Have you ever attended a family reunion, taken a million photos, and then returned home to find that you are not in a single frame? Such is life as the family photographer. You are the one with the upgraded camera, the skills, and in many cases, the willingness, so by default you are bestowed the title. However, in the process of pointing and shooting at everyone else you often find that you are left out of the action, and most definitely the shot.
Summer is primetime for family reunions. If you are planning to document the annual event for your clan, be sure to get in on some of the shots. Put your tripod and your camera’s self timer to work so you too can be a part of the family portrait.
Position the tripod at eye level with the tallest person in the photo. Ideally, you want the camera to be sitting slightly above the majority of your subjects to avoid the appearance of double chins and squinting. Next, familiarize yourself you’re your camera’s self-timer or wireless remotes. These tools are designed to help you get in on the shot. Simply leave a space for you to squeeze into when lining everyone up for a group shot, set the timer, run to your spot and smile.
Before you set-up your group shot examine the background options. When photographing a large number of people it’s best to keep the background simple. You don’t want the scenery to upstage your family members. Look out for cluttered backdrops and ones that will wreck havoc on your camera. For example, lakes and ponds are lovely backdrops, but they can also reflect light in a way that can ruin a shot. Depending on what time of day it is and where in the sky the sun is sitting you may want to avoid having your clan pose in front of water. The same goes for shooting indoors; do not position your family members directly in front of a window. Doing so will wash out the shot.
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