AshworthJoy582
Family photography may at first glance seem to be one of the easiest genres to 'get right' but that very familiarity with your subjects can present problems for you as a photographer. To make good and impactful photographs you have to be distant from your subject matter yet be empathic.
With this in mind you'll be recognized by people in your own family as 'the official photographer' because of your obvious interest in photography. family get together's will show themselves as perfect opportunities to capture family portraits whether individual or perhaps a large generational picture.
However, when you get out your camera, a number of your loved ones may groan and run for that door to flee. But don't quit! Getting a fantastic picture of your family needn't be a painful experience for either you and your subjects, especially if you put a few simple photo ideas to use.
Posing Techniques When Photographing Your loved ones
Firstly, try 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 family are wearing for his or her photograph. This may not necessarily be possible for a big family gathering but if you could advise your family before the day to put on bright solid colours rather than vivid patterns which pull the viewers eyes from the subject.
For any Great Family Picture, Keep Things Simple
Attempt to invest your creative effort into photographing the main one main subject ie. the audience. You are able to take lots of extra informal shots of ones own because the mill around. Take plenty of additional photos, so don't worry about including everybody and my way through one picture. Should you put too much stuff in your photo it will look messy. The best option would be to keep things as simple as possible. Attempt to crop while you frame, meaning do not have plenty of extraneous information cluttering in the viewfinder. You will soon get the hang of this. You just need to be familiar with your field of view and never be sloppy allowing trees and buildings etc to dominate the scene as opposed to the actual subject matter.
If you're photographing a number of different family members in a group they in essence become one subject. Therefore make sure you crop tightly and emphasise their relationship with each other instead of have more than enough room together which will detract in the impact of them like a subject. Don't be afraid to 'direct' your family. This may mean keeping them move in closer or put an arm around each other. Often people will happily decide to try direction, much more than it may seem.
And Lastly... Think about the ambient light when photographing your loved ones
As photographers we know the best light is either early morning or late afternoon or evening. This is when richness and depth of sunshine is available therefore if possible attempt to get your family together for any group shot when this occurs of day. This 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 try to have them all into bright open shade or light just inside a doorway or a window. You may need to think about 'fill in flash' to avoid unsightly shadows.
The best advice when considering photographing a family group would be to possess a balance, if possible between being relaxed and directing their attention. This is an art but it's not impossible!
