{"id":12712,"date":"2020-03-31T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-03-31T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/maundymitchell.com\/?p=12712"},"modified":"2020-03-31T16:30:06","modified_gmt":"2020-03-31T20:30:06","slug":"cheese-is-for-eating-five-steps-to-taking-better-photos-of-your-family","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/maundymitchell.com\/photography\/cheese-is-for-eating-five-steps-to-taking-better-photos-of-your-family\/","title":{"rendered":"Cheese is for Eating: Five Steps to Taking Better Photos of Your Family"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, most of us have been at home with our families for a couple of weeks now, and we don\u2019t know how long it will last. I\u2019d like to encourage you to photograph your family. One day, the photos you create will be priceless. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some things that will help you take better photos of your family. This works with ANY camera. Grab a DSLR, a point-and-shoot, or your cell phone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00a0LIGHT \u2013 Find diffused light.\u00a0\u00a0Diffused light is soft.\u00a0\u00a0It\u2019s the kind of light you see in the early morning, or late evening, when the day is clear and the sun is low.\u00a0\u00a0Soft light is also the light of an overcast day.\u00a0\u00a0Soft light is the light that comes through a sheer curtain.\u00a0\u00a0On a bright day, you can even layer a couple of sheer curtains on a window.\u00a0\u00a0If you\u2019d like to take photos outside, morning, evening, or overcast light is best.\u00a0\u00a0If you\u2019ll be inside, ask your subject to sit near the window.\u00a0\u00a0If the opposite side of your subject is dark, use something white to reflect the light back onto her face.\u00a0\u00a0This can be a poster board, or even a white pillow.\u00a0\u00a0Put it close to your subject, just out of the frame.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>
COMPOSITION \u2013 Pay attention to what is in the background.\u00a0\u00a0If it\u2019s the TV, turn it off.\u00a0\u00a0When photographing people at home, the things we live with are okay. These things can help to tell the story. Twenty years from now, it will be nice to see your daughter\u2019s favorite green tractor, or your son\u2019s stuffed bear.\u00a0\u00a0It\u2019s okay to have a quick look around and decide what should stay in the photo and what should go.<\/li>
PATIENCE \u2013 You may have an agenda for photos, but your child or other family member may have other ideas.\u00a0\u00a0Try to let it go.\u00a0\u00a0You can try again later!\u00a0\u00a0If you persist when your family member is adamantly against being photographed, it will be even harder to gain cooperation the next time you ask, and you may end up ultimately conditioning them to dislike being in front of a camera. Try to keep it casual. They will feel pressure if you feel stress.<\/li>
NO CHEESE \u2013 Cheese is for eating. Never, ever tell anyone to \u201cSAY CHEESE!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Never. What you\u2019re after is a genuine expression, a real connection.\u00a0\u00a0Don\u2019t force anything and you\u2019ll be pleasantly surprised.\u00a0\u00a0A portrait cannot be taken.\u00a0\u00a0It must be given<\/em>. It\u2019s your job to help the person in front of you to decide to give it.\u00a0\u00a0How?\u00a0\u00a0Put the camera down. Leave it down most of the time, but be ready. Give them your complete attention. Talk to them.\u00a0\u00a0Ask questions. Listen.\u00a0\u00a0Care about the answer. Tell them stories. Watch. Only pick up the camera occasionally.\u00a0\u00a0Take your time. You will learn to anticipate expressions. Your energy sets the tone.\u00a0\u00a0If you want a toddler to laugh, tell a silly joke.\u00a0\u00a0If you want a calm expression from your teenager, be calm.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>
NO PERFECTION \u2013 Perfection is the enemy of creativity.\u00a0\u00a0Go easy on yourself and your family members.\u00a0\u00a0Not every photo will be perfect.\u00a0\u00a0It\u2019s okay!\u00a0\u00a0Just create.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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With practice, you\u2019ll begin to notice beautiful light, nice compositions, subtle expressions, and true connection with the person you\u2019re photographing. Oh, and don’t forget to get in the photo yourself sometimes!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, most of us have been at home with our families for a couple of weeks now, and we don\u2019t know how long it will last. I\u2019d like to encourage you to photograph your family. One day, the photos you create will be priceless. Here are some things that will help you take<\/p>\n
![\"Family](\"http:\/\/maundymitchell.com\/photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/91206152_2810955052286547_5852232646943309824_n-702x720.jpg\")
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