How to Create Perfect 80’s Family Photos

The 1980s brought bold fashion, vibrant colors, and unforgettable family moments worth recreating. Modern families love capturing that nostalgic decade through themed photo sessions.

We at Kelly Tareski Photography specialize in creating authentic 80s family photos that transport you back to this iconic era. The right styling, camera techniques, and props make all the difference.

What Should You Wear for Authentic 80s Family Photos

The foundation of any successful 80s family photo lies in bold clothing choices that scream decade authenticity. Neon colors dominated the era, with hot pink, electric blue, lime green, and bright orange taking center stage in family wardrobes. Acid-wash denim became the uniform of choice, paired with oversized graphic t-shirts that featured band logos or cartoon characters. Women should embrace shoulder pads in blazers, while men can opt for Members Only jackets or preppy polo shirts with popped collars.

Hair That Defies Gravity

Bigger was always better when it came to 80s hairstyles, and this principle drives authentic family photo style. Women need voluminous perms, crimped textures, or teased hair that reaches impressive heights with generous amounts of hairspray. The Madonna-inspired look with side ponytails and hair accessories works perfectly for younger family members. Men should consider mullets, jheri curls, or slicked-back styles with gel. Professional stylists recommend volumizing mousse and teasing combs to achieve that signature 80s bounce that photographs beautifully under studio lights.

Accessories That Complete the Look

The right accessories transform ordinary outfits into authentic 80s statements that photograph with impact. Chunky jewelry pieces like oversized hoop earrings, layered chain necklaces, and bold geometric shapes add visual interest to family portraits. Scrunchies in neon colors, leg warmers worn over jeans, and jelly bracelets stacked high on wrists create that unmistakable decade feel. Sunglasses with colored lenses, headbands worn across the forehead, and fingerless gloves complete the transformation. These details catch light beautifully and add texture to group compositions (making each family member stand out while maintaining cohesive decade style).

Color Coordination Strategies

Families achieve the best results when they coordinate colors without matching exactly. Choose one dominant neon shade (like electric blue or hot pink) and incorporate it across different family members through various clothing pieces or accessories. Mix patterns boldly – stripes with polka dots, geometric prints with florals – as the 80s celebrated visual chaos. Metallic fabrics and sequined details photograph exceptionally well under professional lighting, adding that extra sparkle that defines the decade’s aesthetic. Formal wear also played a significant role in 80s photography, with suits and formal dresses creating striking contrasts against casual family members.

Once you master the authentic 80s wardrobe, the next step involves technical camera work that captures these bold styles with period-appropriate techniques.

How Do You Capture That Perfect 80s Camera Style

Digital cameras require specific adjustments to replicate the distinctive look of 80s family photography. Set your ISO between 800-1600 to introduce subtle grain that mimics film texture, while you keep your aperture at f/5.6 to f/8 for sharp group focus. Professional photographers from the decade relied heavily on flash photography, so position your flash unit strategically rather than bounce it. This creates those characteristic shadows and bright highlights that define 80s portraits.

Shoot in RAW format and increase saturation by 20-30% during post-processing to match the vibrant Kodak film stocks popular during that era.

Master the Golden Hour Glow

The 80s photography aesthetic demands warm, golden light that bathes families in soft amber tones. Schedule your sessions 90 minutes before sunset when natural light creates that signature honeyed glow across skin tones. Indoor sessions require tungsten bulbs at 3200K color temperature, positioned at 45-degree angles to create gentle shadows under cheekbones. Avoid modern LED panels that produce cooler tones – they destroy the authentic warmth that made 80s family photos so appealing. Professional studios during this period used continuous light rather than strobes, so maintain consistent illumination throughout your session.

Perfect Those Classic Group Arrangements

80s family photos featured specific pose patterns that modern photographers often overlook. Place parents in the center with children arranged asymmetrically around them – never in straight lines. The tallest family member should stand slightly behind and to one side, which creates natural height variation that photographs dynamically. Encourage genuine smiles rather than forced grins, as 80s families valued authentic expressions over perfect poses. Position hands naturally on hips, shoulders, or crossed arms to avoid awkward limbs that hang loose. These compositions work best when family members lean slightly toward each other (creating intimate triangular shapes that draw viewers into the frame).

Flash Techniques That Define the Era

Off-camera flash techniques dominated 80s family photography and created that unmistakable look we associate with the decade. Position your flash off camera, set to the left and slightly below eye level to create triangulated shadows. This lighting produces distinctive shadow patterns behind subjects and bright, even illumination across faces that eliminates subtle modeling. The technique may seem unflattering by today’s standards, but it captures the authentic aesthetic families expect from 80s recreations. Photographers relied on artificial lighting because it guaranteed proper exposure in various lighting conditions (making it foolproof for family sessions).

With your camera settings perfected and lighting techniques mastered, the next step involves selecting props and backgrounds that transport families directly into the heart of the 1980s.

Which Props Transform Modern Photos Into 80s Masterpieces

Authentic 80s home decor creates the perfect backdrop for family photos that transport viewers directly into the decade. Wood paneled walls, popular in 80s homes, provide rich brown tones that complement neon outfits beautifully. Geometric patterned wallpaper in bold colors like teal and magenta adds visual interest without overwhelming family subjects. Brass fixtures, glass coffee tables with chrome legs, and sectional sofas in earth tones like burnt orange or forest green create that unmistakable 80s living room aesthetic.

Track lighting systems positioned throughout the space mimic the home lighting trends of the era while they provide excellent illumination for photography. Shag carpets in neutral tones add texture and authenticity that modern families immediately recognize as decade-specific.

Technology That Defines the Decade

The right technology props instantly communicate the 80s timeframe and add interactive elements to family photos. Boomboxes with dual cassette decks serve as focal points that family members can pose around or interact with naturally. Rotary phones in bright colors like red or yellow create conversation pieces that younger family members find fascinating.

Atari 2600 gaming consoles with wood grain finishes and joystick controllers engage children during sessions while adults reminisce about their gaming experiences. VHS tapes stacked near television sets, Walkman players with oversized headphones, and early home computers like the Commodore 64 complete the technological landscape. These props work best when family members actually hold or interact with them rather than simply pose nearby.

Locations That Capture 80s Energy

Roller rinks provide the ultimate 80s location with neon lights, disco balls, and energetic atmospheres that encourage natural family interactions. The colorful lights create dynamic backgrounds while the activity keeps families relaxed and engaged throughout the session. Retro diners with chrome fixtures, checkered floors, and jukebox machines offer controlled light conditions perfect for professional photography.

Shopping malls with 80s architectural elements like skylights, fountains, and wide corridors provide diverse backdrop options within a single location. Arcade venues with vintage games like Pac-Man and pinball machines create interactive environments where families can play together while photographers capture candid moments (these locations eliminate the need for extensive prop sourcing while they provide authentic 80s atmospheres that make families feel transported back in time).

Final Thoughts

Authentic 80’s family photos demand three essential elements: bold fashion choices with neon colors and oversized silhouettes, proper camera techniques that replicate film photography aesthetics, and carefully selected props that transport families back to the decade. Modern families often feel nervous about such dramatic styles, but the key lies in encouragement to have fun with the process rather than worry about perfection. The most successful sessions happen when families embrace the playful nature of 80s culture.

We at Kelly Tareski Photography help families feel comfortable through music from the era and natural interactions with props like boomboxes and vintage games. This approach produces genuine smiles and authentic moments that capture the carefree spirit of the decade (making each session memorable for all family members). Our experience shows that when families embrace the bold aesthetic, they create images that become treasured family heirlooms.

Retro photography sessions offer exceptional value because they create unique visual stories that stand apart from typical family portraits. These themed sessions generate excitement among family members of all ages, which results in higher engagement and more dynamic images. Contact us at Kelly Tareski Photography to schedule your 80’s family photo session and create memories that spark conversations for years to come.

Suggested Reading

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A Decade of Collaboration – Bull Hill and Kelly Tareski Photography

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How to Create Timeless Family Photos That Last Forever