- Set the Scene (and the table) early: Professional photographers understand that they need to get a ‘lay of the land’ in advance in order to find the best possible shooting locations. Use this strategy to survey your area. Are you planning on shooting inside or outside? If inside, where is the light the best? Will it fit everyone comfortably in the photo? Do certain items need to be moved (such as items on the mantle so they don’t look like they are growing out of someone’s head)?
- Take a Tripod: We regularly talk about the importance of a tripod because it is one of the most important and versatile camera accessories you can own. In addition to providing stability for your camera, it can also be helpful in holding it so the photographer can actually BE in all the photos this year! We have some fantastic tripods to consider: http://tinyurl.com/y9uneap
- Capture Tradition: Think about the traditions that take place each year during your Thanksgiving holiday. Capturing those moments now may help those traditions continue in the future. If it’s Uncle Alvin’s job to carve the turkey each year or a family football game happening in the back yard outside, make sure your camera’s ready. Your photographing these events can become part of the annual tradition.
- Be Candid: The holidays can provide some fantastic candid photo opportunities so keep your camera ready when the kids start improvising a talent show or a thoughtful moment between family members occurs. Don’t ask them to pose and don’t get too close; just try to capture the moment as it happens. You want to record the action, not alter it.
- Shoot it from the Top: If you’re shooting a large family gathering at the Thanksgiving table, consider standing on a chair or stairs if at all possible. It will allow you a better opportunity to shoot the entire scene in a single shot. To keep all those faces in focus, you’ll want as large a depth of field as possible. Try shooting in landscape mode, or if you have an aperture priority setting, select the highest F-stop available.
- If you’re shooting with a DSLR, consider getting an external flash because your built-in flash has an effective range of only a few feet. Here are some models for your consideration: http://tinyurl.com/ycoksvs
A few minutes of advance preparation will not only help improve your chances of getting those stellar shots, your family will be most thankful that you took the time to capture the holiday for them to enjoy long after the turkey is gone and the game is over.
