Whether you're shooting family portraits, senior photos, engagements, proposals, or maternity sessions, these settings will help you capture stunning images every time.
Let’s dive in!
Aperture: Creating That Beautiful Blurry Background
Aperture is arguably the most important setting, as it controls how much of the image is in focus and how much of the background is beautifully blurred. Here’s a quick guide based on how many people are in your shot:
1-4 people: Set your aperture to f/2.8 to f/5.6 for a nice balance between focus and background blur.
4-6 people: Start at f/4 and work your way up to f/6.3.
6-10 people: Use at least f/5.6, going up to f/11 or more, especially when photographing larger groups.
Pro Tip: Your distance from the subject matters. The farther away you are, the more of your scene will be in focus, so adjust accordingly.
Shutter Speed: Capturing Movement Without Blur
Your shutter speed controls motion. If your subjects are posed and sitting still, you can use a lower shutter speed. But when photographing families (especially with kids), you’ll want to bump that number up to capture movement without blur.
Still subjects: Keep your shutter speed at a minimum of 1/200 or 1/250 to avoid camera shake and blurry photos.
Kids or action shots: Start at 1/400 and go up from there. If you’re shooting playful moments, like kids laughing or running, a shutter speed of at least 1/500 will freeze the action.
Always take a few test shots and adjust based on what you see.
ISO: Managing Light in Various Settings
ISO controls your camera’s sensitivity to light. A low ISO is great for bright, sunny days, while higher settings help in low-light environments. Here’s a basic guide:
Full sun: ISO 100
Slightly cloudy: ISO 200-400
Shade or cloudy day: ISO 400-1600
Indoors: Start at ISO 800 and adjust upwards. Crop sensor cameras may require higher ISOs, like 3200 or more, especially in dim conditions.
Pro Tip: Don’t fear high ISOs! The goal is to keep your light meter as close to zero as possible, which indicates a properly exposed photo.
Why I Shoot in Shutter Priority Mode
Personally, I prefer shooting in Shutter Priority mode, and here’s why: It gives me full control over the shutter speed, which is crucial when capturing movement—especially when working with families or kids. In situations where my subjects may be moving or playing, I can ensure that the motion is frozen and the image stays sharp.
This mode allows the camera to automatically adjust the aperture for proper exposure while I control the shutter speed. It’s a great balance, especially when I’m more focused on ensuring that the motion in my shots is crisp and sharp. In dynamic situations where movement is unpredictable, Shutter Priority takes a bit of the pressure off, letting me focus on the moment without worrying about constantly adjusting aperture settings.
Additional Tips for Perfect Family Photos
Shutter Speed & Focal Length: Never shoot at a shutter speed lower than your lens’s focal length. For example, if you're using an 85mm lens, your shutter speed should be at least 1/85.
Group Photos: When shooting large groups like family reunions, avoid placing people in too many rows. If you do, use an aperture of f/11 or higher and focus on the middle row to ensure everyone is in focus.
Spot Metering & Single Point Focus: Spot metering allows your camera to expose correctly based on a specific point in your frame. Single point focus lets you control exactly where the camera focuses, giving you precise control over the sharpness of your images.
Learn More & Ask Questions
Photography is an art form, and learning how to master your camera settings can take time. If you have questions about depth of field, exposure, or any other technical aspect, I’m here to help! Feel free to ask any questions, whether it’s here or on my social platforms. I’ve got tons of videos that break down these concepts further.
So next time you’re out shooting, use these tips as a starting point. Test, adjust, and most importantly, have fun! Your best photos are just a few clicks away.