Local photographer’s 5 tips for your family photo shoot

The national lockdown has brought many changes to the usual way of life.

Joyous occasions like weddings are set to be smaller for some time to come, while family photo shoots are now moving more towards happening within the comfort of one’s home instead of a studio.

Local photographer and event co-ordinator, Nikole Mudali Naidoo explains what your photographer may expect of you, and gives tips on how to prepare for a family ‘camera session’.

1. Patience is the number one key to a successful family shoot. This works both ways: a good photographer has the patience to calmly get the requisite photographs while the family should be patient and understand that great images aren’t always taken with the first snap.
2. Communication is important. Again, this is a two-way street. Photographers aim to communicate with their clients regularly to be adequately prepared and know what the family is looking for. The subject family must also be open with their photographer about what exactly they want from the shoot.
3. Always be open to hearing ideas. Nikole explains her ideas might not always align with what the client wants. “Remember, their vision is what matters most.” That said, a family having a photo shoot done should also be open to new and creative ideas from their photographer.
4. Always go the extra mile. Nikole says that being hired to do a photo shoot doesn’t mean being a statue. She prides herself on lending a hand to her clients where possible, and likewise, the client should also be willing to assist the photographer if needed.
5. Be open-hearted. The personality of a photographer can go a long way to putting a client at ease, and can make them more open to creative avenues. “No one wants to have fun with a grumpy photographer.” Families should also enjoy the moment because negativity can clearly come across in the photographs.
6. Have an aim in mind before the shoot. A great photographer will do research and bounce ideas off clients before deciding on what setting, props, composition and other elements to settle on. Families having a shoot done should also be clear on what they want from the shoot (i.e. do they want to create an album or frame a picture for the lounge wall?). “It helps to have some clarity of what image to create.

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Email: Reveshni Douglas (Editor) at reveshni@caxton.co.za

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