There are really only 2 kinds of events: milestones and recurring annual events.
Milestones
Sorry for stating the obvious here, but these are the so-called once-a-life time biggies. Ones so important that you sometimes associate with a song or piece of music.
A partial list of milestones may be the following:
- Graduations-happy, fun event but rife with access problems.
- Weddings-can be easy or tough depending on your level of experience. Just don’t get in the way of the professional whose job is to officially document the day.
- Births-believe it or not, I had some friends who wanted this documented. I wouldn’t want a stranger to do this though. I do wonder when and with whom you can share these pictures even if they’re PG-rated.
- First Communions-formal or posed portraits are the norm. Live coverage offers spontaneous moments which are often priceless.
- First haircuts-the “firsts” are not necessarily very meaningful but they can be a lot of fun to look back at these pictures. The first fish your child catches can be fun too.
Recurring Events
The list below is fairly obvious. Your subjects may not change over the years but that doesn’t mean your photography can’t improve if you do a lot of these.
The key is to come up with a different way of looking at the same subject. No, don’t stop taking the same pictures you took the year before, be bold and experiment.
* Birthdays-hardest to find a fresh approach
* Halloween-mostly for the costumes young children but priceless to parents
* Vacation Trips-best prospects for great pictures simply because of different locales
* Special Christmas programs-difficult due to poor lighting, accessibility
Better Milestones Pictures
Based on subject and setting of each event, your approaches will vary.
In the first group of events which I call Milestones, they are very important, just ask my wife. So don’t blow it, there’s no pressure.
When I worked at the paper and was very new, this sort of anxiety was normal. But a technic I learned in flying school called “bunk flying” helps. It’s nothing more than pre-visualizing everything you think you’ll encounter in your head at the event.
Everything right down to the equipment you’ll bring and where you’ll pose your subjects. It of course helps if you’ve been to the venue of the event preferably at the designated time. You want to get an idea of not only what the place looks like but also the lighting, hence the “time” element.
Mind you, when I worked for the newspaper, there are few instances when I can ask for something to be repeated or as they say in golf, ask for a “mulligan” or a “do-over.”
Imagine asking for a repeat of the action when a baseball play occurs at home plate and you weren’t paying attention.
So what’s your best chance of capturing those once-in-a-lifetime moments?
Scout The Location Beforehand
Figure out where the light is for a particular venue or scene. In a church where there are stain glass windows and big doors, there will be spots where it is brighter than others. Be ready to shoot your subject at those spots.
Be Prepared
Have all your gear in one bag. Keep your camera, flash, lenses and other accessories like extra memory cards in one bag. That way all you need to do is to grab it and you’re ready.Remember, digital cameras without charged batteries are a paperweight. A camera with a full memory card is also a paperweight-both are good only for war stories.
Set Realistic Goals
If all you have is a short telephoto, realize you’re limited by your equipment.
Either wait till your subject is closer, or try and get closer.
If you’re shooting with a digital camera that has RAW capability, you could try taking your picture in that mode.
Shooting in RAW is like using a telephoto lens because you are capturing at the highest resolution you camera is capable of.
It will allow you to crop in, make your tiny subject bigger and just maybe allow you to get a decent image.
Because you don’t have access to be front-and-center to most events, be realistic as to the kinds of pictures you can get. If all you have is a short telephoto, don’t expect to get tight closeup shots. Instead wait for pictures with wide angles or pictures that you can take after an event is winding down.
As an example, graduations are great happy events to photograph, but you will be most hampered by lack of equipment and limited access.
Better Recurring/Annual Pictures
Just because you’ve shot some of these annual events over and over doesn’t mean they need to be boring. Sure, shoot the same picture you did last year but push yourself to come up with something different.
Access The Lighting
Have you stopped to think how those birthday cake scenes look with the room lights turned off?
Well, it actually looks very warm, inviting and nostalgic.
So next time you’re ready to shoot this scene and it’s indoors, turn off the lights.
If you have time, consider also changing the White Balance.
Don’t forget there is no hurry. You can tell them to re-light the candles or wait while you check your camera’s LCD as you make some tests.
Try A Different Viewpoint
If you’ve shot the quintessential blowing out the candles every year, try shooting from a different position or use a different lens.
A wide angle from close up from right up next to the cake by the candles can be a different view. This has the added benefit of allowing you to brace your camera in a low light situation.
Let The Kids Take Their Own Pictures
Set up a makeshift photo studio. All you need is backdrop and camera on a tripod. Most cameras have a self-timer. You can try that or you can let them trip the shutter themselves if you can spare one camera on a tripod.
Do At Least One Group Shot At The Same Location
A group shot at the same location will show how everyone has changed year after year. If the same guests attend, this can be a great record to show how children have grown or changed. These need not be prize-winning pictures. They are mainly for the record type pictures.
Look For Details & Closeups
An adult’s hand holding a newborn’s always makes for a nice intimate detail shot.
Finally while these are all events in your life, don’t forget to gather important details like brochures of the places you camped. Years later, that information will add more meaning to your memories.
Peter Phun teaches photography at Riverside City College. He does portraits, weddings and editorial work. Read this more extensive illustrated article about photographing those special events. He writes about photography, Macs and the internet. He also designs websites and is a stay-at-home dad.
By Peter Phun
