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Family photography may initially appear to be one of 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 have to be distant out of your subject material yet be empathic.
With this in mind you will be recognized by people in your own family as 'the official photographer' because of your obvious curiosity about 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 are getting your camera, some of your family may groan and run for the door to escape. Try not to give up! Obtaining a fantastic picture of ones own doesn't have to 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 loved ones
Firstly, attempt to position everyone so that their heads are close together. This usually helps you to make everyone look extra friendly and happy. You need to, if at all possible also try to plan what your loved ones are wearing for his or her photograph. This may not necessarily be feasible for a big family gathering but when you can advise your loved ones before the day to put on bright solid colours instead of 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 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 my way through one picture. Should you put too much stuff inside your photo it'll look messy. The best option would be to keep things as easy as possible. Try to crop as you frame, meaning don't have plenty of extraneous information cluttering up the viewfinder. You will soon 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 as opposed to the actual subject material.
If you're photographing a variety of family members in a group they essentially become one subject. Therefore ensure you crop tightly and emphasise their relationship with one another instead of have more than enough room together that will detract from the impact of them as a subject. Don't be afraid to 'direct' your family. This might mean keeping them move in closer or put a leg around each other. Often individuals will happily decide to try direction, much more than it may seem.
And Lastly... Think about the ambient light when photographing your family
As photographers we all know the best light is either morning hours or late afternoon or evening. This is when richness and depth of sunshine can be obtained therefore if possible try to get the family together for any group shot at these times of day. This really is of course not always possible because of the event they are attending itself such as a christening or wedding. But, the principle still stands. If this is not possible then attempt to get them all into bright open shade or light just in the doorway or perhaps a window. You may want to think about 'fill in flash' to avoid unsightly shadows.
The best way forward when considering photographing a family group is to have a balance, if at all possible between being relaxed and directing their attention. It is really an art but it's not impossible!
