The ability to capture a family's photos is one of the most precious things one can do. It freezes the time and lets us revisit these moments over and over repeatedly. However, it's not always straightforward to capture great family pictures even if you don't have a lot of photography experience.
That's why we turned to Dubai family photographer Alona Koenig for her top tips on creating great family pictures. Alona has been taking family photos for years, and she's experienced in making sure everyone is at ease and comfortable in front of the camera.
Here are Alona's top tips to capture great family photos:
Choose the right time of day
The ideal time to take family photos is in the morning or in the late afternoon, when the light is soft and warm. Do not take pictures in the middle of the day, when the sun is high up in the sky and casts harsh shadows over faces. If you can, make plans to take pictures outdoors in an open place with plenty of natural lighting.
Here are some excellent times of day to plan your shoot (and the reason why):
Golden hour
This is the hour just before sunset, in which the light is warm and golden. It's an ideal time for taking photos that have an "glow" to them.
Blue hour
It is the time just after sunset in which the sky still appears light but has turned to a deep blue hue. Blue hour is a wonderful opportunity to capture pictures that are full of mood.
Twilight
This is the time between sunset and nightfall, where there isn't much lighting. Twilight is a great time to take creative pictures using long exposures, or with an flashes that are not on the camera.
Find the appropriate place
The location you pick for the family photo shoot will influence the overall atmosphere of the photos. If you're hoping to capture the feel of a relaxing weekend at home, choose a location that's comfortable and familiar to your family. If you're trying to capture the feeling of an adventure or vacation pick a place that is new and exciting. If you're trying to capture a particular atmosphere or emotion, pick a location that evokes that emotion.
The best locations for family pictures include:
The beach
A garden or a park
An urban setting
A nature reserve
Your backyard
Get everyone involved
One best way to make sure everyone has a great time during the photo shoot is to get everyone involved. Invite your family members to assist with things such as choosing the location, choosing clothes, and taking photos. This will help them get more involved in the photo shoot and help make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
Here are some ideas on how you can involve everyone:
Everyone should pick their own clothes. This will help them feel more comfortable and stylish when they are in front of the camera.
If you're shooting outdoors, ask your family members to help in choosing the best location to set up the camera or choosing the best path to take.
Encourage everyone to strike poses. Posing can be a great method to encourage everyone to relax and have some fun with the photo shoot.
Break the Ice
If your family feels uncomfortable or shy in front of the camera You can break the ice by making jokes or funny faces. This will allow them to become more relaxed and comfortable in front of the lens.
You can also try playing various games or engaging in activities that can make everyone laugh and interact with each other. This will help you capture natural, candid moments that will be cherished for years to be.
The best ice-breaking games or activities comprise:
Simon Says
I Spy
Charades
Truth or Dare
Categories
Don't be afraid to be imaginative
Don't be afraid to play around with your camera settings or experiment with new poses. This is a great way to add some personality to your photos and make them unique.
Some things you can experiment with are:
Camera settings: play with the aperture, shutter speed and ISO to produce various effects.
Lens options: Try using either a wide-angle or Telephoto 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 creative ways.
Props: add some interest to your photos using props such as umbrellas, balloons, or signs.
Prepare yourself
The key to an effective photograph shoot is preparation. Make sure you have everything you need before the day of the shoot, so you're able to focus on taking great photographs.
Some things you'll need to carry with you are:
The camera lens and your lenses
Extra batteries and memory cards
A tripod (if website you're using one)
Props (if you're using any)
Outfits (if you're making changing your wardrobe)
A first-aid kit (just in case)
snacks and drinks (for both you and your family)
Sunscreen (if you're shooting outdoors)
Insect repellent (if you're shooting outdoors)
Be patient and take your time
The most crucial points to remember when taking family photographs is to be patient. This isn't a race, so there's no reason to rush.
Make sure you take your time setting up each shot, and take the number of photos you'll need to achieve the best picture. And if someone isn't cooperating or something doesn't go as planned Don't fret - there's always the next shot.
But most importantly, have fun and enjoy the process. In the end, these pictures are designed to preserve a moment which you as a family will cherish for the years to come.
Final Thoughts
Family photo shoots can be a lot of fun, but they can also be quite challenging. By following these tips you'll be able get the most click here out of your shoot , and make beautiful memories that will last for a lifetime.
Alona Koenig works as an experienced Dubai photography studio for family photographers who specializes in capturing candid moments and genuine interactions. Alona has been taking photos of families for over 10 years, and she loves documenting the unique bonds between parents and children. Visit her website for her portfolio, or call her to schedule a session.