Tips for the best way to take Great Family Photos from a Dubai Family Photographer
Capturing a family in photos is one of the most cherished things anyone could do. It freezes the time and allows us to revisit these moments over and over again. However, it's not always straightforward to get great family photos - especially when you don't have a much expertise behind the camera.
That's why we turned to Dubai family photographer Alona Koenig for her top tips on taking great family photos. Alona has been taking photos of families for many years and has got a lot of experience in making sure everyone is relaxed and comfortable when it comes to taking photos.
Here are some of Alona's top suggestions to capture great family photos:
Choose the right time of day
The best time to capture family photos is during the morning or in the late afternoon, when the lighting is warm and soft. Avoid taking photos during the middle of the day when the sun is high up in the sky. It casts harsh shadows over faces. If you can, make plans to take photos outdoors in an open place with lots of sunlight.
Here are some great timings of the day to plan your shoot (and why):
Golden hour
It's the time that is just before sunset, and in which the light is warm and golden. It's the perfect time to start taking photos that have the appearance of a "glow" to the photos.
Blue hour
This is the hour right after sunset and the sky is still clear but has turned to a deep blue shade. Blue hour is a wonderful opportunity to capture pictures that are full of mood.
Twilight
It's the period between sunset and nightfall where there isn't much illumination. The time of sunset is ideal to capture creative images using long exposures, or with an flashes that are not on the camera.
Find the appropriate address
The place you select for the family photo shoot will affect the overall feel of the pictures. If you're looking to capture the feeling of a relaxing weekend at home, choose the location that's cozy as well as familiar for your loved ones. If you're looking to capture the experience of an adventure or vacation select a spot that's new and exciting. If you're looking to capture a specific emotion or mood, select the location that brings the emotion.
The best locations for family pictures include:
The beach
A garden or a park
An urban setting
A nature reserve
Your backyard
Get everyone involved
One best way to ensure everyone has a great time at photography is to involve everyone involved in the process. Ask your family members to help with things like choosing the location, picking out clothes, and taking photos. This will help them be more involved in the shoot, and make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
Here are some ideas on how to get everyone involved:
Everyone should pick their own style. This will make them feel more comfortable and stylish in front of the camera.
If you're shooting outdoors, ask your family members for help in choosing the best location for the camera or selecting the ideal way to walk.
Get everyone to strike poses. Posing can be a great way to get everyone to take a break and relax with the photo shoot.
Break the Ice
If your family feels uncomfortable or shy in front of the camera You can break the ice with some humorous jokes or funny pictures. This will help them become more relaxed and comfortable when they are in front of the camera.
Try playing various games or engaging in activities that can get everyone laughing and interacting with each other. This will help you create candid, natural moments that you will cherish 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 imaginative
Do not be afraid to play with your camera's settings or experiment with new poses. This is an excellent way to inject some personality into your photographs and make them more unique.
Some things you can experiment with are:
Camera settings: Play around with the aperture, shutter speed and ISO to create various effects.
Lens options: Try using wide-angle lenses or a telephoto lens to change the angle of your pictures.
Posing: Try different ways to arrange your family members, or even have them interact with each other in a variety of ways.
Props: Add some flair to your photos using props like balloons, umbrellas or even signs.
Prepare yourself
The key to success in a photograph shoot is preparation. Make sure you are prepared with everything you need prior to the day of the shoot so you're able to focus on taking stunning photos.
Things you'll need to take here along include:
Your camera and lenses
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)
Kit for first aid (just in case)
snacks and drinks (for you and your family)
Sunscreen (if you're shooting outdoors)
Insect repellent (if you're shooting outdoors)
Take your time.
One of the most important things to remember when taking family photos is to take your time. This is not any kind of race, therefore there's no need to rush.
Make sure you take your time setting up every shot, and snap as many pictures as you need to get the more info best picture. And if someone isn't cooperating or if something isn't working do not worry, there's always next time.
But most importantly, take your time and have fun with the process. Remember, these photographs are intended to record a moment to cherish with your family will cherish for the years to come.
Final Thoughts
Photo shoots with family members can prove to be lots of enjoyable however, they can also be quite difficult. If you follow these guidelines will allow you to get the most out of your shoot , and make beautiful memories that will last for a lifetime.
Alona Koenig, photographer from Dubai family photographer who is a specialist in capturing candid moments and interactions that are natural. Alona has been taking photos of families for more than 10 years and enjoys documenting the special bonds between parents and children. Visit her website to view her portfolio, or contact her to schedule a session.