Travelling overseas can be fun but also stressful, especially if you are planning to include family photo sessions. There are a few tips to help you organise more effectively when it comes to photographing your family members, including research, recce, having the right equipment, and knowing your subjects well. Read on to find out.

1. Understand the country’s culture

Some places in Japan ban selfie sticks, while public displays of affection in UAE could get you arrested. Understand the culture of the city by doing a little research and make sure that you know what is considered as a taboo in that place.

2. Go for a quick recce if possible

Having your family members wait restlessly at the spot while you try to get organised can be frustrating for everyone. It is ideal, whenever convenient, to have a quick recce of the shoot location before you bring your family down. For example, if you are staying at a beach resort, go for a walk along the beach and find the best spot before organising the family photoshoot.

3. Use the right equipment for the occasion

Smartphone camera is a great tool but with a proper camera, you can capture even more details, better colours, and higher resolution images that let you crop without losing image quality. The Canon EOS 1500D is equipped with a 24.1-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, fast and accurate auto-focus for sharp images, and ISO 100-6400 to let you shoot clear photos even at night or under low light conditions. Couple that a versatile EF S18-55mm IS II kit lens and you’ll be good to go!

4. Avoid the midday sun

One of the useful tips for portrait shoots is to avoid shooting at noon. It is when the light is the harshest and the most unflattering on our faces because of deep shadows and overexposure. Opt for early morning or late afternoon for a softer glow and a more beautiful family portrait.

5. Focus on the person instead of the landmark

We are often distracted by the amazing landmarks we see when we are at a foreign place. By gathering your family members in front of the famous landmark for a family shot, you are splitting the focus between them and say, the Eiffel Tower or the Taj Mahal. Remember, the focus is on your family, and less of the landmark. Practise the rule of thirds and make sure the people occupy two-thirds of the shot.

You can download a copy of this infographic here!

 

---

---