Lake Como can be described as a wonderous place and because of the natural environment and the typical Mediterranean atmosphere it creates a perfect view and it fits perfectly for family photoshoots. The fantastic location of this place with mountains and beautiful seas around contributes to the creation of stunning and charming photos. The range of the location from gardens to villas with histories enforces an added richness to your family pictures.
Also, there is a calm, warm light on Lake Como for photography giving you a great opportunity to take natural great-quality pictures. Irrespective of whether the session is an informal and silly session or a serious formal family photo, the variability of the background turns even the most ordinary photo into something special.
Tip 1 – Choose the Right Time of Day
Timing is crucial in fixing photoshoots, that means that it may work for one particular photographer but not for another one. For example, early morning will have soft natural light for use when taking pictures of your family members as this lights up their faces gently making it perfect for both those shots taken closely and those which embrace the entire family. I also insist on this time of the day as it is freeing from crowds which, if you want to have a sightseeing around lake Como and visit such beauties as Villa del Balbianello or the promenade, is extremely distracting.
Early morning and the last light before the sun sets as well as another perfect moment for the family photos. This warm shining golden light enriches each picture and makes the focus on the beautiful nature surroundings you with. This particular lighting is perfect for snapping photos when families hugging and this will make each picture look magical.
On the other hand you should avoid shooting at mid of sun, that is during the day when the sun is at its highest point. During this time we also get some really strong lighting, which may lead to some harsh shadows and one cannot get really good shots.
Tip 2 – Select the Ideal Photo Spots
The rather vast area of water front especially the area by the lake comes in handy when shooting more extensive and panoramic photographs. For those looking to get intimate with their family, you can opt for a botanical garden known as Villa Carlotta and much as the place is full of flowers and the family poses, most parts of it are private.
If one were to combine history and charm in one place then Villa del Balbianello comes highly recommended. The historic and luxurious villa plus the perfectly designed gardens with lush greenery give photos an array of elegance that is timeless. A Lake Como family photographer, who is a local will know some of the places that are a little less explored like a nearby trail or a dock where families do not usually go.
Beside villas, I recommend you visiting such towns as Bellagio or Varenna with their cobblestone paths and paintings houses that make a village impression.
Tip 3 – Coordinate Outfits for a Cohesive Look
Proper dressing and choice of clothing and how they blend is very crucial in a perfect family photography. When wearing matching outfits, it may at times look arranged, however, choosing similar colour kind of creates unity without necessarily appearing that you all bought the same attire. This is because the best colors include earth tones, soft pastels or colors that are natural to the colors of the landscape at Lake Como. These colors complement the lake’s colors of blue and green as your family will be able to blend with these kinds of colors.
Indeed, one should not overdo ergonomic comfort, but at the same time it is necessary to pay attention to the image. Select the types of fabric that are comfortable for children if you are going to shoot for a long time and choose practical clothes for kids. Layers are useful cause if for some reason the temperature raises or drops during the day, one can easily control it by taking off or putting a layer on.
Avoid sharp or contrasting patterns or bright large logos which may tend to overshadow the whole outlook of the photo. Instead, try and prepare your outfits on timeless and moderate designs that can not fade with time easily. Just bear this in mind, you don’t need fancy clothes that will steal the light, literally and figuratively, from the stunning landscapes of the Lake Como region.
Tip 4 – Focus on Natural Poses and Interactions
Although taking posed photo is alright, most times, taking candid photos of family members interacting with each other provides better photos. Tease your family into talking and laughing to each other during the shoot; holding hands, playing or even frolicking around the lakeside. Unlike posed images that force the expression of fake smiles these candid shots give the real feeling and depict the real performance of your family.
Rather than just making people sit and stand in front of the camera humans can try some basic commands to start with. You make your kids run to you or hug each other OR parents may show a touch moment. By moving the images appear more lively and attractive to the eye, than when they are simply placed in a block of texts.
L(norm) poses also freez facial expressions more naturally, since people in the family are not squeezed into the nonsensical position. The desire is to make all people appear and feel comfortable in front of the camera so the photos convey comfort and affiliation. What is left is a selection of photos that appear both vintage and natural; reflecting the members of your family.
Tip 5 – Use Props to Add Personal Touches
Props make your family pictures to be more natural and you be proud of it. It is also advisable to take along some personal possessions to be used in the photographs like a family treasure or baby’s favorite blanket. These items are not only adding more depth to your photos but they are story telling objects of the family as well.
Another type of props that one can use is the seasonal props that is flowers in spring or colorful scarves in autumn, among others. For instance, a picnic set with a blanket tossed next to the lake shores, accompanied by a basket of fruits creates a picture of free spirit. This is particularly true because children especially enjoy using props since these keep them entertained during the session.
But of course the key concept, which must not be overstated, is the concept of sustainable development. Lenses have to be set on the family and hence accessories should not be in a manner that they overshadow the main subject.
Tip 6 – Work with the Weather, Not Against It
It rains, snows or it remains sunny but whatever the case, you can always organize your schedule to find a rift for your family photoshoot. It is good news that overcast days offer quite satisfactory lighting as they do not create dramatic contrasts and shadows on the scene. This gives an even and soft light that is perfect for portraits, which makes overcast days ideal when capturing your family by the lake.
If the forecast indicates that it will rain tomorrow, then don’t cancel the appointment yet. Rainy days can be lovely and can even make your photographs to be more elegant and comfortable. Consider cheerful and playful pictures of the kids running through the rain or the entire family having a cup of coffee holding umbrellas. A little bit of rain can produce rich reflections in photo shootings, especially if the shooting takes place near the lake.
When a session is allotted for portraits, look for places that get direct sunlight but not bright direct light or daylight.
Tip 7 – Hire a Professional Photographer
As much as owning smart phones and personal cameras has improved a lot, it is hard to compare with a professional photographer. They have learned where exactly are the most suitable places for a session, how to successfully deal with sunlight, and how to professionally capture your family. Due to their local experience they will ensure you get those blank moments in a very smooth manner.
Furthermore, one can get guidance from a professional photographer that is very helpful since it makes all the participants in the shoot very comfortable. They can catch not only the stunning and well-prepared photoshoot but also those beautiful moments which are not planned for.
Hiring a professional photographer means that you are assured of quality images that you will always treasure for an instance. These photos shall be priceless ornaments to your family as they feature them enjoying in one of the magnificent global destinations.
Final Thoughts
Speaking about the final thoughts, it has to be mentioned that the process of organizing a family photoshoot at Lake Como consists of several important steps to take to get the best results. From deciding when is the right time for the photoshoot to choosing where is the best place to take the pictures, these few but efficient tips make the sitting enjoyable for all. Getting everyone to wear matching clothes, avoiding forced poses and even small trinkets and accessories with props all work to make those timeless photos you will want to look at for years for.
Cooperating with the nature and using the services of a good photographer guarantees a problem-free session regardless the weather or the chosen territory. Thus, it can be said that beautiful views along with emotionally charged events make the scenery of Lake Como the best fit to tell a story of your family. If you follow these tips then you are doing more than just capturing the moment you are capturing memories to last a lifetime.
