by
Whitney Hubbard,
Staff
Photographer
It's almost Thanksgiving! When your friends and family come together for this special day, you'll want to be sure to bring the camera out and capture the day. I've compiled a list of DOs and DON'Ts to help you take the best pictures of the holiday!
DO bring your camera into the kitchen! Some of my favorite memories of my grandmother take place in the kitchen on Thanksgiving as I helped her bake, baste and boil. Bring out your camera for some of these rarely photographed, behind-the-scenes shots, and make those memories last forever!
DON'T be careless with your camera in the kitchen. Kitchens are mazes of varied temperatures and messy substances, and these can be very hazardous to your camera. Be mindful of where you point and place your camera so that it will not be damaged. Besides, you won't win the favor of the cook if you get in their way while they work!
DO take pictures of the table settings and food once it's all laid out! All that hard work and preparation in the kitchen leads up to a beautiful spread on your dining room table. Why not capture some shots of the feast in all it's splendor, before your family starts to enjoy it?
DON'T take pictures of people while they eat. Most people don't like to be depicted with a fork in their mouth, as those shots are rarely flattering. Take a break, enjoy your meal, and wait until everyone is finished before you begin shooting again.
DO watch for great candid moments! Grandpa napping on the couch after he's finished his meal? The kids playing football in the front yard as the sun begins to set? Your aunts in the living room, chatting over a shared pot of tea? These are wonderful memories worth keeping - why not sneak some pictures when no one is looking?
DON'T forget to join in the fun! You don't have to be a photojournalist all day long. Put your camera down and join the kids in the yard. Take a nap with Grandpa. Grab a tea cup and chat with your aunts. Thanksgiving is an opportunity to be grateful for your family, so be sure to spend plenty of time with them!
DO plan a Thanksgiving album! There are so many cute scrapbook kits with special decorations for every holiday. This year, try planning an album of the pictures you take! You can even get the family involved - have everyone make a page of their own. It's a great creative activity, and it's a much better way to view your pictures than on a tiny camera or computer screen!
DON'T leave your pictures on the camera and never print them out! As it gets closer to the end of the year, take some time to clean up your computer and get your camera organized. Get your Thanksgiving pictures organized and ready before the hectic holiday shopping season begins. Make a list of what needs to be printed, and get it done! You'll feel better having your pictures in hand, where everyone can enjoy them!
Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you all make a lot of wonderful memories this year!
