Thanksgiving is a special time to reflect upon everything for which we give thanks. It also has become the most popular holiday for families to reunite and spend a long weekend eating, reminiscing and enjoying each other's company. So documenting the events for the family photo album should be a high priority. To make the special moments memorable, try these tips:
1. Get everyone together Regardless of the number of visiting relatives, make sure you get some whole-group photos. Create an arrangement of people that looks clean and organized. If it's a large group, build layers wherein some people are seated on the ground, some are kneeling and some are standing. Take into account size, place and color harmony of clothing. An outdoor photo made in a scenic location can yield a great shot, if it's not sleeting.
2. Look for candid moments The focus of Thanksgiving is your family, so candid shots of the cooks, helpers and special moments of the young ones make great keepsakes. People tend to congregate in the kitchen or in front of the TV, so try to capture all who are there as they interact. If nothing interesting is going on, try "posed candids." Ask your subjects to give each other a big bear hug or do something funny. Then capture the smiles and happiness on their faces.
3. Don't forget the table Dining room tables are adorned with holiday decor. Don't overlook them as photo subjects. More than likely, the dining room will be lit by traditional, incandescent light bulbs. Combined with the light from the candles on the table, a beautiful warm tone will appear in your pictures. Leave the white balance set for outdoors on your digital camera. Try adding a bit of fill flash so the shadow areas show detail.
4. Set the scene A group snapshot around the table or serving area makes a great Thanksgiving photo. When you're done recording the dining area, invite all the guests to join in around the table. With the camera on a tripod, set the self-timer so you'll be able to include yourself. Take several shots to make sure there's one in which everyone's eyes are open and all the subjects have pleasing expressions. Try adding flash to put a twinkle in everyone's eyes.
5. Capture the fun moments After the meal or sometimes before, families go out and do something special. Be sure to bring the camera along to document the activity, event, outing or whatever else it might be. Wait for a decisive moment before getting the picture. It could be a warm smile, a hug, something funny or any other action that compels you to make the image.
