3 Tips for Taking Professional-looking Photos at Home
Posted by: Sara Hodge on: 2011-10-18 Permanent Link: 3 Tips for Taking Professional-looking Photos at Home
Trying to get professional looking shots of your family at home? It’s easier than you think!
By Emily Krbec
In my experience, Mom is usually the keeper of the camera and capturer of the kids. She feels compelled to record the details of the everyday lives of her family. She wants to have something to remember all the mundane, monumental, and down-right funny moments. She knows that her family will never be the same as it is right at this moment and that in 20 years she will be happy to have such great reminders of these memories, and that her kids will too. I believe that with a little guidance and a lot of patience, we all have the ability to take great family snapshots that we can be proud of!
Here are 3 simple tips to get your started:
No More “Cheese” Please!
Get out of the habit of asking your children to “say cheese!”. This is just asking for a forced smile. Instead, try using some reverse psychology on them. Say “Betcha can’t smile!” or “You better not look happy!”. And if you really must (and this is what I usually resort to) just do something completely ridiculous! Put something on top of your head, make crazy animal noises, or start laughing wildly. Bet they won’t be able to resist cracking a real smile. (Note: this tactic tends to work on pretty much everyone, whether they are 5 or 95 years old)!
Shade Is Your Friend
When photographing your family outside, it may seem like a good idea to photograph them in the beautiful shining sun. In reality, this direct sunlight (especially mid-day) can often be really harsh. Some things are going to be way too dark and others way too bright. Find a shaded area instead. Have your family close to the sunlight, but actually in the shade, and snap away. Watch that you don’t go too far into the shade, as it may get too dark. Cloudy days are ideal, because the sunlight is already soft and muted, so you don’t have to worry about finding a shaded area.
Get Caught Up In The Details
Focus on the little things, the often forgotten bits of our lives that we’d love to smile about when our kids have gone and grown up on us. A good photograph doesnt have to show everything. Dont be afraid not to show the top of your kiddo’s head so you can capture their messy puddle jumpin’ boots, or capture siblings deep in conversation as they walk ahead. Your photographs don’t even necessarily need people in them to tell your family’s story.
For more tips like these, head on over to the Emily Krbec Photography facebook page to download your free copy of my fabulous new e-book! I could probably have prattled on for a good 100 pages, but in order to maintain my sanity (& yours), I’ve condensed it all down into 10 useful tips that can help you turn your snapshots into beautiful family memories. Unfortunately, we can’t all have a professional photographer trailing us 24/7, but I can offer you these simple tips for capturing your day-to-day life.
Emily Krbec Photography
emily@emilykrbec.com
416-822-6367
www.emilykrbec.com
www.facebook.com/emilykrbecphotography
www.twitter.com/emilykrbec
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