Holidays and other seasonal occasions or festivities are the perfect time for families to get together. Whether it be a New Year’s Eve party, Halloween, or Christmas, such events are sure to be filled with great moments and memories that families would want to look back on years from now. To preserve these once-in-a-lifetime moments, it’s best to have photos taken at these events
If you’re planning to be the family photographer in an upcoming seasonal event, here are some tips to keep in mind to achieve stunning photos:
- Make the Most of the Season
While your focus will certainly be on capturing the moments you and your family will share, don’t forget to highlight the season itself as well. That means putting the photos in context of the event being celebrated to better capture the atmosphere of the occasion. For example, if you’re spending Christmas with your family, then be sure to snap a photo of the kids opening presents. Not only does this make for a more interesting photo, it also showcases how the family spent their time together in a way that differs from their typical day.
You can even go the extra mile by having your family visit a studio with a themed setting that suits the season. If you’re around Manchester, then a quick search for “photography studio Manchester” can yield various affordable studios for you to book. This approach also gives you access to set pieces or props that can further liven up your photos.
- Prepare the Right Equipment
Having the right photography equipment can spell the difference between lacklustre and amazing photos. Take note of the activities set for the particular occasion and prepare the gear you’ll need beforehand to avoid any hassle during the actual event. This goes double if you’re travelling—you definitely don’t want to arrive there only to find out you didn’t bring the right camera or lens with you.
Just as an example, if you’re planning to take photos during an evening trick-or-treat session, then you’d want a camera lens that works well at night. In addition, peripherals such as a tripod and a remote shutter release are a must if you’re planning to take photos that’ll involve big groups—or simply if you just want to be included in your own photos, too.
- Capture the Details
As you take family photos, make sure to include details as well. Show off that well-decorated Christmas tree, that basket full of colourful Easter eggs, or even the food served for the family, to name a few. These details are just as important in making your photos much more vivid and memorable. Besides, part of the appeal of family photography is to capture people’s reactions as they interact with these details to showcase spontaneity.
- Look for Candid Moments
In connection to the previous point, rather than always instructing your family members to pose deliberately for the photo, seek out candid moments to photograph instead. After all, the point of family photography isn’t to merely document, but also to capture the emotions and affection that the family members have for each other. Those usually surface in the little moments—from that eager smile as the kids run up to their grandparents who they haven’t seen in a while, to that look of surprise when someone opens their Christmas gift—so be sure to always keep your eyes peeled for them.
Taking candid photos might mean that the angle or lighting isn’t going to be perfect but don’t be afraid to embrace these imperfections if it means getting a much more memorable shot.
- Get Everyone Involved
Years from now, you and your family may find yourselves looking at the photos you took while sharing stories about it. That makes it all the more important to get every family member involved to make sure they’d be part of those captured moments. This means making accommodations for people who may not be as mobile as the other members of your family.
For instance, if there are elderly people at your family event, you wouldn’t want to force them to participate in games and other strenuous activities that may tire them out. However, that doesn’t mean grandma and grandpa won’t be part of your photos anymore. What you want to do instead is try to take photos of them in a different way—perhaps while they’re interacting with their grandkids or during the family dinner.
- Edit and Organise
Once you’ve gotten home, don’t just send out or post all the photos you’ve taken during the occasion. Rather, take the time to review them first and check which ones show each member in a flattering light. Consider using editing tools to tweak small details such as colours or brightness to improve the quality of your shots. This might take up extra time but this brief quality check allows you to deliver the best photos to your loved ones.
Seasonal events are best shared with your family and can become even better if they can be remembered through photographs. Whether you’re an amateur photographer or a seasoned one, may the tips in this article help you out in getting the most memorable photos in your next family gathering.