Snapping the perfect family photo can be challenging – weather, kids, dogs all impact gathering that ideal image of a smiling family. Local photographer Shanna Paxton says family pictures can turn out great on either a sunny or cloudy day, as long as you are prepared. “There are so many places in Thurston County to serve as a backdrop. Even a backyard can be a great place for photographs,” she says.
Although it’s great to have a professional photographer do the pictures, you can also come up with excellent family photos on your own. Many smart phones take outstanding pictures. Here are some tips Shanna suggests to make sure your photo day goes smoothly.
The first thing she says to look for is an open space with a background of trees. Shanna says this is best for shooting straight on photography. But be sure to find trees where the leaves are still on the tree so you can take advantage of the beautiful background colors.
She adds, “If you shoot at a downward angle its good to get under a tree with the subject sitting on top of the leaves. Parks and trails are great for this.” Shanna explains that you want to avoid having anything man-made in the pictures. Steer clear of shelters and anything artificial. Stick to nature.
Next, make sure you plan ahead for the photo shoot. Because Western Washington weather can be finicky, Shanna recommends bringing umbrellas and lightweight waterproof jackets. That way they can easily be taken off for a photo and picked back up when moving to the next scenic location. “Best thing to do is layer up, the worst thing that can happen is the people feeling cold and wet. It’s fall, in Washington, there are going to be warm hats, scarves and boots, no need to be ashamed of that.”
Another part of being prepared is getting the family excited to take the photos. If no one wants to be participating, it’s going to show. Shanna advises, “Make sure everyone is comfortable. Not every kid wants to wear a tie or not every girl wants to wear the christmas dress. Some would be happier wearing a hoody. That’s what matters. Everyone should be comfortable in what they wear and be comfortable with what each other is wearing, the expressions on the faces are what matter. Let the silliness take over, it is truly only so long that kids will show their silly side.” If everyone is comfortable and having fun, their personalities will truly shine through.
During the fall, you can take advantage of leaves and use them to enhance your photo experience. “We love to play so having a leaf fight is great as long as everyone is aware of the most important rule, no throwing in the face, throw the leaves up instead.” No one wants to end up with cold, wet leaves on their faces on family photo day. You still may want want to bring a change of clothes in case the leaf fight gets a little out of hand.
Finding the right lighting can be extremely important when out on a photo shoot and it’s important to trust your photographer that they know what they are doing. Remember they are seeing things from a completely different perspective. “Lighting wise, the best thing you can do is stand in front of a tree not under it, under will result in a shadowed face. You will want to look up at the canopy, find an opening of light and get under that.”
Shanna says she really finds the parks around town to be a great backdrop. And with so many to choose from, you’re sure to find just the perfect spot. She says Priest Point and Tolmie State Park are popular spots but you can also create great pictures at somewhere like Saint Martin’s University. “You just have to look and you will find great places. It doesn’t have to be extremely grand, look for little spots and huddle around it.”
Taking family photos can be a great way to bring everyone together and get outdoors in our community no matter where you end up. It’s a time to put down the phones, turn off the television and enjoy the Olympia area for all it has to offer while creating lifelong memories.
Thrifty Thurston highlights inexpensive family fun in Thurston County. The weekly series focuses on family-friendly activities throughout our community. If you have a suggestion for a post, send us a note at submit@thurstontalk.com. For more events and to learn what’s happening in Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater and the surrounding area, visit our complete event calendar.
