Hobby Photography Tips - Resource for Learning Photographers

It has been said that photographers never actually see things happening, only the image reflected in their viewfinders. But if this is true it is more than compensated for by the fact that they are able to produce a lasting visual record, and not just acquire a transient memory. Although the most important element of these pictures will be the subject to its self, and the purpose at the time of making the exposure is not to produce a great masterpiece, the pleasure of looking at the picture in the future will undoubtedly be enhanced if it is also a good photograph.

The sort of occasions that become milestones during a lifetime are so varied that it is not possible to formulate any particular method of recording them. One week it may be a children’s party with a dozen excited seven year olds crowding around the birthday cake and the following week it may be your grandparents’ golden wedding anniversary, or maybe the school sports day.

It may well be that the complete family album will call on every photographic technique ask you ever learned to do it full justice, conveying everything from formal portraits to action pictures. While it may be out of place to use such events into photographic sessions it would at the same time be a great pity not to use your abilities to create the most evocative pictures you can. Think like this – if the birthday party would look even more festive when shot with a star filter, why not use one?

Many occasions can severely test your skills and your quick responses. The last thing you want is to spoil the atmosphere by issuing instructions, and very often the best shots will not be of the whole gathering, but segments of it. It can be of two people sharing a joke or watching someone else, a child suddenly overcome by tiredness or too much excitement. Therefore depending on the size of the room, something like a 70—150 mm zoom might give you an ideal of opportunities, in addition to a slightly w than normal lens for capturing the general scene.

Constant bursts of flash can be very distracting, so try to give same thought to lighting and film choice before the time. A moderately wide-angle lens, 35 mm or even 24mm, will have the advantage of giving a good depth of field even with a wide aperture, allowing you to include almost everyone in some shots at least.

Clearly on of the true benefits of being a photographer, whether professionally or as a hobby, is that it gives you the opportunity to make a record of the events and occasions in the life of your family, with the result of not only evoking pleasant and nostalgia memories for you in years to come, but also of providing a unique gift for future generations. It is really worth making every effort to produce at least one or two attractive pictures of every important occasion.

Family pictures:

Family and friends are what we most frequently take photographs of, and that is why you probably already have full photo albums with such photos already. These pictures are important in many ways to us, both like dear memories, but they also have great documentary value of your lives. But in many cases the pictures in the family photo album could be a little more exciting. You can easily do something about this, without turning to professional photographers. If we follow a set of simple rules of thumb, then we should achieve small wonders.

Always have your camera ready, so that you can catch the unexpected, the spontaneous. It is these pictures that often become the best ones. Do check at regular intervals that you have enough batteries laying around.

Describe day-to-day life with photographs:

Many people only take pictures at festivals, birthdays, and other special events. There are certainly more of “normal” weekdays, were you as a hobby photographer should take lots of pictures too. This type of pictures maybe isn’t quite as exciting, but they probably gives a better picture of who we really are. Remember that this is especially important when the children are little, when the changes happen so quickly. Try to shoot a typical weekday of every member in the family, and if possibly when the family is gathered. Good suggestions of what to take pictures of could be in connection with the lunch table, the kids doing their homework, hobby, and so on.

Make a story with pictures:

It’s always very exciting to watch pictures that tell a story than a number of isolated pictures. With some planning you can on-forehand decide on what you want your story to be about. This way the photography also can become far more interesting, and the people you involve in this project, will be more enthusiastic about it. Remember that enthusiastic objects are precisely what you are looking for. You want to take pictures of people wanting to participate in such a thing. Also try to capture what is considered to be your family’s image, spirit, or what you would like to call it. Gather everyone together and use a tripod, you pictures will look excellent this way.

Let everyone take pictures:
If it’s possible, let every member of the family have the opportunity to take pictures. This way you will avoid to get pictures where there are always is one person missing. Remember that it can be a good idea to obtain a cheap camera that handles a few drops of the table, so that the two year old can try it too. It’s incredible to see how they look on us. At the same time you will get a collection of very varied pictures to pick from, when you are about to put together the family album. At last remember that the main purpose with family photography is for everyone having lots of fun and enjoying themselves. Good luck!