Help with taking Great Family Photos from a Dubai Family Photographer
The ability to capture a family's photos is among the most treasured things that anyone could do. It freezes time and allows us to revisit those memories again and again. It's not always simple to get great family photos particularly in the event that you don't have much experience behind the camera.
This is why we consulted Dubai photographer for families Alona Koenig to get her tips for taking great family photos. Alona has been photographing families for many years and has gained a wealth of experience in making sure everyone is at ease and comfortable in front of the camera.
Here are Alona's top tips for taking great family photos:
Choose the right time of day
The ideal time to take family photos is in the morning or later in the afternoon as the light is soft and warm. Avoid taking photos during the middle of the day when the sun is high up in the sky and casts harsh shadows onto faces. If you can, plan to take pictures outside in an open area with lots of sunlight.
Here are some excellent times of day to plan your shoot (and why):
Golden hour
It's the time just before sunset, in which the light is warm and golden. It's a great time for photographing photos with an "glow" to the photos.
Blue hour
This is the hour just after sunset and the sky is still clear but has turned a deep blue color. Blue hour is a great time for taking atmospheric photographs that have a lot of mood.
Twilight
It's the period between sunset and nightfall in which there's not much illumination. It's a wonderful time to capture creative images using long exposures or with off-camera flash.
Find the right address
The location you pick for your family photo shoot will influence the overall mood of the photographs. If you want to capture the atmosphere of a relaxing weekend at home, select an area that is comfortable as well as familiar for your loved ones. If you want to capture the experience of a trip or adventure pick a place that's new and exciting. If you're trying to capture a specific atmosphere or emotion, pick a location that evokes this emotion.
The best locations for family photos include:
The beach
A garden or park
An urban setting
A nature reserve
Your backyard
Get everyone involved
One best way to make sure everyone is having a good time during your photo session is by getting everyone involved. Invite your family members to help here with things like choosing the location, picking out clothes, and taking photographs. This will make them get more involved in the photo shoot and it will make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
Here are a few ways you can involve everyone:
Everyone should pick their own style. This will allow them to feel more at ease and fashionable when they are in front of the camera.
If you're shooting outdoors invite your family members to help in choosing the best location to set up your camera, or deciding on the most suitable route to walk.
Make sure everyone strikes a pose. Posing poses can be a fantastic opportunity to let everyone unwind and have fun with the photo shoot.
Break the Ice
If your family feels shy or awkward before the camera Try breaking the ice with some jokes or funny expressions. This can help them get comfortable and relax in front of the lens.
It is also possible to play some games or doing some activities that make everyone laugh and interact with one another. This will allow you to capture natural, candid moments that you will cherish for the years to be.
Some great ice-breaking games as well as activities are:
Simon Says
I Spy
Charades
Truth or Dare
Categories
Don't be afraid to be imaginative
Do not be afraid to play with your camera's settings or test new poses. This is a great way to add some personality to your pictures and make them unique.
Some things you can experiment with include:
Camera settings: experiment with the shutter speed, aperture and ISO to produce various effects.
Lens options: You can use either a wide-angle or telephoto lens to change the angle of your pictures.
Posing: Try different ways to arrange your family members, or have them interact with each other in a variety of ways.
Props: Add some flair to your photos by using props such as umbrellas, balloons or signs.
Be prepared
The most important thing to have a successful photograph shoot is preparation. Be sure to have everything you need before the date of your shoot, so you can focus on taking stunning photos.
Things you'll need to carry with you are:
Camera and lens
Memory cards and batteries that are not included.
The tripod (if you're using one)
Props (if you're using any)
Outfits (if you're making changing your wardrobe)
A first-aid kit (just in the event)
snacks and drinks (for you and your family)
Sunscreen (if you're shooting outdoors)
Insect repellent (if you're shooting outdoors)
Take your time.
The most crucial aspects to be aware of when taking family photographs is to slow down. This isn't a race, so there's no need to rush.
Set up your camera in a thoughtful manner for every shot, and snap as many photos as you need to get the perfect shot. If someone doesn't cooperate or something doesn't go as planned, don't worry - there's always the next shot.
But most importantly, have fun and enjoy the process. Remember, these photographs are designed to preserve a moment which you as a loved ones will cherish read more for years to come.
Final Thoughts
Photographing family photos can be a lot of fun but they can be quite difficult. By following these tips, you'll be able to make the most of your shoot and capture some unforgettable memories that will last for a lifetime.
Alona Koenig is an experienced Dubai family photographer who is a specialist in capturing candid moments and natural interactions. Alona has been photographing families for over 10 years, and she loves documenting the unique bond between children and parents. Visit her website to see her portfolio, or contact her to schedule a session.