Advice on taking Great Family Photos from a Dubai Family Photographer
The ability to capture a family's photos is among the most cherished things anyone can do. It freezes time and allows us to revisit those memories again and again. However, it's not always straightforward to take great family photographs particularly when you don't have a lot of photography experience.
This is why we consulted Dubai family photographer Alona Koenig to get her top tips on making great family photos. Alona has been taking family photos for years, and she's experienced in making sure that everyone is relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera.
Here are some of Alona's top suggestions to take great family pictures:
Choose the right time of day
The ideal time for family pictures is in the morning or in the late afternoon in the afternoon, when the light is soft and warm. Do not take pictures during the middle of the day, when the sun is high up in the sky and casts harsh shadows over faces. If you are able, try to shoot outdoors in an open place that is lit by natural light.
Here are some great times of day to think about shooting (and why):
Golden hour
This is the hour prior to sunset, when the sunlight is warm and golden. It's an ideal time for snapping photos that have the appearance of a "glow" to them.
Blue hour
This is the hour just after sunset, when the sky is still clear but it has changed to a dark blue color. Blue hour is a wonderful moment to take photos with a lot of mood.
Twilight
This is the time between sunset and nightfall when there's very little illumination. It's a wonderful time to take creative pictures using long exposures, or with an flashes that are not on the camera.
Find the appropriate address
The location you pick for the family photo shoot will have a big impact on the overall mood of the pictures. If you're hoping to capture the feel of a peaceful weekend at home, choose the location that's cozy with your entire family. If you want to capture the experience of a vacation or adventure, choose a location that is new and exciting. And if you want to capture a specific atmosphere or emotion, pick an area that is able to evoke the emotion.
The best locations for family photos include:
The beach
A garden or park
An urban setting
A nature reserve
Your own backyard
Get everyone involved
One of the best ways to ensure that everyone is having a good time at your photo session is to get everyone involved. Have your family members assist with things such as choosing the location, choosing outfits, and posing for photographs. This will make them feel more invested in the photo shoot and will make the experience more fun for everyone.
Here are some ways to get everyone involved:
Let everyone choose their own clothes. This will make them feel more comfortable and stylish before the camera.
If you're shooting outdoors, ask your family members to assist with things like finding the perfect spot to set up the camera or choosing the best path to walk.
Make sure everyone strikes a pose. Posing is a great way to get everyone to take a break read more and relax with the photo shoot.
Break the ice
If your family feels uncomfortable or shy in front of the camera Try breaking the ice by making humorous jokes or funny pictures. This will allow them to relax and feel more comfortable before the camera.
Try playing some games or doing some activities that can make everyone laugh and read more interact with each other. This will allow you to record candid and natural moments that you will cherish for many years to come.
The best ice-breaking games and activities include:
Simon Says
I Spy
Charades
Truth or Dare
Categories
Don't be afraid of getting creative
Do not be afraid to play with the settings of your camera or try new posing ideas. This is a great method to give personality to your photos and make them unique.
You can play around with include:
Camera settings: experiment with the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to produce various effects.
Lens choices: try using a wide-angle lens or a zoom lens to alter the perspective of your photos.
Posing: Try different ways to arrange your family members or have them interact in a variety of ways.
Props: add some excitement to your photos with props like balloons, umbrellas, or signs.
Prepare yourself
The most important thing to have a successful photo shoot is to be prepared. Be sure to are prepared with everything you need prior to the date of your shoot, so you're able to focus on taking great photographs.
Things you'll need to carry with you are:
The camera lens and your lenses
Extra batteries and memory cards
An tripod (if you're using one)
Props (if you're using any)
Outfits (if you're doing a wardrobe change)
Kit for first aid (just in the event of)
snacks and drinks (for both you and your family)
Sunscreen (if you're shooting outdoors)
Insect repellent (if you're shooting outdoors)
Make sure you take your time
One of the most important aspects to remember when taking family photos is to slow down. It's not a race, so there's no need to rush.
Set up your camera in a thoughtful manner for each shot, and then take the number of photos you can to ensure that you get the perfect shot. If someone doesn't cooperate or if something goes wrong do not worry, there's always the next shot.
The most important thing is to be happy and enjoy the process. After all, these photos 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 a lot of enjoyable but they can be quite challenging. By following these tips you'll be able maximize your shoot and capture some unforgettable memories that will last for a lifetime.
Alona Koenig, photographer from Dubai photojournalist for families who is a specialist in capturing candid moments and genuine interactions. Alona has been photographing families for over 10 years, and she enjoys documenting the special bonds between parents and children. Visit her website to view her portfolio, or contact her to arrange a photo session.