Take a moment out for better family photos

In a “point-and-shoot” world, are we really getting better family photos?

Taking time to correctly pose and compose your pictures is a much more successful approach than simply pointing and shooting

While your compact camera can produce technically acceptable photographs with ease and speed, without taking care this kind of approach to your precious family photos can ruin them. Let’s look at some examples.

We often take photographs because something we’ve seen has quickly captured our attention. This is especially true when we travel. It’s easy to grab your camera and grab a snap – without moving, without composing, without taking a few brief seconds to ask yourself why you even wanted to take the picture in the first place! If it’s a picture of a person, why not move closer or zoom in a little and fill the frame with the subject? Taking a moment – just a few seconds – will make the difference between a good photograph and one that has people asking why you even bothered.

The same is true at weddings and other family get-togethers. We often take pictures of family and friends without taking control of the moment. Sure, candid, unobtrusive pictures often capture people’s real personality, but there are times when this is not possible. Nor is it the desired effect. If you’re taking a photograph of the bride and groom, make sure they’re looking at you, not others in the crowd. Move a little closer and politely ask for their attention. If they’re standing, compose the photograph vertically – not horizontally with their heads in the middle of the frame.

If your photo is of a couple – perhaps married friends or young lovers across a table – ensure there’s not too much empty space between their heads. Ask them to cuddle up, bringing their faces together and then fill the frame with only these people. Remove unwanted elements like tables and empty plates, beer bottles and handbags by moving a little closer or zooming in if your compact is equipped to do so. (Remember, though, that compacts can usually focus no closer than four feet or so.) Don’t photograph from a standing position, unless your subjects are standing. Come down to their level. Don’t put their heads dead-centre of the frame. Place them nicely in the top third of the frame and their shoulders and arms can fill the frame right to the bottom corners. Yes, this may take a moment to do, but the photograph will be vastly improved.

Taking control of your photographs is not only for the professionals, but for anybody who appreciates the value of their pictures. This is especially true of family photography. A few extra seconds, a little embarrassment and a moment’s evaluation will make a world of difference in your family snaps – after all, they’re the most important pictures in the world.

• Avoid the “point-and-shoot” mentality!
• Getting creative with your family photographs
• Using the zoom in your compact digital camera
• Pictures at high noon
• Photography tips: why you should use zoom