Help with taking Great Family Photos from a Dubai Family Photographer
Capturing a family in photos is one of the most cherished things anyone could do. It freezes time , and allows us to revisit these moments over and over repeatedly. It's not always simple to get great family photos - especially when you don't have a much photography experience.
We turned to Dubai photographer for families Alona Koenig to get her best tips for making great family photos. Alona has been taking photos of families for a long time, and has gained a wealth of experience in making sure everyone is relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera.
Here are some of Alona's top suggestions to take great family pictures:
Select the best time of day
The best time for family pictures is in the morning or later in the afternoon as the lighting is warm and soft. Be careful not to take photos in midday, when the sun rises high in the sky, and casting harsh shadows onto faces. If you are able, try to take pictures outside in an open area that is lit by natural lighting.
Here are some good timings of the day to plan you shoot (and why):
Golden hour
It's the time that is just before sunset, and in which the lighting is golden and warm. It's the perfect time to start taking photos that have an "glow" to them.
Blue hour
This is the hour right after sunset in which the sky is still clear but has turned a deep blue shade. Blue hour is a wonderful opportunity to capture photos with a lot of mood.
Twilight
It's the period between sunset and evening, in which there's not much lighting. The time of sunset is ideal to take creative pictures using long exposures, or with an flashes that are not on the camera.
Find the appropriate place
The place you select for your family photo shoot is going to influence the overall feel of the pictures. If you want to capture the atmosphere of a relaxed weekend at home, select a location that's comfortable as well as familiar for your loved ones. If you're trying to capture the excitement of a trip or adventure, choose a location that's new and exciting. If you're looking to capture a certain emotion or mood, select a location that evokes that emotion.
A few great spots for family photos include:
The beach
A garden or park
An urban setting
A nature reserve
Your backyard
Get everyone involved
One best way to ensure everyone has a great time at photography is to involve everyone involved. Invite your family members to assist with things such as choosing the location, choosing clothes, and taking photographs. It will allow them to get more involved in the photo shoot and make the experience more fun for everyone.
Here are some ways to get everyone involved:
Let everyone pick out their own style. This will help them feel more comfortable and stylish in front of the camera.
If you're shooting outdoors, request your family members to help with things like finding the perfect spot to set up your camera, or deciding on the most suitable path to take.
Encourage everyone to strike a pose. Posing is a great opportunity to let everyone take a break and relax during the photo shoot.
Break the ice
If your family members are feeling uncomfortable or shy in front of the camera, try breaking the ice by telling jokes or funny faces. This will allow them to relax and feel more comfortable when they are in front of the camera.
It is also possible to play certain games or participating in activities that will make everyone laugh and interact with each other. This will help you capture natural, candid moments that will be treasured for many years to come.
A few great games to break the ice and activities include:
Simon Says
I Spy
Charades
Truth or Dare
Categories
Don't be afraid to be imaginative
Don't be afraid to experiment with the settings of your camera or experiment with new poses. This is a great method to add some personality to your pictures and make them stand out.
Some things you can experiment with include:
Camera settings: Play around with the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to make various effects.
Lens choices: try using either a wide-angle or zoom lens to alter the perspective of your photos.
Posing: Try different ways to arrange your family members, or let them interact with each other in a variety of ways.
Props: Add some flair to your photos using props like balloons, umbrellas or signs.
Be prepared
The key to success in a photo shoot is being prepared. Be sure to have everything you require before the day of the shoot, so you can focus on taking amazing pictures.
Some things you'll need to carry with you are:
Your camera and lenses
Extra batteries and memory cards
A tripod (if you're using one)
Props (if you're using any)
Outfits (if you're doing a wardrobe change)
A first-aid kit (just in the event of)
drinks and snacks (for both you and your entire family)
Sunscreen (if you're shooting outdoors)
Insect repellent (if you're shooting outdoors)
Take your time.
One of the most important things to be aware of when taking family photos is to take your time. It's not an event, therefore there's no need to hurry.
Take your time setting up every shot, and snap the number of photos you'll need to achieve the perfect shot. If someone doesn't cooperate website or if something isn't working do not worry, there's always next time.
Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the process. Remember, these photographs are intended to capture a moment in time which you as a family will treasure for many years to come.
Final Thoughts
Photographing family photos can be lots of fun however, they can also be more info quite difficult. If you follow these guidelines, you'll be able to get the most out of your shoot , and make unforgettable memories that will be cherished for the rest of your life.
Alona Koenig is a Dubai photography studio for family photographers who specializes in capturing 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 to view her portfolio, or contact her to arrange a photo session.