ConwellCass975
Family photography may at first glance seem to be among the easiest genres to 'get right' but that very knowledge of your subjects can present trouble for you like a photographer. To make good and impactful photographs you need to be distant from your subject material yet be empathic.
With this thought you'll be identified by people in your own family as 'the official photographer' due to your obvious interest in photography. family get together's will present themselves as perfect possibilities to capture family portraits whether individual or perhaps a large generational picture.
However, when you are getting out your camera, some of your family may groan and run for that door to escape. But don't quit! Obtaining a fantastic picture of your family doesn't have to be a painful experience for either you and your subjects, particularly if you put a few simple photo ideas to use.
Posing Techniques When Photographing Your Family
Firstly, attempt to position everyone to ensure that their heads are close together. This usually helps to make everyone look extra friendly and happy. You need to, if at all possible likewise try to organize what your loved ones are wearing for his or her photograph. This might not necessarily be feasible for a large family gathering but if you can advise your loved ones prior to the day to wear bright solid colours instead of vivid patterns which pull the viewers eyes from the subject.
For any Great Family Picture, Keep Things Simple
Try to put all your creative effort into photographing the one main subject ie. the group. You can take plenty of extra informal shots of your family because the mill around. Take lots of additional photos, so don't be concerned about including everybody and my way through one picture. Should you put too much stuff in your photo it will look messy. The very best option would be to keep things as simple as possible. Attempt to crop while you frame, meaning don't have plenty of extraneous information cluttering up the viewfinder. It's easy to get used to this. You just need to be aware of your field of view and never be sloppy allowing trees and buildings etc to dominate the scene rather than the actual subject matter.
If you are photographing a variety of family members in a group they in essence become one subject. Therefore ensure you crop tightly and emphasise their relationship with one another instead of have lots of space between them that will detract from the impact of them like a subject. Don't be afraid to 'direct' your loved ones. This may mean getting them to relocate closer or put an arm around each other. Often people will happily decide to try direction, much more than you may think.
And Lastly... Think about the ambient light when photographing your loved ones
As photographers we all know the best light is either early morning or late afternoon or evening. This is where richness and depth of light is available therefore if possible attempt to get your family together for a group shot at these times of day. This really is of course not always possible because of the event they're attending itself like a christening or wedding. But, the key still stands. If this is not possible then attempt to have them all into bright open shade or light just inside a doorway or perhaps a window. You may need to think about 'fill in flash' to avoid unsightly shadows.
The best way forward when thinking of photographing children is to possess a balance, if possible between being relaxed and directing their attention. It is really an art but it is not impossible!
