Capturing Lasting Memories

On Location Photography – Family Gatherings

Holidays, Birthdays, Graduations; almost any family gathering is a perfect opportunity to take pictures. You are enthusiastic as you bring out the camera to capture memories; however, everyone else doesn’t feel the same way. Some run for cover while others act out.

Fun Photos

If you are able to sneak up on a group of people sharing a laugh this is an opportunity for a fun photo. A child playing with the dog or teasing the cat is another example of a fun photo. Catching people unaware that they are having their picture taken is a great way to get photos that capture the personality of your friends or family.

Be creative with the fun photos, but don’t try to get too much into one picture. Instead, keep it simple while taking lots of pictures from a variety of different angles. This way, you can choose the best ones to copy and share with family.

Posed Photos

One technique that works for posing people is to have them positioned so that their heads are close together. This makes everyone look happy to be around each other.

Clothing is important too. If you are planning ahead for a group photo, wear bright, solid colors. Stripes and Plaids tend to clash with their surroundings and distract the viewer.

Pick the time of day that produces the best light, either early when the sun is just coming up or later when it is about to set. If neither of these times works, then select an area that is not shadowy; yet one where the light doesn’t glare brightly.

On-Site Photographer

Family gatherings and reunions are great opportunities for getting pictures of those you do not see often. Getting everyone’s cooperation can be a challenge.

A professional photographer is a great option; he attends the gathering and walks around getting pictures while you get to enjoy the event and you get to be in some of the pictures instead of taking them.

A good photographer will take some photos discretely, capturing people just being themselves, not posed. He’ll get some of the children in the pool, kids playing volleyball, adults playing horseshoes, etc…

He will interact with people and coax them to pose for some group shots as well. You should end up with a nice variety of pictures from your family reunion; group pictures of individual families; some posed, some enjoying the activities.

For best results, have your photographer show up early, during a time when the light is good and while everyone is looking their best.

Stanley and Judith Shelton are the owners of J & S Portrait America, in business since 1989. They provide on location photography services; they can bring their portable studio to your location and provide studio quality photographs of your event. Visit http://detroitweddingphotograhper.blogspot.com/ for more information.

On Location Photography: Appreciating the Convenience of a Traveling Photo Studio

Photographs are great to have for capturing memories and holding them for future viewing and reminiscing. Family photos are among the most treasured of all as they are of the entire family together. Sometimes, especially for families with very young children, getting ready for this event can be quite an ordeal. In this case, on site photography would be ideal. Consider the following scenario:
A young family is planning to have professional family photos made. They thought it would be nice to have a large family portrait to hang up, along with a nice package of photos to share with friends and relatives. So, they make an appointment with a local portrait studio on a day when there will be plenty of time to get 3 small children ready for the event.
The young couple scrambled to get everyone dressed and looking their best; the stress from the activity has given the 6-month old a nervous stomach; he keeps spitting up. Better take an extra outfit, just in case. On the way out to the car, the 2-1/2 year old trips and falls, getting grass stains on her dress. The oldest one is waiting by the car, actually, leaning on the car which should have been washed days ago! Dirt is smudged on his clothes. Oh well! Maybe the photographer can strategically pose everyone so the dirt doesn’t show in the pictures!
When everyone is settled into the car, they realize it has already been an exhausting ordeal! Then the young family shows up for their appointment; now everyone needs to get out of their coats, fix their hair, straighten their clothing and get into position. Of course, the baby must have his clothes changed; he’s also been crying, so his face is red and blotchy.
So, you get the picture? What if the photographer came to the family? On location photography has quickly gained popularity. On-site photography would save this young family a lot of time and hassle. All they would have to do is be ready and relax in their own home as the photographer arrives and sets up the equipment. The children will not have had a chance to get dirty and the baby will have a better chance at being relaxed and happy.
The on location photographer can create natural looking family photos with your home as the background. Or, if you would prefer not to show your home in the photos, the photographer will supply special background material so that your photos are like those taken in a studio.
On location photography is a great service for special events, including weddings, graduations, family reunions, business photos, and more. On location photography is very convenient as it saves you a trip to the photo studio. It makes things especially easier on the family with young children or the family who wants to include their pets in the photographs.