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Photo Credit: Joy Green

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DIY Fun Family Photos

Take effortless family photos with tips from content creator, Joy Green.

Houston based content creator Joy Green has a playful style all her own. Her Instagram feed @joyfullgreen is full of beautiful photos, color-coordinated props, and just enough whimsy to keep you scrolling for more.

After being in medical sales for eight years, Green turned to blogging and social media after the birth of her daughter Kai. It was a way to connect with other mothers during a time when she felt isolated as a new mom. However as an added benefit, Green found she was able to lean into her creative energy and unique aesthetic to develop her platform. Fast forward four years, and the mother of two quit her sales job, is a full-time content creator, and works with national brands like Martha Stewart and Pottery Barn Kids, among others. 

We sat down with the self-made photographer to get three tips on how to take great photos with your family – no formal training needed.

When working with kids and pets, you have to have the right mindset going into the shoot. Give yourself plenty of time and proper preparation. Depending on their age, you can let them pick outfits or props and keep them involved in the process. We like to play games while taking photos to keep the kids entertained and look more natural in the pictures.

As far as outfits, we try to keep it simple with the kids. I like to use coordinating colors, so I usually start with an outfit for myself and work from there picking outfits for everyone else. The best way to keep it all cohesive is to work off one color scheme – when you have a monochrome pallet, it makes your photo look pulled together.

There are many digital tools and technology available to us that make it straightforward to take a great photo without being a professional photographer. Using a tripod with a self-timer or a Bluetooth remote is essential. My favorite apps are Enlight Photofox, Snapseed, and Lightroom, which are all available for your phone and easy to use.