Photo Handout from April 10th activity

Tips for Taking Better Photos of Your Family

• When possibly turn off the flash - it creates harsh shadows, glare, alters colors and can wash out the subject.
• Good lighting - facing natural light will brighten eyes and light up the face yielding better photos. If shooting indoors have your subject face toward a window.
• Don't say cheese - we have been trained to showcase a cheesy smile with the word "cheese"
• Make them laugh - have them tell a joke, have someone do a goofy dance behind the camera, or sing the word words to a well-known song, "Twinkle, Twinkle Little COW."
• Don't be afraid to make a fool of yourself
• Make taking pictures fun. Getting frustrated for a less than perfect photo doesn't help
• When all else fails, bribe them
• Take candid photos - capture the details of childhood.
• Keep your camera handy so it's there when you want to capture a moment.
• Keep clicking - take lots of photos - they're digital and you can always delete the majority of them. Remember the dreaded "you blinked!" with film.

Tips for Taking Your Own Family Photo

• Hiring a good photographer can be pricey. Perhaps hire a professional every few years and take your own in the years between.
• Time of day - choose a time of day that offers the best lighting, an hour or two after sunrise or before sunset are ideal. Try to void harsh mid-day sun and partially shaded areas. Make sure it's a time when your kids are happy.
• Use a tripod - you can always ask a friend to take the picture but they may not compose the shot the way you want it or may shake the camera yielding a blurry photo. With a tripod you can set up the shot then use the timer, a remote, or have a friend push the button.
• When posing the group get their heads on different levels, make sure no one's face is hidden, use stools or crates, etc. to get people on different levels and/or use a triangle as your guide
• It can be hard to envision where you will fit into the picture. Take a couple shots, go back and look at the composition of the photo and then take some more.
• Since you're not behind the camera to create a pose, go online (Pinterest is a good sourcE) and look for posing ideas.
• Get close to each ... "squish in tighter"
• Try to shoot a few candid family shots, they look the most natural and are fun. Having everyone look at the baby or tickle daddy is good way to get some fun shots. This is easier to do if you're not working with a timer and have someone there to push the shutter button for you.
• Let them be silly - kids will usually cooperate better if you let them loose for a few photos.
• Try to relax & get comfortable - if you're stiff or uncomfortable in front of the camera it will show.
• Always, always, always make sure the pictures flatters mom.

--Tips and booth from Nicole R.