So there you are trying to snap some memories for your family to pass on for generations but something just isn't right...well this blog post is for you!!
Taken by Grace and Glory Photography
I don't pretend to know everything about photography, I will probably be learning something new about it till the day I die...and that's one thing I love about photography! I have the ability to learn new ways to create art through images that will last for generations! I'm getting off track but I DO have some helpful tips for you to take a better photo at home...cause let's face it you're not going to hire me to be your personal photographer 24/7 and I'm sure you'd like your candid memories to portray your family in the best light for years to come!
1. Understand the Light is Different at Certain Times of the Day
Learn how to use that natural light God gave us!! Natural lighting can be your best friend or your worst enemy...so chose wisely the time of day or location you are shooting in. If it's 12 noon chances are the sun is shining brightly and will create harsh shadows or what we call "raccoon eyes" on your subject...unless you face them into the sun but who wants to look into the sun while getting their picture taken? Bring your subjects into the shade if you need to snap a few shots at this time (or if they stay in full sun you may only be able to get some candid shots where they aren't looking at the camera or from far away). Make sure there aren't any weird shadows on the face if your shade comes from the trees.
In the first image you can see how bright it is outside...so we headed for some shade...in the second image you can barely tell we are in a "shaded" area :) because the image is cropped.
2. Gloomy Weather Doesn't Always Mean Gloomy Pictures!
Does it look rainy out but hasn't rained all day? Chances are you have some great diffused light outside to play with. It's actually looking like this right now as I write this post. I'm not saying put your family in danger but if you just have a gloomy looking day, don't underestimate the possibility for an awesome little photo shoot! Just position your subjects face towards where the sun would be if it wasn't hiding. This will add a little bump in the light to their face and your probably all set! You won't have any sun flares to play with but let's take one thing at a time shall we?
Taken by Grace and Glory Photography
*my girls letting me test out my camera ;)
3. The Golden Hour
The best time of day to shoot is about an hour before sunset, us photographers call this the "golden hour". If you are trying to take pictures of kiddos then I would suggest about a half hour before sunset when taking pictures in a wide open area with no shade. If there is lots of shade an hour before sunset will do. My kiddos usually are only good for a half hour, so picking the best time for light combined with the location of your choice is key.
Taken by Grace and Glory Photography
4. Turn Your Flash OFF!
Unless you have a professional grade flash or know a lot about off camera lighting chances are you will be better without the flash if you have enough natural light. I will admit that some of the newer Canon Rebels have a surprisingly natural looking flash to them but try the flash off for a bit and compare your images. I'll bet you will be surprised in how much more you like the images without the flash and how much more detail and natural beauty you will get with the flash off. This tip rings especially true for newborn photography. Place your newborn near some natural light (near a window if you are inside and making sure the light isn't to harsh...eg..they shouldn't be squinting) and take a few test shots while finding the best light to snap a way for some fun! ;)
5. Get on Their Level
If you are taking pictures of kids then get down to their level. It makes the image more personable and really portrays them as they really are. The kids will also lighten up a bit and this will increase the chances of them looking straight into the camera. This also give you the opportunity to have them play naturally and snap a few candid shots. Also, if the sun is behind your subjects head then you might have to move around to hide the sun with their head...this can be a tricky shot and you may need to learn a bit more about your camera to attempt something like this.
If you are taking a picture of someone taller then you; ask them to put their chin down and forward...this is actually a good pose for most people because it slims the face.
6. Learn Your Camera
If you have a professional camera or even a semi-pro camera it will pay to learn as much as you can about it. Learn how to shoot in manual or even just learn more about the settings on your camera. Youtube can be your friend! Learning your camera will put you more in control of how the final image looks.
7. Relax and Have Fun
I'm ashamed to say I've made this mistake before...getting frustrated because my kiddo wouldn't smile for a picture then they ended up crying :( That's really not the image your going for is it? We want to remember our kids playing having a good time, being in the moment, being themselves. So if you really want the "cheese" smile then let them play for a bit and then with a relaxed happy tone call out to your child, chances are they will look up at you with a smile! ;) You more than anyone know how to make your kiddo laugh! ;) Sometimes getting kids to laugh requires you making a fool of yourself...but the end result is worth it.
Have fun with your pictures and remember not every single picture has to be perfect...even professional photographers don't take a picture perfect image every single time.....Shhh.....Don't tell them I said that!! :)
I hope this has helped you in your quest to take some awesome family pictures at home!
XOXO - Melissa
My daughter on a walk with me...about 10 minutes before sunset.
