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Note: Tutorial created using Adobe Photoshop CS2 with Windows XP.
One of the goals of scrapbooking is to tell the story of the ones you love. But, what do you do when one of your loved ones doesn’t like to be photographed? There are many reasons for camera-shyness, especially with our spouses. But, the key (to everything you do together) is to make them feel comfortable and natural while doing it.
Fortunately, I have a husband who likes to be in pictures. I think it’s because (1) he likes to be with me and (2) we’ve found ways to make it fun and fitting to our personalities. Here are some personal, practical suggestions that may encourage your loved ones – and you - to smile and have fun in front of the camera.
Embrace the “arm-extension” method. This is one of my personal favorite ways to take a photograph with my husband. It is exactly what it sounds like: extend your arm to take the photograph. It’s not professional, but it sure is fun. With your loved one beside you, stick out your arm, turn the camera towards you and smile! Not only will this casual, impromptu moment surely cause some spontaneous fun and laughter, but the close-up factor can easily create a sense of intimacy in your photos, too.
To fit both people in the frame, you have to get really close, so cuddle up! Sometimes, when we turn the camera on ourselves, we experiment with sweet poses, serious poses and silly poses. Sometimes, we get photos of only the tops of our heads or all of one person and none of the other. Like with any other hobby, our aim only gets better with practice. Not every photo is a winner (nor has to be) but every moment sure is.
Try a tripod. One of the coolest, often underrated, tools for photography is not the camera, but what it rests on: the tripod. You know, it’s that three-legged camera stand that you don’t like to set up or may not even own. A sturdy tripod can be purchased for a very reasonable price.
My friends Peter and Monika are professionals at using the tripod to set up very personal photos in the most natural and meaningful ways. They prop the tripod, set the camera’s timer and run to pose themselves in a natural walk, embrace or any other pose they would normally be doing in that scene. Who has to know that it was set up? Even though they had to pose for that shot, when someone sees the final photo, that’s not what they’re thinking about. They’re thinking, “Wow, look at how sweet you two are sitting together on that park bench.” The idea is to be yourself, even if you have to pose for it. What you don’t want is to pose in a way that in not true to yourself.
Give the camera to someone else. We scrapbookers have a common problem of always being behind the camera and not in front of it. Mix things up and hand the camera to your child, friend or a nearby stranger. Depending on who you ask, you may get some very interesting results.
Our friend, who lives near the mountains, took this photo with careful attention to the awesome surroundings. We wouldn’t have gotten this great shot without her help or her appreciation for nature.
Let them be. Instead of waiting for that “perfect” moment or posing in an awkward, unfamiliar pose, have fun catching your loved ones and yourself in normal, everyday moments. Whether it’s fixing cars, cooking dinner or playing on the floor with the kids, your spouse has something he or she enjoys. Pick up the camera when this naturally happens and, if possible, make yourself part of the picture.
Focus on details. If your spouse is just adamant about not being photographed, negotiate sweetly and keenly for a photograph of even a part of them. Whether it’s a picture of hands holding, feet resting or shadows sitting, details can tell as much, and as little, of the real story as you want. In the photo above, can’t you just tell these two enjoyed a relaxing day together?
I hope that these tidbits encourage you to find new opportunities and ways to have fun photographing yourself with loved ones. Don’t worry about getting that perfect photo. Sometimes, it’s those imperfect ones that tell the story best of all. Enjoy your time together!
Layout by Thao Cosgrove
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Tutorial written by Thao Cosgrove
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