Whether you’re trying to create the ultimate holiday card, or capturing a special photo that speaks to the joy in your life, keep these simple tips in mind this holiday season.
1.SET THE STAGE
Plan for your props, test the environment and adjust the background accordingly ahead of time. Shooting outside? Take advantage of local holiday venues and try to find locations with good lighting opportunities.
OM-D E-M1 Mark II | M.Zuiko 12-40mm F2.8 PRO| 1/50sec | F2.8 | ISO1600
2.BE PREPARED
In order to get the appropriate lighting and depth of field correctly I typically will shoot the area prior to adding the subjects (kids and dogs). In this particular instance, I set my camera at ISO 200 at 50 mm (I00 mm which is 35 mm equivalent).
3.KNOW YOUR SUBJECT
When you are shooting with toddlers, remember that your window is short and that sensitivity to pre- or post nap is important. Don’t plan around your schedule - plan around theirs and always plan for snacks. Keep in mind that even though you planned for the day, toddlers can decide that running and falling (creating a goose egg on their forehead) is not their concern - but now yours. Regardless, get the shot and then work on the goose egg in post processing!
4.DON'T FLY SOLO
You need to enlist support of family or friends who both your subjects will respond to. You will need as many hands as possible.
See a before and after, having removed the bump from her forehead.
5.FOCUS ON WHAT'S IMPORTANT
Use defused artificial light source when natural light is not an option. Not only do you need your camera (with flash - indoors) but you may also want to use a reflector to capture light in shadow areas. For this shot, I used one on camera flash with a modifier and a reflector positioned low to the ground in order to get even light distribution.
6.ADD LIGHT
Use defused artificial light source when natural light is not an option. Not only do you need your camera (with flash - indoors) but you may also want to use a reflector to capture light in shadow areas. For this shot, I used one on camera flash with a modifier and a reflector positioned low to the ground in order to get even light distribution.
7.BE NIMBLE, TAKE LOTS OF PHOTOS
Take photos using multiple poses and angles - even if though they may or may not reflect your planned final result. You may be surprised! Be nimble and quick - take as many shots as your subjects (in this case a dog and toddler) will tolerate, adjusting positioning and lighting as you go. With this shoot I had many great takes with just the toddler so I decided to make an additional gift of a “triptych” image of 3 great poses.
8.PERSONALITY, NOT PERFECTION
Remember, perfection of the subjects is not the goal - moreover seeing the personalities come through should be your aim.
ABOUT FRANK SMITH
Olympus Trailblazer Frank Smith is a self-taught photographer whose love for the craft goes back to a very early age. Decades later, Frank’s passion for photography has yet to fade as his skills continue to evolve.
A native Northeasterner, Frank often focuses his lens on regional and local scenery including the Pocono Mountains and the historical sites of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. His raw travel and philanthropic photojournalism covers global themes, shedding light on cultural issues such as regional corruption in areas including South Sudan and Haiti.
Original article used with permission: https://www.getolympus.com/us/en/family_holiday_scenes