Monday's Musing - Photographing Special Events

Well, this may not be a usual Monday's Musings, but since I've missed a couple of weeks of Friday Photo Tips, I thought I'd add them here in order to help you with the upcoming holidays. 

If you're blessed to have family around for Christmas or Hanukkah, I'd love to help you capture some special moments. And once again, every picture doesn't have to be ready for the National Geographic Contest. 

Recently, my daughter and son-in-law graduated college. Yay! It was a great graduation with a speaker who understood the value of short, sweet, and to the point. Even though it was short, his charge was powerful. Then, the students got to cross the stage and graduate. 


The president of the university hugged each and every student. Here is my son-in-law receiving his graduation hug. I like this shot because it shows the president and his personality. You get the feel of the ceremony and formality of the occasion. 



Here's my daughter heading back to her seat. Even though the lighting was tough, I love her profile. Again, this picture captures the "feel" of the event. 




After the ceremony was over, we headed to a little reception. But on the way, I took shots of them with family and professors. I had to take some shots on the fly. This is my husband congratulating our son-in-law. Notice there are people in the background. While I normally suggest trying to crop out others in the picture, there were so many people everywhere celebrating that it added to the mood of the moment. But, the focus of the photo is still my hubby and son-in-law.





Here are my two girls. Again, there are some people in the background. But that's okay. They're pretty blurred so they don't detract from my daughters.  






But as you're documenting an event, try and get overall shots. As we were walking, I got ahead of my daughter and hubby and took a shot of them walking. I loved how they were arm in arm. And their smiles. 

So as you take shots when you have family home, get some overall shots. Then move in closer. Take interesting shots of the presents, or lights, or food! Our memories fade in time, and you can use your camera to capture the mood and the people you want to remember. 


As we celebrate the birth of Christ and spend time with family, may you be blessed. 

Merry Christmas! 

Which shots do you like?

Tell me what interesting shots you've taken! 

Hope these tips help! 

Keep on clicking!