What Professionals Know About Photography
In your journey toward creative family photography, here is the definitive list of things most pros know that the average mom or dad with a camera might not.
They know their gear inside and out.
Can find, or create, light and know how to use it.
The use of post-production to enhance images.
Hong Kong Family
As a photographer in Hong Kong for families, obviously I’ve taken a lot of photos. But many pros don’t have a distinct style or passion for photography. It helps to love what you do, but it’s not a job requirement. I’ve met parents who have more of a love of photography than some pros, but they got stuck at the gate trying to get the basics down. You can’t pick up a camera once a month at best and expect inspired results.
That’s why when you hire a pro; they get more great photos of your kids in an hour than you do in a year.
BBut some of the best photographers I know are hobbyists, so it’s absolutely possible to become highly accomplished. Remember, taking portraits is 10% about gear, max. The rest of it is working with the light (or creating light), finding nice compositions, and most critically, working with the subjects to get them relaxed. For some reason I find working with kids easy. (I’m the eldest of six kids. )
With family photography in particular, there are a <very> few things you need to understand. This is all I use in my day-to-day job as a Hong Kong Family Photographer.
Camera and lenses
How to control depth of field and freeze motion
Looking for and using light
Location ideas and considerations.
Activities and situations to photograph.
How to keep it all fun
During the lockdown I wrote the Ultimate Guide Kids Photography for Parents: Never Say Cheese: How to Take Great Photos of Your Kids (And Why You Should)
It’s everything you need to know about this style of photography, for ten bucks.
Keeping Photo Sessions Fun and Moving Along is All Important
