Capturing family event photos is so much fun if you’re the unofficial photographer in your family – the “one with the camera.” You get to experience the event through your camera lens and help preserve memories for years to come.
Whether it’s a graduation, birthday, reunion, or some other celebration, having the right techniques and preparation can help you take stunning family event photos. From preparation to execution, this guide will walk you through the steps to ensure you’re ready to capture every special moment.
Preparation is Key
Create a Shot List for shooting family event photos
Before the event, take some time to create a shot list. This is essentially a checklist of must-have photos you want to capture. Think about the event and what moments or people are most important to photograph. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Candid shots of interactions and laughter add a human element. It’s hard to plan for these, but you can plan what settings you’ll use. Then, during the event, allow time to scan the room. I caught this funny moment at my daughter’s rehearsal dinner. Those are her brothers roasting her.
- Group shots of all attendees are so important to the host and the honoree! At my daughter’s wedding, the photographer forgot to take photos of the guests at their dinner tables. We look back and wish we had those fun shots!
- Key moments like blowing out candles, cutting the cake, or opening presents set the scene. Can you ask for the plans and timing beforehand? That will help you get to the right spot for the best angle when the moment arrives. (Imagine trying to shoot the bouquet toss if you have to fight your way through the crowd! Or the big moment in a gender reveal if you were busy checking your battery.)
- Detail shots of decorations, food, and venue also help set the scene in your family event photos. People put so much effort into these events. Be sure to honor their work with photos they can enjoy.
Having this list will help guide your choices in real time and ensure you don’t miss any important shots.
Equip Yourself for Family Event Photos
Before you go, decide on what lenses you’ll need. Less is better since you don’t want to miss the fun while changing lenses.
For my grandson’s high school graduation, I brought my 70-200mm lens so I could zoom in and capture moments in the distance.
Plan to shoot with both your DSLR and your iPhone. While your DSLR will provide high-quality images, having your iPhone handy allows for quick snaps and backup shots. Sometimes, the convenience of your phone can capture spontaneous moments that you might miss while adjusting your DSLR settings. Changing lenses on the iPhone is certainly easier, too!
At our grandson Cole’s high school graduation, my iPhone was handy for a selfie of his mother with the two grandmothers, waiting for the ceremony to begin. On the other hand, it would have been less useful for shots of Cole in the distance.
Your iPhone’s wide-angle lens will come in handy to capture wider photos full of people and action.
Decide on Camera Settings
Plan your camera settings before the event starts. This saves time and ensures you’re ready to shoot as soon as you arrive. Here are a few settings to consider:
- ISO: You can set your ISO based on the lighting conditions, or you can do what I do when I’m not sure what to expect. I choose Auto ISO.
- Aperture: Use a low aperture number(wide aperture) to create a shallow depth of field. This helps isolate your subject from the background, giving your photos a professional look. I usually shoot in Aperture Mode at f/4.0 unless I need to choose a different mode for a particular image.
- Shutter Speed: If the event includes fast action, you may want to shoot in Shutter Mode to ensure your shutter speed is fast enough to capture the motion without blur. A good starting point is 1/250th of a second, but you may need a much faster one. Practice this beforehand to determine the best shutter speed for your event. There’s a big difference in speed between a swim meet and a diving meet!
- White Balance: Adjust your white balance according to the lighting to ensure accurate colors. Use presets like ‘Daylight’ for outdoor events and ‘Tungsten’ or ‘Fluorescent’ for indoor settings with artificial lighting. A pro solution to mixed lighting is shooting in RAW and customizing the white balance in post-processing. (If you haven’t tried Adobe Lightroom for post-processing, this will be your incentive!)
Tips for Better Photos as You Shoot
Use Burst Mode for Family Event Photos
When shooting family event photos that include motion, such as children playing or someone making a speech, use Burst Mode. This mode takes multiple photos in quick succession, increasing the chances of capturing the peak of action. It’s how I captured this image of Cole with his hand above his head and his cap frozen in the air above him! When I took it, he was so far away from us that I could hardly see him. But my 200mm lens and Burst Mode combined to catch the moment.
Back Button Focusing
This is a pro tip. Back-button focusing allows you to focus on your subject quickly. This technique separates the focusing function from the shutter button, giving you more control. I highly recommend it. However, you need to develop muscle memory to use it instinctively. Give yourself a few weeks of daily practice before the event. Also, once you set it, don’t go back to using the shutter button to focus. Your brain will thank you!
Manage Lighting when you shoot family event photos
Good lighting can make or break a photo. In sunny situations, have your subjects stand with their backs to the sun to avoid squinting and harsh shadows. This creates a natural backlight, adding a beautiful halo effect around their hair and shoulders. If the lighting is too harsh, use a reflector or a piece of white poster board or even someone in a white graduation gown to bounce light back onto their faces. You may also need to adjust the exposure.
Capture Candid Moments
Some of the best family event photos are candid shots. These unposed moments often carry the most emotion and tell a story. Be ready to capture these moments by keeping your camera settings ready and anticipating interactions between people.
Frame Your Shots
Pay attention to composition. Use the rule of thirds to place your subjects off-center for a more dynamic photo. Look for leading lines, like pathways or table edges, to draw the viewer’s eye toward your subject. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your angles and perspectives. And be sure to capture some shots that include the environment, like this photo of our son’s Navy promotion ceremony at the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia.
Get in the Picture
Lastly, remember to have someone take your photo at the event, too! It’s easy to get caught up in capturing everyone else, but you’ll want to remember that you were there, too. Hand over your camera or iPhone to a trusted friend or family member, or use a tripod and self-timer to join in the fun. I can’t count the vacations I wasn’t on and the events I didn’t attend. Can you relate? Plan to be in the shots so future generations know you were there!
Conclusion
Capturing family event photos is an art that combines preparation, technical skill, and a keen eye for the moment. By following these tips and techniques, you can create a collection of photos that not only document the event but also convey the emotions and connections shared by your loved ones. Your family will thank you, and so will future generations! Which, of course, means that you need to title the photos with the names of the people in them! 😉
Now It’s Your Turn
Ready to take your family event photography to the next level? Start by creating your shot list, setting up your equipment, and practicing your techniques.
For more personalized tips and professional advice, book one-on-one time with me: Photography Coaching.
Or take my online camera class to become familiar with the settings on your DSLR and how they work together to create images you’ll want to share: Camera Mechanics Online Workshop
Happy shooting!
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