Photo Tip :: Capturing The Moment

In honor of the holiday here in the states today that my husband lovingly calls ' America Day', I wanted to share some of the tips I have about capturing the moment. I think sometimes this is what I have the most trouble with, but looking back, the photos I have from our get togethers in our home in Cincinnati are priceless. Here are some of my most prized photos, although maybe not the most artistic, and how I got to taking them.

 

Tripods Are Wonderful
Setting up a tripod at parties early in the night has always been a successful and fun thing to do. My friend Alyson and I began doing it, and not only did the photos usually turn out well, but it was a fun activity that usually entertained quite a few of us.

Details of the Moment
Focusing on small things that are important to the moment are wonderful. They don't picture the exact moment, but can evoke a feeling and memory. Above is my friend's winning ticket from a Kentucky derby party.

There is Nothing Wrong With a Good Mirror Shot
I'm not sure why the only photos I have of my friends from  college Leah and Maggie and I together are mirror shots in bathrooms, but that's what is so perfect about it. Any slight downtime where you can actually remember to take the camera out, do it. Don't worry about the setting so much as the fact you are remembering to capture the moment.

Be A Creeper

Seriously, sometimes a good shot during a get together requires you to just snap away at people. Taking shots from different angles or across rooms can be really fun and result in lovely photos.

Don't Lie

Some of the funniest, greatest photos from family vacations are the ones where we look tired and bored, because it's telling. Taking photos of the not so great parts can actually make them better! And they are hilarious to look back on.

Take A Moment

The most important thing about capturing the moment is actually taking that moment to do so. It's actually an argument my husband and I have constantly about how I take away from 'being in the moment' by taking photos of it. I disagree - some of my best moments were made even better by taking the moment to take the photos. This last photo was taken while randomly driving around Atlanta and deciding to get off on an exit called international something because it sounded like Epcot. It wasn't, it was a strange place, but we took a moment to place our camera on the top of the car and pose.

Happy 4th of July - enjoy it!