Taking family pictures - DPChallenge Forums

08/02/2012 12:46:54 PM · #1

Hi guys:

I was asked to take some pictures of a family of three (husband, wife and 3 year old boy), I don't have much experience on this, I usually take pictures of either one person or have taken a few of couples. But my question is, from the lenses I have do you think any of them will work for this matter, and also, what would be a good aperture for getting the three of them in focus.

Thank you in advance.

Magaly

bassbone

Nikon Df

Nikon MF 105mm f/2.5 AIS

08/02/2012 12:52:01 PM · #2

Hopefully more portrait type photogs post, but I would think your best choice is the 24-105mm.

I would try a midrange aperture around f8 and would have a reflector and a fill flash handy to balance the light.

08/02/2012 12:57:00 PM · #3

Originally posted by bassbone:

Thankyou Peter, I do have a flash and some reflectors, but now that you talk about balancing light, can I ask another question? if you are taking pictures around sunset, they want at least a couple of pictures with sunset in background, is it a good idea to use some type of gel, or something else on you flash?

MinsoPhoto

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

08/02/2012 12:59:45 PM · #4

Your 70-200 would work just fine. As far as what Aperture it all depends on how you pose. f8 should be pretty good but if you keep them close you can prob drop it down to 5.6. If you use the 24-105 be careful on the wide angle side, you don't want distortions on the subjects.

MinsoPhoto

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

08/02/2012 01:01:03 PM · #5

Originally posted by Maggye:

Originally posted by bassbone:
Hopefully more portrait type photogs post, but I would think your best choice is the 24-105mm.

I would try a midrange aperture around f8 and would have a reflector and a fill flash handy to balance the light.

Thankyou Peter, I do have a flash and some reflectors, but now that you talk about balancing light, can I ask another question? if you are taking pictures around sunset, they want at least a couple of pictures with sunset in background, is it a good idea to use some type of gel, or something else on you flash?

You will want a warming gell on the flash if you shoot at sunset, you can probably warm it up in post but that just adds work.

08/02/2012 01:03:16 PM · #6

Originally posted by MinsoPhoto:

You will want a warming gell on the flash if you shoot at sunset, you can probably warm it up in post but that just adds work.

thank you Joshua, that makes sense. I have some homework to do before the shoot, I'm excited about the experience, and I also don't want them to get some nice pictures.

08/02/2012 01:07:47 PM · #7

i would use the 50mm, i partial to their insane sharpness, i use mine almost exclusively and i use a crop. however for group photos i like the range of a zoom, especially with young kids and their short patience.

also plan to have them sitting or lying on the ground unless they are going to be holding the 3yr old in all the images.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

08/02/2012 01:14:26 PM · #8

Originally posted by mike_311:

oops, sorry he is 8 yr old. but I know what you mean. thanks,

DrAchoo

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

08/02/2012 01:16:06 PM · #9

A nice arrangement for three like that is mom sitting on a tall stool, child in her lap/arms, and dad behind and to the side. Make a nice close trio with different levels but nobody too far off. Consider bringing the stool if you are going somewhere like a park.

08/02/2012 01:22:35 PM · #10

//digital-photography-school.com/posing-guide-21-sample-poses-to-get-you-started-with-photographing-groups-of-people

try these too, there are smaller groups mixed in.

Message edited by author 2012-08-02 13:24:07.

08/02/2012 01:23:36 PM · #11

Originally posted by DrAchoo:

thank you for the idea, it's actually going to be at the beach.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

08/02/2012 01:24:54 PM · #12

Originally posted by mike_311:

//digital-photography-school.com/posing-guide-21-sample-poses-to-get-you-started-with-photographing-groups-of-people

try these too, there are smaller groups mixed in.

wow! thanks for the link!

Giles

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

08/02/2012 01:48:32 PM · #13

Entry for the beach challenge? Hehe

08/02/2012 01:56:31 PM · #14

Originally posted by Giles_uk:

Entry for the beach challenge? Hehe

LOL...so, if you guys see a family portrait in that challenge, it's not mine... hehe

08/02/2012 01:59:09 PM · #15

Originally posted by Maggye:

Originally posted by Giles_uk:
Entry for the beach challenge? Hehe

LOL...so, if you guys see a family portrait in that challenge, it's not mine... hehe

family portraits, heck portraits in general dont do well here, shoot the water splashing instead.

08/02/2012 02:42:05 PM · #16

Originally posted by mike_311:

Originally posted by Maggye:

Originally posted by Giles_uk:
Entry for the beach challenge? Hehe

LOL...so, if you guys see a family portrait in that challenge, it's not mine... hehe

family portraits, heck portraits in general dont do well here, shoot the water splashing instead.

how about the water splashing on the body of a pretty model? I'm just saying...lol

08/02/2012 02:48:15 PM · #17

Originally posted by Maggye:

how about the water splashing on the body of a pretty model? I'm just saying...lol

that is sure to get shot down, the more skin that shows the lower the score.