The ability to capture a family's photos is one of the most cherished things anyone can do. It freezes time , and lets us revisit those moments again and again. It's not always simple to get great family photos - especially when you don't have a much expertise behind the camera.
We turned to Dubai photographer for families Alona Koenig to get her best tips for creating great family pictures. Alona has been taking family photos for years, and she's got a lot of experience in making sure that everyone is relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera.
Here are Alona's top tips for taking great family photos:
Select the best time of day
The best time of day for family pictures is in the morning or late afternoon in the afternoon, when the lighting is warm and soft. Do not take pictures in daylight hours, when the sun is high in the sky and casts harsh shadows over faces. If you are able, try to take pictures outside in an open area with lots of sunlight.
Here are some great timings of the day to plan your shoot (and the reason why):
Golden hour
This is the hour prior to sunset, when the sunlight is warm and golden. It's a great time for photographing photos with an "glow" to the photos.
Blue hour
It is the time just after sunset in which the sky is still light but it has changed to a dark blue hue. Blue hour is an excellent opportunity to capture photographs that have a lot of mood.
Twilight
It's the period between sunset and nightfall in which there's not much lighting. It's a wonderful time for taking creative photos with 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 atmosphere of the photographs. If you want to capture the feeling of a relaxed weekend at home, choose a location that's comfortable as well as familiar for your loved ones. If you're looking to capture the excitement of a trip or adventure, choose a location that's exciting and new. If you're trying to capture a certain 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 of the best ways to make sure everyone has a great time at photography is by getting everyone involved in the process. Invite your family members to help you choose the location, choosing outfits, and even posing for photographs. It will allow them to get more involved in the shoot, and will help make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
Here are some ideas on how you can involve everyone:
Let everyone pick out their own outfit. This will help them feel more at ease and fashionable when they are in front of the camera.
If you're shooting outside, request your family members to help with things like choosing the best location for the camera, or deciding on the most suitable way to walk.
Encourage everyone to strike a pose. Posing poses can be a fantastic method to encourage everyone to relax and have some fun during the photo shoot.
Break the Ice
If your family is feeling uncomfortable or shy when it comes to taking pictures Try breaking the ice with some jokes or funny faces. This will help them relax and feel more comfortable when they are in front of the camera.
You can also try playing certain games or participating in activities that will bring everyone together and have fun with one another. This can help you create candid, natural moments that you will cherish for many years to be.
A few great games to break the ice or activities comprise:
Simon Says
I Spy
Charades
Truth or Dare
Categories
Don't be afraid to get creative
Don't be afraid to experiment with your camera's settings or experiment with new poses. This is a great way to give personality to your photos and make them unique.
Some things you can experiment with are:
Camera settings: Play around with the shutter speed, aperture and ISO to make various effects.
Lens options: You can use either a wide-angle or Telephoto lens to alter the angle of your pictures.
Posing: try different ways of arranging your family members or have them interact in a variety of ways.
Props: add some interest to your photos by using props like balloons, umbrellas or signs.
Be prepared
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 day of the shoot so you can focus on taking amazing photos.
Things you'll need to take along include:
Camera and lens
Extra batteries and memory cards
The tripod (if you're using one)
Props (if you're using any)
Outfits (if you're making a wardrobe change)
A first-aid kit (just in the event of)
drinks and snacks (for yourself and for 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 keep in mind when you're taking family pictures is to be patient. It's not an event, therefore there's no need to hurry.
Make sure you take your time setting up each shot, and then take as many pictures as you'll need to achieve the best shot. And if someone isn't cooperating or click here if something isn't working, don't worry - there's always a second chance.
But most importantly, be happy and enjoy the process. After all, these photos are intended to record a moment to cherish with your loved ones will cherish for long time to come.
Final Thoughts
Photo shoots with family members can prove to be a lot of fun however, they can also be quite challenging. If you follow these guidelines you'll be able get the most out of your photo Dubai family photographer shoot and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
Alona Koenig, an experienced Dubai photography studio for family photographers who is a specialist in capturing candid moments and genuine interactions. Alona has been taking photos of families for more than 10 years, and she is passionate about documenting the bond between children and parents. Visit her website to view her portfolio or get in touch with her to book a session.