Family Photos
12/01/2008
What are the keys to capturing a great family photo without a professional?
The great family photo: Sometimes it seems like a never-ending quest, stymied by grumpy faces, too-silly smiles or uncooperative little ones. But there are ways that even the most frustrated amateur photographer can capture great photos. “Children are unpredictable,” says Misty Rice, a New York City-based professional photographer and the lead student advisor/instructor at the New York Institute of Photography. “You need to have an idea of the picture you want to create, but you also need to be adaptable.”
Here’s what you had to say about snapping great family photos:
I stopped worrying about the hair and the outfits. Instead, I try to take quick spur-of-the-moment shots of our family having fun so that when we see the pictures later, we also remember the times we were having. —Keith D., Avondale, PA, father of 4
Often I don’t let the family know when I’m taking a photo. I love the ones that capture the kids with friends, playing with the dog, relaxing in thought—just living their lives doing what they do but not having to pose. It results in the truest smiles and emotions. —Ray G., Clifton Park, NY, father of 2
We always try to come up with something humorous for the kids to say: “Banana pie,” or “Tootie fruitee,” for example. —Kim D., Lookout Mountain, TN, mother of 2
Lately, I’ve been turning off my flash and using natural light. It makes the camera less intrusive and provides beautiful shading to photos. I also keep snapping with my digital until I have “the one” that captures the moment. —Jen J., St. Paul, MN, mother of 1
I make albums and always take some of the same photos—my little ones walking away from the camera; us at our annual trip to the apple orchard. It captures their changing physical nature and tugs at the heartstrings, too. —Lisa M., Madison, WI, mother of 3
Rice suggests filling the camera’s frame at least one-third with the child, creating a feeling of action, and giving kids something to hold (which keeps hands out of the mouth). And most important? “A smile in a picture is always good,” Rice says. “Expressions are the things that bring photographs to life.”