Summertime and family reunions go hand in hand. If you are the family historian then you know how critical it is to use these large gatherings as the perfect opportunity to document (via photos) history in the making.
Reunions are ideal picture taking events and you can make the most of your time together by keeping these simple tips in mind:
FLASH
I see my family members make the same mistake when it comes to taking group shots with flash. It is important to stay within flash range. The typical flash range for digital cameras is 6 to 10 feet, and up to 15 feet for film cameras (unless otherwise noted). If your subjects are outside your camera’s flash range they will be either too dark or too light.
TELL A STORY
Keep this in mind at the beginning of the day (or weekend). Your shots will speak volumes if you shoot a series of them in chronological order—the arrival, the games, the meals, the sharing of hugs, handshakes and kisses, and finally the departure.
DISPOSABLE CAMERAS
My daughter loves to take pictures with disposable cameras. My mom recently bought a slew of them to hand out to our youngest family members during a gathering we had to celebrate my grandma’s 92nd birthday. By handing out disposable cameras at your family reunion you encourage others to shoot memorable moments that you might not have otherwise been captured. When the reunion is over collect the cameras and use the prints for a photo album that can be shared with the entire family.
GET IN THE PICTURE
As it often happens when one family member is made the designated photographer that person is scarcely seen in pictures. Every once in a while hand off your camera to someone else to take pictures of you with your mom, dad, grandparents, kids and especially those family members you don’t see on a regular basis.
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