Tips for the best way to take Great Family Photos from a Dubai Family Photographer
The ability to capture a family's photos is one of the most precious things one could do. It freezes time and lets us revisit those memories again and again. But it's not always easy to capture great family pictures particularly when you don't have a many years of photography experience.
This is why we consulted Dubai family photographer Alona Koenig to get her best tips for taking great family photos. Alona has been photographing families for years, and she's got a lot of experience in making sure everyone is at ease and comfortable before the camera.
Here are some of Alona's top suggestions for taking great family photos:
Pick the most appropriate time of the day
The best time of day to take family photos is during the morning or late afternoon as the lighting is warm and soft. Avoid taking photos during midday, when the sun is high up in the sky. It casts harsh shadows on faces. If you are able, try to shoot outside in an open area with plenty of natural light.
Here are some excellent time of day when you can 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 an ideal time for snapping photos that have a "glow" to them.
Blue hour
This is the hour just after sunset in which the sky is still clear but it has changed to a dark blue hue. Blue hour is a great time for taking atmospheric photos with a lot of mood.
Twilight
This is the time between sunset and nightfall, in which there's not much light. It's a wonderful time to capture creative images using long exposures or using off-camera flash.
Find the correct location
The place you select for the family photo shoot will influence the overall mood of the pictures. If you're hoping to capture the atmosphere of a relaxed weekend at home with your family, pick an area that is comfortable and familiar to your family. If you're looking to capture the excitement of a trip or adventure, choose a location that is new and exciting. If you're looking to capture a certain mood or feeling, choose the location that brings the emotion.
A few great spots for family pictures include:
The beach
A garden or park
An urban setting
A nature reserve
Your own backyard
Get everyone involved
One best way to ensure everyone has a great time during the photo shoot is by getting everyone involved. Ask your family members to help with things like choosing the location, picking out outfits, and posing for photographs. It will allow them to get more involved in the photo shoot and it will make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
Here are some ideas on how you can involve everyone:
Let everyone choose their own style. This will help them feel more at ease and fashionable in front of the camera.
If you're shooting outside, ask your family members to assist in choosing the ideal location for the camera, or deciding on the most suitable route to walk.
Encourage everyone to strike an oblique pose. Posing is a great way to get everyone to unwind and have fun when taking photos.
Break the ice
If your family members are feeling awkward or uncomfortable in front of the camera Try breaking the ice by making humorous jokes or funny pictures. This will help them relax and feel more comfortable in front of the lens.
Try playing various games or engaging in activities that get everyone laughing and interacting with each other. This will help you capture natural, candid moments that will be cherished for many years to come.
A few great games to break the ice as well as activities are:
Simon Says
I Spy
Charades
Truth or Dare
Categories
Don't be afraid of getting creative
Do not be afraid to play with your camera's settings or experiment with new poses. This is a great way to inject some personality into your photographs and make them more unique.
You can play around with are:
Camera settings: experiment with the shutter speed, aperture, and ISO to produce various effects.
Lens choices: try using either a wide-angle or zoom lens to alter the angle of your pictures.
Posing: Try different ways to arrange your family members, or let them interact by using different ways.
Props: Add some flair to your photos by using props such as umbrellas, balloons or even signs.
Be prepared
The most important thing to have success in a photo shoot is being prepared. Make sure you have everything you need before the day of the shoot so you're able to focus on taking amazing photographs.
The things you'll need take along include:
The camera lens and your lenses
Memory cards and batteries that are not included.
A tripod (if you're using one)
Props (if you're using any)
Outfits (if you're making changing your click here wardrobe)
Kit for first aid (just in case)
snacks and drinks (for both you and your entire family)
Sunscreen (if you're shooting outdoors)
Insect repellent (if you're shooting outdoors)
Be patient and take your time.
A key things to keep in mind when you're taking family pictures is to take your time. This is Dubai family photographer not any kind of race, therefore there's no reason to rush.
Take your time setting up every shot, and snap the number of photos you can to ensure that you get the perfect shot. If someone doesn't cooperate or if something isn't working, don't worry - there's always the next shot.
The most important thing is to take your time and have fun with the process. After all, these photos are intended to record a moment that you and your loved ones will treasure for many years to come.
Final Thoughts
Photographing family photos can be lots of enjoyable however, they can also be quite difficult. With these suggestions will allow you to make the most of your shoot and capture some beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.
Alona Koenig is photographer from Dubai photography studio for family photographers who is a specialist in capturing candid moments and natural interactions. Alona has been taking photos of families for over 10 years and is passionate about documenting the bond between children and parents. Visit her website for her portfolio, or call her to book a session.