Tips for (Stay) At Home Photography - Western MA Family Photographer
A good friend recently said she needed my help to photograph her son while stuck at home. While I wish I could visit with her and capture her sweet little boy right now, this is the perfect time to take firsthand photos of your experience at home. You have a unique perspective, as the one who knows your family best and you know what moments mean the most.
This is lifestyle photography, documenting real moments and authentic family connections. Photography that is memorable and meaningful.
I’d be so happy if I never hear Covid-19 or Coronavirus ever again, but this great pause has provided what we all crave more of, family time. It is fleeting and ever-changing, so, let’s focus on some positive aspects of this time at home and get creative!
1. Focus on the fun and positive aspects of the situation we're in, the memories and all the ways we connect with loved ones. This is an exercise in positivity, which I could use right now! As we get into a groove, we can begin to realize the fun parts of our days and document them. It’s okay to recreate some moments. Remember all the extra things you’ve done together that you normally wouldn’t have the time for. Did you make an old family recipe together? Do you go for a daily walk hunting for bears? Did you create a chalk mural? Or maybe your child accomplished a milestone like learning to ride a bike without training wheels. Now that you know what to look for, let’s take some pics!
2. Find the light - if indoors, you can recreate a moment by a window, or you can photograph family members in the late morning when light is streaming in. Be on the lookout since natural light is ideal. If outside, overcast days are preferable as direct sunlight can cause harsh shadows and strained expressions. Alternatively, you could find a shady spot. I love the lighting that occurs the hour before sunset when the sun casts beautiful golden light. (The hour after sunrise has the same effect if your child wakes with the sun like mine.) Try different family activities in all of these lighting scenarios!
3. Get on their level. Assuming kids, or pets even, are part of your stay at home, a portrait at eye level is more impactful than a snapshot from your height. Crouch down or even lay on the ground for an interesting new perspective.
4. Try different angles, stand directly above your children with the camera parallel to them, playing in the sandbox or doing some schoolwork/artwork. Try a close up to capture precious features like eyelashes. Step back and photograph from afar taking in the whole scene without interfering. Blowing bubbles is a perfect activity for genuine smiles, and bubbles create a ethereal vibe. Do yourself a favor and purchase a bubble maker!
5. It may seem obvious, but focus on the face. When photographing with your phone, tap on the face so the camera definitively knows where to focus. If photographing with a DSLR camera, toggle focus. Be sure not to put your subject right up against the backdrop, put a few feet in between. Both techniques separate the subject from the background, creating background blur. When viewing the image the eye will be drawn to where you intended.
Lastly, to all the moms, be in a picture. Tag your husband and have him brush up on some skills. You’re there too and your children will want to remember that in the future!
Have fun flexing your creative muscles. Tag me so I can see your work and what you’re up to! @ecbeanphoto
I hope to be back photographing you all soon!