5 Tips for Photographing Family Gatherings
Guest Post by Laura Hana.
We all have hosted or attended family birthdays, parties, and events in our homes or clubhouses. Photographing these events purposefully will result in more album worthy images you will want to look back at again and again.
Don’t forget the details
The hosts of the party have put a lot of effort into making the event happen and they will appreciate photos of the details. Before all the guests arrive or dig in, take a few shots of the food, the décor, table settings and anything else to document the days events.
Catch those moments
One of the most rewarding qualities of photography is the fact that we can capture a split second in time that brings back memories of any event.
Look for guests who are sharing laughs, a loving gaze or a playful gesture and quietly capture that moment without disturbing them. Create photos that convey the mood of the party.
Crowded? Work with it
Parties usually involve a lot of people in a small space, so use the crowd to your advantage. Crouch down slightly, compose carefully and shoot through the shoulders. A shot through the crowd, done well, can allow viewers of the photo to feel as though they were there.
Zoom in
Sometimes a crowded space can become overwhelming and cluttered backgrounds are distracting. You can get around these situations by zooming in and filling the frame with your subjects. Crop out the distractions when composing your shots.
Getting those group shots
If the guests are willing to gather together, perhaps as the party is winding down, you can get a group shot. Chances are someone will want one. If there is a guest of honor, place that person front and centre and have everyone shuffle close around. Use a lens that is wide enough to fit everyone in and elevate yourself by safely standing on a chair or on the stairs, for example. Be sure everyone’s face is visible, grab their attention (count 1, 2, 3) then take 3 shots (or more) in succession because there will be blinking and wandering of eyes.
Photographing family gatherings can be a lot of work, especially if you are hosting, but years down the road, you’ll be thankful you can relive the good times through those images. Keep these tips in mind at your next get together and make those memories permanent.
Laura Hana is a Vancouver wedding photographer and one of Vancouver’s 50 Essential Portrait Photographers. She is the founder of the OAC Photo Club and Dolcepics.com.
Another good tip is to avoid using your flash. Flash photography is disruptive and often creates red-eye and washed out photos.
Instead, turn the flash function off, set your camera to a low-light setting and you’ll be amazed how much more natural your pictures are!