Capturing a family in photos is one of the most treasured things that anyone could do. It freezes the time and allows us to revisit these moments over and over again. However, it's not always straightforward to get great family photos particularly when you don't have a lot of expertise behind the camera.
This is why we consulted Dubai family photographer Alona Koenig to get her top tips on creating great family pictures. Alona has been photographing families for many years and has gained a wealth of experience in making sure that everyone is relaxed and comfortable before the camera.
Here are Alona's top tips to capture great family photos:
Choose the right time of day
The ideal time for family pictures is in the morning or later in the afternoon, when the light is soft and warm. Do not take pictures during the middle of the day, when the sun rises high in the sky. It casts harsh shadows on faces. If you are able, try to take photos outside in an open area that is lit by natural sunlight.
Here are some great times of day to think about shooting (and the reason why):
Golden hour
This is the time, just before sunset, when the lighting is golden and warm. It's an ideal time for snapping photos that have the appearance of a "glow" to the photos.
Blue hour
This is the hour just after sunset, when the sky still appears light but it has changed to a dark blue shade. Blue hour is a wonderful opportunity to capture pictures that are full of mood.
Twilight
It's the time period between sunset and evening, in which there's not much illumination. Twilight is a great time for taking creative photos with long exposures or using off-camera flash.
Find the appropriate address
The location you pick for the family photo shoot will affect the overall feel of the pictures. If you're hoping to capture the atmosphere of a relaxing weekend at home, select an area that is comfortable and familiar to your family. If you want to capture the excitement of a vacation or adventure, choose a location that's exciting and new. If you're looking to capture a specific atmosphere or emotion, pick the location that brings that emotion.
A few great spots to take family photos are:
The beach
A park or garden
An urban setting
A nature reserve
Your backyard
Get everyone involved
One best way to make sure everyone has a great time during photography is to involve everyone involved. Have your family members help you choose the location, choosing outfits, and posing for photographs. It will allow them to get more involved in the shoot, and it will make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
Here are some ideas on how you can get everyone involved:
Let everyone choose their own outfit. This will help them feel more at ease and fashionable in front of the camera.
If you're shooting outdoors invite your family members to help in finding the perfect spot to set up the camera or selecting the ideal path to walk.
Encourage everyone to strike poses. Posing is a great way to get everyone to unwind and have fun when taking photos.
Break the Ice
If your family is feeling uncomfortable or shy before the camera, try breaking the ice with some jokes or funny expressions. This can help them relax and feel more comfortable before the camera.
Try playing various games or engaging in activities that get everyone laughing and interacting with each other. This will help you record candid and natural moments that will be treasured for many years to come.
The best ice-breaking games as well as activities are:
Simon Says
I Spy
Charades
Truth or Dare
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Don't be afraid to get imaginative
Don't be afraid to experiment with the settings of your camera or test new poses. This is a great way to give personality to your photographs and make them unique.
Some things you can experiment with include:
Camera settings: Play around with the shutter speed, aperture and ISO to produce different effects.
Lens options: Try using wide-angle lenses or a zoom lens to alter the perspective of your photographs.
Posing: Try different ways of arranging your family members or have them interact with each other in a variety of ways.
Props: Add some flair to your photos by using props like balloons, umbrellas or signs.
Prepare yourself
The key to a successful photo shoot is to be prepared. Make sure you have everything you need before the date of your shoot, so you're able to focus on taking great pictures.
Some things you'll need to carry with you are:
Your camera and lenses
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 get more info shooting outdoors)
Take your time.
One of the most important points to keep in mind when taking family photographs is to slow down. It's not any kind of race, therefore there's no need to hurry.
Set up your camera in a thoughtful manner for each shot, and take as many pictures as you can to ensure that you get the best shot. If someone doesn't cooperate or something doesn't go as planned Don't fret - there's always a second chance.
Most importantly, be happy and enjoy the process. In the end, these pictures are designed to record a moment that you and your family will cherish for long time to come.
Final Thoughts
Photo shoots with family members can prove to be lots of enjoyable, but they can also be quite challenging. With these suggestions will allow you to make the most of your photo shoot and create beautiful memories that will be cherished for the rest of your life.
Alona Koenig, photographer from Dubai photojournalist for families who specializes in taking candid moments and genuine interactions. Alona has been photographing families here for over 10 years and is passionate about documenting the bond between children and parents. Visit her website to view her portfolio, or contact her to book a session.