Tips to take beautiful storytelling family photos during the daylight | summer family photo in Chicago

Natural lighting can either be a gift or a curse when it comes to photography. Having too much or a lack of enough lighting can affect the output of your daylight photos. As an experienced photographer, I always recommend that it is always best to avoid harsh light, but if it is something uncontrollable – there are ways to work around such circumstances. 

In essence, lifestyle family photographers aim to use every image that they capture for storytelling. Each moment taken should be able to show the beauty of their experience of having their Chicago family photo. But with the blinding rays of the sun? It can be difficult for the family to show their gorgeous eyes in every shot. Plus, it is less appealing in photos. That is why you need to take a look at the following tips when it comes to having your daylight photos taken:

Move the subject’s face from the direct sun

When looking for the best lighting for your subject, it is also essential to let them move around to see if the light falls perfectly on their faces. In addition to that, make sure to move their faces from the direct sun to avoid the harsh light and unflattering shadows on their faces. 

Use shadows on each other’s bodies 

Shadows are not necessarily a bad thing when it comes to taking photos. They can create a certain depth to your daylight photos, making them even more interesting. It’s just a matter of using it to your advantage, like using it to define each other’s bodies when it comes to taking a group portrait.

Find shade

Besides the comfort of taking a break from the sun’s scorching heat, looking for shade can make a difference in a photo. You can have softer pictures under the trees, gazebo, or Pavillion. 

Incorporate homes in your storytelling

Before proceeding outdoors, I will take many portraits of you at your home first, as I feel it is a critical location to complete your family’s story. The living room is the perfect location as it is the center of every home.

Fun activities for your daylight photos 

Do you want to turn your photoshoot into an experience that your family will not forget? Yes, it is already an experience to do the pictorial, but what more if you plan fun activities to do that day. A photoshoot can be as simple as going for a walk, a picnic in the park, or something more adventurous such as water activities. Keep it fun and playful, and you will have photos with happiness radiating in every shot.

Choose the best locations for your session

You don’t have to stress out when it comes to location. As long as everyone in the family is happy during the shoot, the photos will come out great. But if you are having difficulties deciding, I’ve listed some of the best locations, which you probably didn’t expect to.

• Home
• Backyard
• Nearby Park or trail
• Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve: Naperville, 60540
• St. James Farm (2S541 Winfield Rd, Warrenville, IL 60555)

You can go to my “PLACES TO PHOTOGRAPH IN NAPERVILLE, IL AND THE CHICAGO WEST SUBURB AREA” blog here.

Feel free to get in touch with me regarding daylight photos so I can reflect on the story you want. I’ll be more than happy to provide one-of-a-kind imagery for your family! You can sign up here to receive the upcoming events via email!