Esencia Family Travel, LLC

A guest post by my wife. While I love travel and travel planning, I don’t love taking photos. Fortunately, my wife does. Thanks to her we have beautiful books commemorating our journeys together and an online treasure trove of memories preserved in photo. In this post, she shares tips for capturing the magic during family travels.

By Jennifer Buck Coleman:
Traveling with my husband and 2 kids is a cherished experience filled with laughter, adventure, and unforgettable moments. What better way to preserve these memories than through the lens of a camera? Family travel photography not only captures the beauty of destinations but also the strengthened connections with my family that always come from being away from our normal routine.  I want to share some tips and techniques to help you document your family adventures in stunning photographs (and videos) that will be cherished for years to come.

Plan Ahead:

1. Research destinations: Before embarking on your journey, research the destinations you’ll be visiting. Look for iconic landmarks, scenic landscapes, and hidden gems that you’d like to capture.
2. Consider the lighting: Take note of the best times of day for photography at each location. Early mornings and late afternoons often provide soft, flattering light that enhances your photos.
3. Pack wisely: Choose versatile gear that suits your photography style and the needs of your family. Sometimes I will just take my iPhone for quick snapshots and other times I will want to take my DSLR if I think that I will want to print the photos.  Don’t forget essentials like extra batteries, memory cards, and a lightweight tripod if you are choosing to bring a DSLR camera.

Capture Candid Moments

1. Embrace spontaneity: Some of the best family photos are captured in unguarded moments. Keep your camera ready to capture spontaneous laughter, playful interactions, and genuine emotions.
2. Document daily life: Don’t just focus on posed portraits. Capture the everyday moments of your family’s travel experience – from savoring local cuisine to exploring charming streets.
3. Take many versions of the same shot or consider Live photos with an iPhone because you can choose from a few different frames within the same image. 

Tell a Story

1. Create a narrative: Think of your family travel photos as chapters in a story. Capture the journey from start to finish, including the anticipation of departure, the excitement of exploration, and the bittersweet moments of saying goodbye.  This is where videos might be a better option because you can create compilation videos in Instagram or other programs set to music. 
2. Pay attention to details: Look for unique details that add depth to your storytelling – from architectural features to street signs and cultural artifacts.

Get Creative

1. Experiment with perspectives: Encourage creativity by trying different angles and compositions. Get down low for a child’s-eye view or experiment with aerial shots from elevated vantage points.
2. Play with depth of field: Use a shallow depth of field to isolate subjects against blurred backgrounds, drawing attention to the focal point of your image. For DSLR cameras, this means F8 or less. 
3. Incorporate props: Add visual interest to your photos by incorporating props such as maps, souvenirs, or colorful umbrellas.

Focus on Connection

1. Capture interactions: The heart of family travel photography lies in capturing the connections between family members. Focus on capturing moments of togetherness, affection, and shared experiences.  I know that my kids seem to be hugging each other a lot more on trips than they do in normal life.  😊
2. Encourage participation: Involve your family members in the photography process by asking them to pose for photos or suggesting spontaneous photo opportunities.  Also, make sure to include the parents in the phots, including the one who always takes the photos.

Edit with Care

1. Enhance, don’t overpower: Use photo editing software to enhance your images while preserving their natural beauty. Adjust exposure, contrast, and color balance to bring out the best in your photos without over-editing.  With iPhone photos, I just use the simple wand when editing or make subtle changes when using Lightroom.  The key is making sure that the colors are as true to the original as possible.
2. Maintain authenticity: Aim for a consistent editing style that complements the mood and atmosphere of your travel photos. Avoid heavy filters or effects that may detract from the authenticity of the moment.

Print and Share

1. Bring your photos to life: Don’t let your family travel photos languish on your camera or hard drive. Print your favorite images to create photo albums, framed prints, or personalized gifts that you can enjoy for years to come.  I love making Shutterfly books from all our trips. 
2. Share your story: Share your family travel photos (and videos) with friends and loved ones through social media, online galleries, or personal blog posts. Let your photos inspire others to embark on their own adventures. Both Amazon Photo and Apple Cloud have great sharing capabilities

Conclusion: Family travel photography is about more than just capturing beautiful images – it’s about preserving the memories of shared experiences and cherished moments. By planning ahead, embracing spontaneity, and telling a compelling story through your photos, you can create a visual legacy that will be treasured for generations. So grab your camera, pack your bags, and embark on your next family adventure – the memories are waiting to be captured.