The context: It was a busy Saturday morning, and my second daughter Calli Lou was about to go on her first big girl date with Daddy! The house was in chaos, I had a whinging baby attached to my hip and my 4 year old was singing Frozen so loudly I'm sure they could hear it in the Arctic. But I REALLY wanted to capture this precious moment. So I took 5 minutes out.
Here are five tips if you want to get fantastic family photos (in a rush):
1) SET THE SCENE BUT KEEP IT SIMPLE
Adding one or two items for texture and interest can really bring your photos to life, but use what is at hand. We used some old crates and flowers from our garden.
2) GET THE LIGHT RIGHT
For the most part, you want to find a place around the house where the light that is hitting the subjects face is the same intensity as the light that is hitting their background. Having said that, have a play with placing your subject in front of the sun and shooting towards it.
3) LET THEM PLAY
Don't waste your time trying to get them to look at the camera and smile. Rather give them something to do, and talk to them as they are enjoying it. I guarantee the expressions will be much more real and beautiful, and the photos will have great flow (if you want to frame several similar ones together).
4) GET MOVING
Try all sorts of angles. Two of my favourites are getting the camera right down low on the ground, and then directly above the subject (like an aerial view). It totally changes the feel of the photos.
5) GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
Don't be afraid to get really close to the subject, and to focus in on a single feature (like freckles on a nose, or eyelashes). Set your f-stop at 4 or below and experiment. The results make you feel like you are right in the moment.
And I know it's corny, but have fun as you do it. The photos ALWAYS turn out better if you enjoy yourself. xxx Anna