Tips for photographing special occasions – Concordia, Missouri Photographer

There are so many programs and events this time of year, I thought I would provide some tips for photographing those special occasions. Many of these tips can be used year round, and not just for holiday festivities.

Graduations and Christmas Programs

I don’t have any children of my own (human children, I do have a fur baby), but I love going to watch my nephews school programs. His preschool puts on a little concert before Christmas break. Last year, they all made gingerbread houses that they were able to decorate the stage with.

Whenever I am at his programs, I’m not afraid to move around a get a batter angle or view. His programs are usually small, and I understand this isn’t an option for everyone. If I am not able to move around I try to find a seat higher up. I also make sure to bring a long lens with me so I can still get nice, tight shots.

For church programs, I enjoy sitting in the balcony and moving towards the front corner. This way, I’m not obstructing anyone else’s view, but still able to get a good shot of the kiddos.

Graduations are definitely at the top of the special occasions list. I have two cousins graduating from college this month, and I am sad I won’t be able to watch them walk across the stage. I use a lot of the same ideas when attending a graduation as I do one of Squirt’s programs. A long lens is always helpful because we can’t all sit in the front row.

Christmas Parties and Family Gatherings

I love to capture photos of the everyday. At the same time, though, I really want to be present and not behind my camera during the entire event. I try to capture a few candid photos of people talking, or the little ones playing. Then, I set a limit for myself. I will allow myself a certain amount of time to capture some of the highlights from the gathering, and then I want to be involved.

Capturing the candid moments is important, but not at the expense of looking back and realizing the only memories you have from the day is capturing everyone else’s. Be a part of the day. Then when you look back at the photos later, not only will you remember what was happening during those photos, but how you were involved in making the cookies, or playing with the little ones.

Don’t forget to include yourself in a few photos

One way to also be included in some photos during these special occasions would be to use a tripod. There are a couple different settings you can use to accomplish this. One would be a remote. When I use a remote, I also put the camera on a delay so that after I push the button, I have time to put the remote out of sight. You can also do this with a timer and delay if you don’t have a remote. I suggest having the camera capture 2 or 3 shots each time to reduce the amount of back and forth between you and the tripod.

Another option is to use the continual shooting setting. Put the camera on a tripod, and choose how far apart you’d like your pictures to be, like 1 minute. The camera will then take a photo every minute for the duration of the setting. This is great for opening gifts Christmas morning, or even just playing with your family.

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