I’ve been a photographer a long time, and I pride myself on getting shots that others may not think of. I’ve had schooling, taught a few classes, entered a few contests, and I’m happy with the work I’ve done. But let me tell you something… everyone can grab a great shot, even if they just pick up a camera once a year for Christmas. Many people get nervous before the camera clicks, and their smiles can look stiff and forced. Since no one wants to remember Aunt Maude looking frightened every Christmas, I have a few hints that may help you get that great shot everyone will remember, and may turn into that one you enlarge or make into a photo canvas from the PhotoArt People (www.PhotoArtPeople.com)
First, try not posing your subject. Most people, especially kids, don’t like to be posed before you shoot a picture. Try gathering everyone together, make sure you can see everyone through your viewfinder, and crack a joke. Wait until everyone bursts out laughing, and shoot! You’ll catch natural faces and happy smiles.
If you want everyone posed, tell everyone to make a goofy face for the first picture. Take the shot. People will still be laughing and smiling for a few moments afterwards, so give them a few seconds until everyone has stopped laughing, and call for them to look at you. Shoot! They’ll still have a great smile on their face, and their attitudes will carry through in your shot.
And of course, the old standby, “Say cheese….” But instead of “cheese,” suggest they say something funny and unexpected. Because they won’t be expecting it, it will relieve the stiffness and likely cause everyone to smile or laugh. No matter how dressed up everyone is, or how great the kids’ hair looks, the smile is what’s going to make this a great picture.
A few other tips: it’s a good idea to place your subjects according to size, with tallest in the back and smallest in the front. If you have chairs available, seat the tallest in the chairs, which will bring all their faces closer together and allows you to fill the frame with faces. Some physical contact is good! Have your subjects put their arms around each other, or hands on each other’s shoulders to show the closeness of your family.
And finally the “non-pose pose”. This is best with kids. Follow them around and catch them doing something natural…concentrating on a butterfly, playing with the dog, laughing at something that amuses them. But whatever you do don’t tell them to stop so you can take their picture. Just shoot away. One will be a winner, and make a fantastic photo canvas!
I think you’ll be really happy with the results of these suggestions. Remember to take a few extra shots once you have a great pose because you’ll want everyone’s eyes to be open in any picture you send to www.PhotoArtPeople.com. There are only two things that can’t be fixed in your picture… closed eyes and a picture that is poorly focused. You’ll want your picture to be crystal clear because if it’s out of focus at all, it’ll be really out of focus when made into a photo canvas.
Finally, remember to have fun creating family memories!
by Brooke Pierce
