As a photographer, capturing a family’s precious moments is an honor and a privilege. However, family photoshoots can be hectic and unpredictable, especially when children are involved. In order to capture the perfect mid-giggle smile or a candid moment, you need to have the right gear with you. In this blog post, we will discuss why traveling light is key for family photoshoots and share our top pieces of equipment that will help you capture those special moments.

Why Traveling Light is Key for Family Photoshoots

When it comes to family photoshoots, traveling light is essential. You want to be able to move around easily and be prepared for any situation. Carrying too much gear can be cumbersome and can make it difficult to engage with kids and parents. By traveling light, you can focus on capturing the perfect shots while also engaging with your subjects.

Top Equipment for Capturing Candid and Posed Shots

Here are our top pieces of equipment that always come with us to each family photoshoot.

1. Canon R6 Camera Body

A camera body is obviously essential for any photoshoot. The Canon R6 is our top choice due to its fast focus and low-light capabilities. It allows you to capture in-focus photos every time while keeping that bokeh background. Plus, the low-light function is important to avoid flash going off in kids’ faces.

2. 50mm and 24-70mm Lens

For family sessions, we always bring one prime and one zoom lens. The 50mm and 24-70mm lens offer a lot of versatility and allow us to capture a variety of shots. We start with the zoom lens to capture movement and get rid of any nerves or energy. Then, we switch to the prime lens to capture classic portraits as the family begins to relax and become more snuggly.

3. Shutter Snuggie

The newest addition to our bag is the Shutter Snuggie, and we won’t do a shoot without it again. It’s a stuffed animal that sits on your camera lens, and it’s a simple and effective tool to grab kids’ attention. It allows kids to become more familiar with the camera and makes it more approachable. Our favorite thing to do is to introduce the kids to the stuffed animal and let them name it.

Family photoshoots can be unpredictable, but with the right gear, you can capture those special moments. Traveling light is key, and by bringing essential equipment such as a camera body, a zoom and a prime lens, and a Shutter Snuggie, you can make the most of your family photoshoots.