利用者:KoziolBrannon438
Family photography may at first glance appear to be among the easiest genres to 'get right' but that very familiarity with your subjects can present trouble for you like a photographer. To make good and impactful photographs you need to be distant out of your subject material yet be empathic.
With this in mind you will be identified by people in your personal family as 'the official photographer' because of your obvious interest in photography. family get together's will present themselves as perfect possibilities to capture family portraits whether individual or a large generational picture.
However, when you are getting out your camera, a number of your family may groan and run for that door to escape. Try not to give up! Getting a fantastic picture of your family doesn't have to be a painful experience for either you or your subjects, particularly if you put quick and easy photo tips to use.
Posing Techniques When Photographing Your Family
Firstly, try to position everyone so 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 plan what your loved ones are wearing for his or her photograph. This might not always be possible for a large family gathering but if you could advise your family before the day to wear bright solid colours rather than 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 one main subject ie. the audience. You can take plenty of extra informal shots of your family as the mill around. Take plenty of additional photos, so don't worry about including everybody and my way through one picture. If you put too much stuff in your photo it'll look messy. The best option would be to keep things as simple as possible. Attempt to crop as you frame, meaning don't have lots of extraneous information cluttering up the viewfinder. It's easy to get the hang of 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 inside a group they in essence become one subject. Therefore ensure you crop tightly and emphasise their relationship with each other instead of have lots of space together that will detract in the impact of them like a subject. Don't be afraid to 'direct' your loved ones. This might mean keeping them relocate closer or put an arm around each other. Often people will happily decide to try direction, more so than you may think.
And finally... 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 sunshine can be obtained therefore if possible attempt to get the family together for a group shot when this occurs of day. This is of course not always possible due to the event they are attending itself like a christening or wedding. But, the key still stands. If this isn't possible then try to get them all into bright open shade or light just in the doorway or perhaps a window. You may need to consider 'fill in flash' to avoid unsightly shadows.
The best advice when thinking of photographing a family group is to possess a balance, if at all possible between being relaxed and directing their attention. It is really an art but it's not impossible!