Capturing a family in photos is one of the most cherished things anyone could do. It freezes time and lets us revisit those moments again and repeatedly. It's not always simple to capture great family pictures - especially when you don't have a much expertise behind the camera.
We turned to Dubai photographer for families Alona Koenig to get her top tips on taking great family photos. Alona has been taking family photos for many years and has experienced in making sure everyone is at ease and comfortable when it comes to taking photos.
Here are Alona's top tips to capture great family photos:
Select the best time of day
The ideal time for family pictures is during the morning or in the late afternoon, when the lighting is warm and soft. Be careful not to take photos during daylight hours, when the sun rises high in the sky, and casting harsh shadows onto faces. If you can, plan to take pictures outdoors in an open space with lots of light.
Here are some good times of day to plan your shoot (and why):
Golden hour
This is the hour just before sunset, when the light is warm and golden. It's the perfect time to start taking photos that have an "glow" to them.
Blue hour
It is the time just after sunset in which the sky is still light but it has changed to a dark blue shade. Blue hour is a great moment to take photographs that have a lot of mood.
Twilight
It's the period between sunset and nightfall where there isn't much light. The time of sunset is ideal for taking creative photos with long exposures or with flashes that are not on the camera.
Find the correct location
The location you pick for the family photo shoot will influence the overall atmosphere of the photographs. If you want to capture the atmosphere of a relaxing weekend at home, choose an area that is comfortable and familiar to your family. If you're trying to capture the experience of a trip or adventure, choose a location that's exciting and new. If you're trying to capture a particular mood or feeling, choose the location that brings the emotion.
A few great spots for family pictures include:
The beach
A garden or a park
An urban setting
A nature reserve
Your backyard is yours
Get everyone involved
One best way to make sure everyone is having a good time at photography is to involve everyone involved in the process. Have your family members help you choose the location, picking out outfits, and posing for photographs. It will allow them to get more involved in the photo shoot and it will help make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
Here are some ideas on how you can get everyone involved:
Let everyone choose their own clothes. This will help them feel more check here at ease and fashionable when they are in front of the camera.
If you're shooting outdoors invite your family members to assist with things like finding the perfect spot to set up your camera, or deciding on the most suitable path to walk.
Make sure everyone strikes a pose. Posing is a great opportunity to let everyone unwind and have fun with the photo shoot.
Break the Ice
If your family feels uncomfortable or shy before the camera Try breaking the ice with some humorous jokes or funny pictures. This will help them become more relaxed more info and comfortable in front of the lens.
Try playing certain games or participating in activities that can bring everyone together and have fun with one another. This will help you record candid and natural moments that will be treasured for many years to come.
A few great games to break the ice or activities comprise:
Simon Says
I Spy
Charades
Truth or Dare
Categories
Don't be afraid of getting creative
Do not be afraid to play with your camera's settings or experiment with new poses. This is a great method to inject some personality into your photos and make them more unique.
Things you can try with are:
Camera settings: experiment with the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to make different effects.
Lens options: Try using a wide-angle lens or a zoom lens to alter the perspective of your photos.
Posing: Try different ways of arranging your family members, or have them interact with each other in a variety of ways.
Props: add some interest to your photos with props like umbrellas, balloons or even signs.
Prepare yourself
The most important thing to have an effective photo shoot is being prepared. Be sure to have everything you require before the day of the shoot so you're able to focus on taking stunning pictures.
Some things you'll need to carry with you are:
Camera and lens
Memory cards and batteries that are not included.
An tripod (if you're using one)
Props (if you're using any)
Outfits (if you're doing a wardrobe change)
Kit for first aid (just in case)
Drinks and snacks (for both you and your entire family)
Sunscreen (if you're shooting outdoors)
Insect repellent (if you're shooting outdoors)
Be patient and take your time
The most crucial aspects to remember when taking family photos is to be patient. This isn't an event, therefore there's no need to hurry.
Set up your camera in a thoughtful manner for every shot, and snap the number of photos you need to get the perfect shot. If someone doesn't cooperate or something doesn't go as planned do not worry, there's always next time.
But most importantly, have fun and enjoy the process. After all, these photos are designed to preserve a moment that you and your family will cherish for years to come.
Final Thoughts
Photo shoots with family members can prove to be a lot of enjoyable however, they can also be a bit challenging. With these suggestions you'll be able get the most out of your photo shoot and create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.
Alona Koenig is a Dubai photojournalist for families who specializes in taking candid moments and natural interactions. Alona has been photographing families for more than 10 years and loves documenting the unique bonds between parents and children. Visit her website for her portfolio, or call her to book a session.