KylilaCothran824
Family photography may at first glance appear to be among the easiest genres to 'get right' but that very knowledge of your subjects can present problems 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 in mind you will be recognized by members of your personal family as 'the official photographer' because of your obvious interest in photography. family get together's will present themselves as perfect opportunities to capture family portraits whether individual or a large generational picture.
However, when you are getting out your camera, a number of your loved ones may groan and run for that door to escape. But don't give up! Obtaining a fantastic picture of your family needn't be a painful experience for either you and your subjects, particularly if you put quick and easy 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 should, if at all possible also try to organize what your loved ones are wearing for their photograph. This might not always be possible for a large family gathering but if you can advise your loved ones 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
Try to invest your creative effort into photographing the one main subject ie. the group. You can take plenty of extra informal shots of your family as the mill around. Take lots of additional photos, so don't worry about including everybody and everything in one picture. Should you put too much stuff inside your photo it'll look messy. The very best option would be to keep things as easy as possible. Try to crop while you frame, meaning do not have lots of extraneous information cluttering in the viewfinder. You will soon get used to this. You need to simply be familiar with your field of view and not be sloppy allowing trees and buildings etc to dominate the scene rather than the actual subject material.
If you're photographing a variety of members of the family inside a group they essentially become one subject. Therefore make sure you crop tightly and emphasise their relationship with one another rather than have more than enough room together that will detract from the impact of them as a subject. Don't be afraid to 'direct' your loved ones. This might mean keeping them relocate closer or put a leg around each other. Often people will happily take to direction, more so than you may think.
And Lastly... Take into account 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 light is available so if possible attempt to get the family together for any group shot when this occurs of day. This is of course not always possible due to the event they're attending itself such as 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 consider 'fill in flash' to prevent unsightly shadows.
The best advice when thinking of photographing children is to possess a balance, if at all possible between being relaxed and directing their attention. It is really an art but it is not possible!
