The old saying "the cobbler's children has no shoes," rings true with my family photographs.
To put it mildly, I'm not consistent when it comes to documenting our goings on. I'll either have my camera, and take no pictures, or take pictures and then never share them. My girlfriend Sarah has been asking for a slide show from our trip to California for almost two years. I know this isn't just a problem for people who make their living as a photographer so this posting is for anyone who has trouble keeping track of family snapshots.
These pictures were taken on Saturday during our "12 Months of Fun" trip to Port Townsend. For Christmas '08, my mom planned monthly outings that we would do as a family. Most have been day-cations, but we've also gone bowling, to a movie, and seen Hello Dolly at The 5th Avenue Theatre.
Heather's tips for great family photography
#1: Create visual traditions
We make signs that say "12 Months of Fun" and then what we are doing. Many of these photos also feature everyone jumping, or otherwise being ridiculous. It doesn't matter that we can't read the signs, because we all know what they say. Try to choose a location that gives a sense of place, like this one at Fort Worden State Park. From left: Sarah Hallett, Tim Morrow, Alison Trimm, Jackie Trimm, and Bill Trimm.
#2: Tell a story
What did you do that day? During this trip, we went in the tunnels in the fort, had a picnic, went for a walk on the beach, went to the top of the Point Wilson Lighthouse, attempted to fly kites, took some family pictures, and walked downtown. While I was taking multiple photos at each thing, when I go to select the pictures from the day I choose the best image that reflects what we did. I make an effort to have a photo of each person individually or in pairs.
#3: Be silly in public
It's easy to be shy, especially when there is someone around with a camera. Forget they are there! My mom is really into jumping off things in photos lately, so we're compiling a series of photos of her leaping in the air. It was her idea to have us jump in the sign pictures, and we're going with it as a new tradition. Sarah also likes jumping in the background of a photo, randomly, and her and my mom also dance whenever possible. These sorts of photos reveal authentic personalities far more than a stoic picture with everyone looking at the camera.
#4: Use the camera timer
The complete Trimm family! This is our first official portrait together, and it was taken by me with the camera's timer. I set the camera up on a rock and composed the shot. It was really hard to run on those rocks to get into the photo in time-- but I made it!
#5: Use angles and layers
Jackie and Tim are getting married next July, and my sister wants to create a slide show of photos of them and our family together. This photo was taken from above with Sarah, and our mom and dad in the background. The shoreline serves as a link between the two groups, yet the focus remains on Jackie and Tim.
#6: Edit the photos right away
Post them online, send them to your family, order prints, etc. Organization is key!
I want to help my friends and clients to organize their own family pictures, and get them out of shoe boxes, or digital caves. I can scan in digital prints and negatives, and help you choose storytelling images. Please inquire about these services.
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