focused on taking photos that you miss out on the experience. Be aware of how much time you’re spending on photography and don’t be worried about “missing a shot.” When it comes down to it, you’ll be glad you experienced a moment firsthand rather than through a camera lens.

10. When in need, hire a pro

Sometimes it pays for convenience! If you’re wanting to take family travel photos for a special occasion, say a grandparent’s 50th-anniversary trip, consider hiring a professional photographer. You won’t have to worry about getting the “right” photo and you can enjoy gathering as a family while the camera clicks away. 

If you only remember two tips for great family photos, let it be these: complementary outfits and good lighting. But sometimes the best family travel photos are the ones that aren’t even close to perfect. For a few of those classic family portraits, keeping these tips in mind will help you capture the best family travel photos. 

What type of family travel photos do you prefer? Posed or candid? Tell us why below!