I am not a photographer and I do not have a fancy camera. I don't know what kind of camera I have but it has several settings that, over the years, I've learned to use to my advantage. I've attended two graduations in a large stadium and have managed to get the best, most close up and detailed pictures from up in the stands. I've also done "mini" photoshoots for my son and a friend. I've got a knack for capturing children being natural and incognito picture taking. I've gotten some awesome candids when people had no idea the camera was on, pointed at them, and clicking. I learned some of my "tricks" by reading some photography blogs and books. I've never actually bought a book, just flipped through one at the bookstore. Usually I go looking for something specific, pick up some tip, try and try again until I'm satisfied with the result. Then implement it whenever it seems appropriate.
So there was a family event in which I was invited. I have grown fond of my phone's camera and with my son being older there aren't as many opportunities for "cute" pictures since he is more aware and usually spots me taking the picture. But the night before the party my wife gets a text message asking if I could bring my camera and take pictures of the party!
There was a little bit of panic. My camera takes 2 AA batteries and eats them up quite fast these days. Yes, it is so outdated that it uses actual batteries. And we did not have any. So I bought some batteries and went home and didn't think much of it.
Until I did.
I have never been asked to take pictures. I've always just showed up with my camera and snapped away here and there. If it's a party type of event with people I don't know or don't know well, I stick to the friends and family I do know well. Why would I want pictures of strangers anyway? But there was never a purpose to it other than "oh, this is neat! Let me snap!" I had to make sure I captured the details, the themed food and decorations, the guest of honour, all their friends and family regardless of whether I know them or not. I don't know how to do this! I'm not a photographer!! I'm just a mom that snaps a camera!
The guest of honour is was a family member that is dear to me and I knew that even though many people would be taking pictures they would all be doing what I usually do, just taking random pictures here and there. I wanted to do my best to capture this special occasion for her so that she has some nice memories to look back on for years to come.
We arrived about two hours before the time on the invitation. It's at a family member's house so it's no big deal. I wanted to get there and try to figure out a plan before guests arrived. I've never done this before and I didn't have time to google any tips for taking pictures at events. I start looking around and many things are already set up but many things are not. I take out the camera and start test shooting.
I created our gift for the event and am quite proud of how it turned out. I start by taking pictures of that using different settings to see what will give me the best results with the current light. I then snap a trinket here and a oddity there. I wander outside to the main party area and start snapping. Centre pieces, tables, banners, decorations, my wife. I always sneak in pictures of my wife, I find her so beautiful and photogenic, especially when she isn't aware of the camera.
There are two seating areas, one on the patio with patio furniture and several tables under a roofed gathering area with folding chairs. There is plenty of space to move around. I put down my camera and help finish the set up. When the guests begin arriving I'll take more pictures.
Sure enough, people start arriving and I'm snapping away. There are people there that I know are special to the host and guest of honour and make an extra effort to capture them enjoying the party. There is someone that has recently been battling cancer and I want to make sure I get her, she made a very special effort to show up.
I need to pick up the naturalness of the interactions between people and I don't know how to do that when I'm not at the table with them. I sit on the patio and face the roofed area with the tables. I point. I look down at the preview window and it's dark. I click anyway. I zoom in. I point. I click. I'll have to do the best I can from here. Then I stand up and chose the furthest table. Point. Click. Repeat. Internally I am hoping I am getting at least one good picture.
The food begins to be brought out: pastries, fruit, desserts. All themed. All photographed. I take several pictures of each with different settings. I hope one is good enough to be edited and look good. Cake, cupcakes, and more goodies. Actual food too. Themed plates and napkins. Lets not forget the guest of honour.
I spend hours with the camera in my hand, mostly standing, mostly taking pictures. I am asked to take some group pictures and I sneak in more of my wife and my son. I also capture some fun and games, some priceless interaction. There is a mother/daughter playful moment that I happen to be a couple of feet away from. I am excited over that.
The sun starts setting and I know my incognito picture taking time is up. The lighting is no longer good enough for my camera and I will have to use the flash. My picture taking slows down due to this limitation as well as departing guests and I am able to socialise a little more. My batteries die at one point and it becomes easier to use my wife's camera. Her's is a much newer camera but I have yet to figure it out well. But since it is night and we need the flash anyway, the auto setting with the flash is good enough.
2 cameras, 3 memory cards, 6 AA batteries, and 9 hours later we head home with almost 450 pictures. The next day will be spent editing these pictures and picking the best for posting and I hope I will not disappoint.
I didn't.
No comments:
Post a Comment