As a photographer in Los Angeles, capturing candid family portraits is one of my favorite things to do. There's something so special about capturing the love, laughter, and connection between family members in a natural and authentic way. Here are some tips I've learned over the years on how to create the perfect candid family portrait.

1. Let families be themselves: The key to capturing candid family portraits is to let the family be themselves. Encourage them to relax, have fun and be silly. When families are relaxed and having fun, they naturally connect with each other, and that's when the magic happens.

2. Get everyone involved: To create a truly candid portrait, it's important to get everyone involved. Encourage everyone to jump in, whether that's by playing a game, dancing, or simply cuddling together. This will help to create a fun and relaxed atmosphere, which will result in better photos.

3. Find the right light: Natural light is the key to capturing beautiful candid portraits. When planning your shoot, take the time to find the right light and use it to your advantage. Whether it's the golden hour or the soft light of a cloudy day, the right light can make all the difference in the final result.

4. Capture the little moments: Candid portraits aren't just about capturing the big moments, but also about capturing the little moments in between. Take the time to observe the family and capture the small moments that make them unique, such as a shared smile or a hug between siblings.

5. Don't be afraid to get close: When capturing candid portraits, it's important to get up close and personal. This will help you capture the intimate details and emotions that make family portraits so special.

6. Have fun: Lastly, the most important thing to remember is to have fun. When you're having fun, the family will pick up on your energy and will relax, allowing you to capture their true personalities and connections in a natural way.

In conclusion, taking candid family portraits is a wonderful way to capture the love, laughter, and connection between family members. Whether you're a professional photographer or just taking photos for fun, these tips will help you create the perfect candid family portrait. Remember to let the family be themselves, get everyone involved, find the right light, capture the little moments, don't be afraid to get close, and have fun!