Do you remember watching that episode of F.R.I.E.N.D.S. where Monica and Rachel host two separate parties? The people kept leaving Monica’s party to go to Rachel’s because Monica had too many rules.
“Rules help control the fun,” frantically yelled Monica, and I agree with her. A delightful family photoshoot precisely needs these two things: control and fun.
I make sure that my family photo sessions capture the joyfulness of the situation while creating a safe environment. I enjoy it when kids have fun while I photograph them. That’s why I play games with them.
Why Games?
Simple game rules keep the kids in line while enjoying their time with their families. It enables me to photograph genuine interactions, expressions, and movements.
Here are 3 games you can play for a fun-filled family photography session.
Active restraint
Start by having the kids stand in front of their parents. Ask them to hold hands while facing the camera. Tell the family to walk toward you when you give them the signal.
Before asking the family to get in formation, you can secretly tell the kids to try to let go of their parents’ hands when they start to walk towards you.
As this act of running away may excite the kids, they may start to giggle before you give them a signal. This will result in some great candid pictures of the kids as you zoom into them.
When you give the signal, the kids will begin sapping away while the parents try to tug the kids back. While some kids may stay with their parents, others may break free. The organic expressions and unchoreographed gestures that you capture in the process will be priceless, and the family will love the results.
The best thing about this is that you can get a number of shots when you start to zoom in on each family member and their interactions.
Sneak attack
This game is best to loosen up the dads. Take them to the side and tell them that they have to sneak in the frame and surprise the child. He can tickle, scoop, toss, grab, hug, or lift them. Whatever they do, just be mindful to keep the child’s face facing the camera.
Get into position and give the sneaky adult the signal to surprise the child. You can begin to take pictures from different angles and positions to capture genuine expressions and emotions.
Pro tip: Increase your shutter speed so that you can freeze the motion of your subjects. You can use a more closed-down aperture to get a larger field depth. By doing this, your subjects will be less likely to slip into an out-of-focus area.
Red Light-Green Light
Set up a movement pattern like twirling, leapfrogging, or sneaking and give the commands. “Greenlight” means to go, and “red light” means to freeze.
This game gives you great moments of movement and stillness, along with few very focused and candidly smiling shots that are perfect for every fun-filled family photoshoot.
Are You Looking for a Professional Family Photographer in Vancouver?
I am Mary, and I come with more than two decades of photography experience. I specialize in maternity and newborn photography, but I also have extensive experience in kids’ photography and family portrait photography. Get in touch with me, and I’ll capture the most cherished moments of your life with your loved ones.