Clearwater Family Photographer Discusses How To Capture Emotions
The Secret To Capturing Emotions
I was so excited for an adventure with my amazing neighbors and their two boys. John Chesnut Sr park never disappoints. The lighting is magical in the evening and there is such a warmth to the pictures that it makes me want to cozy up with a fuzzy blanket.
Let’s talk about how to capture the emotion behind the image. There are certain ways that I am able to capture sweet moments at my photo sessions.
First, I want the kids to be as authentic as possible. Take a look at the picture at the top of this post. In this case, the boys were still at an age where kissing mom was still cool. So I might instruct one of the boys to softly kiss mom on the cheek and allow the other boy to just organically be himself.
I am always instructing my clients to get close, close, close. Closeness equates to connection and often they naturally lean in for a hug, or hold one another hands.
It’s in these moments that I capture emotions. If we continue on with the image at the top as an example, to capture this image I instructed mom to tell her boys how much she loves them. I also ask her to tell each boy what it is that she is proud of in each of her boys. They eagerly wait for their mom’s reply and this is where I am snapping away.
What To Ask A Family Photography If You Want To Capture Emotion
So if you’re looking to capture the emotions behind an image, look for a lifestyle photographer. If you don’t know what a lifestyle photographer is, I wrote an article on this very topic.
The most important thing you can do is check out the photographers portfolio. Do you like the images? Does it show emotions or is everyone just staring into the camera with a smile. Look for images where interaction is happening. Interaction isn’t everyone looking at the camera, but everyone is actually engaging with one another.
Next, don’t be afraid to tell your photographer what you like and what you are looking for. If there is any hesitation, you might need to look for another photographer all together.
Other Key Elements To Make Your Photos Amazing
Here are a few more tips to make the best out of your photo session.
Dress in coordinated outfits. Notice that I didn’t say match colors, but coordinate them. If you want an organic feel to your images that look authentic, you have to look as you would normally. Ask yourself this question, on a normal day…are all of you wearing the same patterns and colors. The answer is probably no. I know it use to be popular to wear the same colors when taking family photos, especially for beach photos, but that is actually a very dated approach. If you’d like more information on how to dress for a family photo session, you can find that here.
If you want the most flattering photos, find a photographer who understands how to angle someone that flatters them best. I’m always squaring off dad and angling mom towards dad. It creates a flattering image.
Also, as much as I love the beach as anyone else, it’s hard to capture pictures that don’t have harsh shadows in the bright sun. Look for areas that have open shade and wait until the last 10 minutes of the sunset to capture your full beach images. Also, 20 minutes after the sun sets is often the best time to capture pictures at the Florida beaches.
Keep in mind that east coast sunsets are much different then west coast sunsets. West coast sunsets leave a golden glow where as east cost sunsets often has a lot of red tones. Something to think about.
Ready to chat about a family session? Click here to email me about your family photo session.
Tampa Family Photographer Captures Emotions
Family Photos at John Chesnut Park in Palm Harbor
