Photographing a family is one of the most precious things one could do. It freezes time and lets us revisit those moments again and again. It's not always simple to capture great family pictures even when you don't have a much photography experience.
We turned to Dubai photographer for families Alona Koenig to get her top tips on making great family photos. Alona has been photographing families for years, and she's got a lot of experience in making sure that everyone is comfortable and relaxed in front of the camera.
Here are the top tips of Alona to capture great family photos:
Select the best time of day
The best time to take family photos is in the morning or late afternoon in the afternoon, when the lighting is warm and soft. Avoid taking photos in daylight hours when the sun is high up in the sky. It casts harsh shadows onto faces. If you can, plan to take photos outside in an open area with plenty of natural lighting.
Here are some good times of day to think about shooting (and the reason why):
Golden hour
This is the hour that is just before sunset, and in which the light is warm and golden. It's the perfect time to start taking photos that have an "glow" to them.
Blue hour
This is the hour just after sunset in which the sky still appears light but it has changed to a dark blue color. Blue hour is an excellent time for taking atmospheric photos with a lot of mood.
Twilight
This is the time between sunset and evening, where there isn't much light. The time of sunset is ideal to take creative pictures using long exposures or using flash that is not built into the camera.
Find the right place
The place you select for your family photo shoot is going to have a big impact on the overall mood of the photographs. If you're hoping to capture the feeling of a relaxed weekend at home, select the location that's cozy as well as familiar for your loved ones. If you're looking to capture the excitement of a trip or adventure select a spot that's new and exciting. If you're looking to capture a particular emotion or mood, select the location that brings the emotion.
The best locations to take family photos are:
The beach
A park or garden
An urban setting
A nature reserve
Your own backyard
Get everyone involved
One of the best ways to ensure everyone is having a good time during your photo session is to get everyone involved. Have your family members assist with things such as choosing the location, choosing outfits, and posing for photos. It will allow them to feel more invested in the shoot, and will make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
Here are some ways you can involve everyone:
Let everyone choose their own clothes. This will allow them to feel more at ease and fashionable before the camera.
If you're shooting outside, request your family members to assist with things like choosing the best location to set up your camera, or deciding on the most suitable route to take.
Make sure everyone strikes poses. Posing can be a great way to get everyone to unwind and have fun with the photo shoot.
Break the ice
If your family is feeling awkward or uncomfortable in front of the camera You can break the ice with some humorous jokes or funny pictures. This can help them get comfortable and relax in front of the lens.
Try playing some games or doing some activities that make everyone laugh and interact with one another. This will help you create candid, natural moments that will be treasured for the years to be.
The best ice-breaking games and activities include:
Simon Says
I Spy
Charades
Truth or Dare
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Don't be afraid of getting imaginative
Don't be afraid to play around with the settings of your camera or experiment with new poses. This is a great method to add some personality to your photographs and make them more unique.
Some things you can experiment with are:
Camera settings: Play around with the aperture, shutter speed and ISO to make different effects.
Lens choices: try using either a wide-angle or zoom lens to alter the perspective of your photos.
Posing: try different ways of arranging your family members or let them interact with each other in creative ways.
Props: add some interest to your photos using props such as umbrellas, balloons, or signs.
Prepare yourself
The key to success in a photo shoot is being prepared. Make sure you have everything you need before the day of the shoot so you're able to focus on taking great photos.
The things you'll need take along include:
Camera and lens
Extra batteries and memory cards
The tripod (if you're using one)
Props (if you're using any)
Outfits (if you're doing changing your wardrobe)
A first-aid kit (just in the event of)
snacks and drinks (for yourself and for your entire family)
Sunscreen (if you're shooting outdoors)
Insect repellent (if you're shooting outdoors)
Take your time
The most crucial aspects to remember when taking family photos is to slow down. This isn't a race, so there's no need to hurry.
Make sure you take your time setting up each shot, and take as many photos as you need to get the perfect shot. If someone doesn't cooperate or something doesn't go as planned, don't worry - there's always the next shot.
Most importantly, be happy and enjoy the process. After all, these photos are intended to preserve a moment which you as a family will cherish for long time to come.
Final Thoughts
Photographing family photos can be lots of fun but they can be Dubai family photographer a bit challenging. By following these tips will allow you to get the most out of your shoot , and make unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
Alona Koenig is photographer from Dubai family photographer who specializes in capturing candid moments and natural interactions. Alona has been photographing families for over 10 years and enjoys documenting the special bonds more info between parents and children. Visit her website to view her portfolio or get in touch with her to arrange a photo session.