Capturing the Chaos: How and Why I Take Family Self-Portraits

Jul 1

Gold Coast Photographer - Golden Sundays Photography

Hey there, beautiful people!

Ever tried herding cats? That’s what taking family self-portraits feels like sometimes! But trust me, it's totally worth it. There's something special about capturing those genuine, chaotic moments with your loved ones. Today, I’m sharing my secrets on how I make these self-portraits happen and why I’m so passionate about family photography.

Why I Love Family Self-Portraits

Family photos are like a time machine, taking you back to those precious moments that seem to fly by way too fast. I love looking back at our family pictures and seeing how we've grown and changed. These photos capture our real, messy, beautiful life together, and that's something you just can't put a price on.

Plus, being a family photographer on the Gold Coast for over 15 years, I’m usually the one behind the camera. Self-portraits give me a chance to jump in and be part of the memories. It’s important for my kids to have photos of us all together, showing the love and connection we share.

The "How-To" of Self-Portraits

Step 1: Set Up Your Gear

First things first, grab your camera and a sturdy tripod. I set my camera to take a new photo every 2 seconds. I’m using a Canon R6 for this, but check your camera’s settings to see what yours can do. Some older models might need a remote to get the same effect.

Step 2: Position Your Family

Next, I get everyone into position. This can be a bit of a circus act with kids, but hey, that’s half the fun! I always make sure to have something to focus on, like a toy or a mark on the ground, so we’re all roughly in the right spot.

Step 3: Focus and Shoot

Once everyone’s in place, I focus the camera, press the shutter, and make a mad dash to join the family! It’s easier said than done, and we often end up with some hilarious outtakes. But amidst the chaos, there are always those few perfect shots that make it all worthwhile.

Capturing Every Stage of Our Family's Journey

I’ve been photographing my family at every stage of our journey, from maternity and newborn photos to the fun and chaotic family portraits we do now. It’s amazing to look back and see how much we’ve all grown and changed. These photos are more than just pictures; they’re our family’s story, captured in moments.

Booking Professional Family Photoshoots on the Gold Coast

As much as I love taking our own family photos, I also believe in the magic of professional family photoshoots. At least once a year, I book a session with another talented photographer on the Gold Coast. There’s something truly special about letting someone else capture our family, giving me a chance to relax and just be in the moment.

These sessions are always a mix of fun, laughter, and sometimes a bit of chaos, but the results are always stunning. The perspective and creativity another family photographer brings are priceless, and I treasure these photos just as much as our self-portraits.

Why It’s All Worth It

At the end of the day, whether it’s a self-portrait or a professional family photography session, what matters most is the memories we’re capturing. These moments are fleeting, but photos let us hold on to them a little longer. They remind us of the love, the laughter, and even the chaos that makes our family unique.

So grab your camera, set up that tripod, and jump into the frame. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did. And don’t forget to book a session with a professional family photographer on the Gold Coast every now and then – you won’t regret it!

Until next time, keep capturing those beautiful moments!