Capturing families is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job. There aren’t many things more enjoyable than sharing unique moments of happiness with people that care about each other. No matter the occasion, it’s pretty cool to look at pictures I’ve taken and remember the aura of the moment. Even though I may not be a part of your togetherness, I wanted to share some Easter photography ideas with you.
This Time of Year is Special to Me.
In America, Easter Sunday is one of the biggest family holidays of the year. Because of this, it’s also one of the most photographed. With spring in the air, everyone enjoys spending time outdoors before the heat wave arrives. The flowers are blossoming, the grass is green again and the Mississippi weather is amazing!
I’ve always enjoy dressing up my daughters in new and colorful sundress and decking out the boys in baby blue. Looking our best is something I don’t take for granted. We have a lot to be thankful for. While family activities often take center stage on Easter, nothing compares to the love that was sent from above. So before you get caught up in making memories, be sure to stop and pause for the risen King.
Planning An Easter Sunday Photo-Shoot.
As I’ve mentioned before, the most difficult aspect of family photography is gathering everyone together. When everyone lives close, there are endless Easter photography ideas. But none of them will work unless everybody is on the same page. Even if your Sunday afternoon is pretty structured with tradition, getting organized is key. This is where a professional photographer can really come in handy.
Asking one to join you for a few hours is usually worth the investment. Managing an Easter egg hunt at the park or hosting a backyard smorgasbord is enough in itself. Why not free up your hands in exchange for some quality memories? Even without a script or shot-list, candid moments on Easter always turn out amazing.
Focal Points for Easter Sunday.
Hiring someone may even give you an opportunity to snap a few graduation portraits as well. Either way, having a few Easter photography ideas to run with never hurts. So here are a few more:
1. Color Coordinate the Entire Family.
Easter baskets are one of my favorite props when it comes to Easter photography ideas. Matching them with your kid’s outfits really makes your pictures pop! While settings and placement are important, color coordinating things can be super rewarding. So, if you’re planning on purchasing some new outfits, try to give everyone a primary color.
1. Take Kid Close Ups With Easter Goodies.
One of my favorite times of the day is watching the kids dig into their baskets. This usually provides a multitude of expressions and shades of excitement. Stuffed animals get strangled and faces and fingers normally end up smeared in chocolate or lollipop drool. Needless to say, there are plenty of Easter photography ideas worth trying – even if you don’t have a bunny suit!
2. Try Focusing on the Seeking AND the Hiding.
On Easter Sunday, many of us spend a lot of time capturing the egg hunt – and rightfully so! But it doesn’t mean you can’t get some great photos of the adults hiding them! You could even turn it into a competition. It’s guaranteed to bring out some laughter and smiles. Again, authentic shots usually end up being the best photos.
3. Find Authentic Moments With Special People.
Most photographers offer “point and shoot” services – but action shots and candid conversations tend to be a lot more engaging! Having someone capture everyone walking out of church or enjoying lunch together rarely disappoints. Even asking your children to walk in nature, chase a butterfly or interact on a park bench also works well.
4. Find Something Else to Enhance the Fun!
Looking for additional activities while everyone is together is also a good idea during Easter. A good ole fashioned scavenger hunt only adds to the fun – for all ages! Structuring the game and utilizing backdrops and check points will give you plenty of opportunities for quality portraits. Just remember, not everything will appeal to everyone. The idea is to capture everyone’s personality in their own element.
For example, my oldest son used to like smashing his eggs. His sister delicately preserved hers. Getting them both in one picture was priceless. Different angles and vantage points also add perspective to your photos. One year, I photographed the bottom of my son’s shoe as he stepped away from a crushed pink egg on the ground. I’ll always remember that day because of the photo.
5. Simple Set Ups Never Hurt Nobody.
There’s never any harm in setting up a little photoshoot for a child or even for a gathering. This is especially true when a nearby spot is perfect for such! Sometimes, grabbing a wooden bar stool and a flower arrangement is enough. Let the attire do the talkin’. We have a solid wood and iron stand that works perfect for place, point and shoot sessions on Easter. Just remember to avoid direct sunlight.
More Tips for Easter Sunday Photos.
- Always take advantage when it’s cloudy. Most Easter gatherings occur after church in the middle of the day. So you’ll want to avoid the shine and squinting of direct sunlight with some type of shade. Also, when people wear sun glasses, it hides the emotions of the eyes. If you’re able, take as many pictures as you can during sunrises, early morning or dusk (golden hour).
- Change Easter up a little. If you just go to church as a routine, maybe you could try praying together to thank God for sending His Son to die for your sins. In most cases, the Holy Spirit will move. Having a barbecue and games with prizes to honor the risen Savior can be a unique way to spend the holiday with family and friends. It’s sure to create some new moments worth capturing.
- One of the best Easter photography ideas is to stop by a beautiful backdrop after lunch together. The natural landscape or a local joint could be good for a few smiles. Darker green and brown backdrops always look great with everyone wearing bright colors!
- Start your own family tradition! You could talk everyone into getting a headshot with a group photo every year so you have something to compare to down the road.
How I Approach Natural Easter Photos.
When I’m looking to capture authentic moments, I do my best to avoid directing. I like to hide behind the lens and blend in without being too obvious. In some cases, you can find me around deeper conversations and away from most of the action. When a child knows the camera is on them, they usually don’t act very natural.
When I’m photographing an Easter egg hunt, most of my focus is on faces. Since I’m dealing with a lot of moving targets, it’s hard to get everyone in focus. Finding someone that’s reaching, thinking or rejoicing is where it’s at!
Group shots are usually the most difficult. Getting everyone’s attention and focus is not as easy as it may seem. So I like to see how I can get everyone to interact or look at someone to their left without smiling. This tends to preserve some amazing expressions. Either way, if you hire me in the Memphis area, just be ready to smile on cue. 🙂
Either way, I hope these Easter photography ideas helped you solidify your day!
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