Shooting the kids, wife, and family (with your camera)
For many families, reunions, gatherings and celebrations are often huge, exciting events full of fun and plenty of food. Weddings often attract the most attention of all family events, but who says a birthday, christening, or good old fashioned family reunion doesn’t deserve the same attention?
If you happen to love taking photos, here are some hints to keep in mind when photographing a family event.
• Get candids – An album of posed images can get a bit stale. A good mix of candid images along with smiling poses will better capture the mood of the day. To make sure people don’t automatically turn around and smile whenever they see the camera, use a zoom lens so you can get close to the action from farther away.
• Don’t forget video – If you have a good HD video camera, you may want to make use of it. Try to take candid video of guests laughing and talking, children playing outside, and any heartfelt impromptu speeches that may occur on the day.
• Make good use of your photos – Don’t let your photos sit on your hard drive for months. A CD, large print or printed album with a selection of your snaps can be a great gift to a relative you don’t see very often, or your grandma who just loves showing off her family to all her friends.
• Have fun! – Remember you’re part of the family too, so relax! Be sure to partake in the rest of the day’s activities, mingle with guests, enjoy the food, dance, drink and be merry.
• Learn from the pros – A little inspiration is a great thing. Especially if you’re interested in improving your photography skills, pay attention to the way in which professional photographers frame shots, the kinds of lighting they take photos in, and what times of the day produce the most interesting shots. If you have a digital SLR camera, great – but you can take great shots on a compact digital camera, too.
Meanwhile, non-professionals can take advantage of some of the equipment and tips presented by the pros – so your family photos can look just as stunning as a professionally put together album.
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