Camera Settings for Portrait Photography - Family Photography

[@esquared.photography]

What do you struggle with the most when it comes to family photos? Camera settings or posing? Comment below. Make sure to check out this video for a more in-depth look on camera settings - kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn_ZeoGwa5urerM

[@stefie4545]

Hello! Thank you for this video, it was very helpful. I have a question? Do you use ONE SHOT, AI FOCUS of AI SERVO when shooting a family with children?

[@ClaudiaGoodwin]

I’d love to see behind the scenes of shoots with you being mic’ed so we can hear how you interact with families and pose them! Of all ages and amounts of people!

[@esquared.photography]

Claudia Goodwin love this idea!!!

[@westrayc75]

Stefie Vanleeuwen same question @e- squared

[@liltr3ay]

I'm new and learning, so I've been learning focus areas. My question is, if there's a group of 4+, why is it better to use center area instead of wide? Because wide will place the green focus dots on several faces right?

[@BigFish2023]

Out of all the darn videos on KZbin showing us how to keep everyone focus. Your video was the best explained and easy to Follow. thank you!!!

[@esquared.photography]

Aw!! Yay. Thanks much

[@CruellaDeMille]

Great info for a refresher!

[@AaliyahE69]

I watched & studied this video over the weekend for my FIRST family session of 12 people! I was so so nervous. I only had a 50mm, which you two mention a 55mm so I’m like eh gotta work with what I have! Lol but with following all your steps and using the accurate camera setting, I had such an AMAZING shoot today!!! Everyone LOVED their photos. I am so proud and thankful for this video! Helped a lot

[@esquared.photography]

Yes yes yessssssss

[@ClaudiaGoodwin]

Okay I am not joking, I have watched hundreds of videos about shooting in manual and I never understood when to change my f-stop when people gave ranges.... you guys are incredible for explaining the plane of field!! Something that be seem super simple to most photographers can go right over others heads!

[@esquared.photography]

Claudia Goodwin yay!! I’m glad you got it! It can be so overwhelming for sure!

[@donttalktome8047]

Omg .this was so helpful since all of the other videos are just so confusing ..thank you

[@esquared.photography]

May Claudine Estoy oh we are so glad it was helpful!!! Thank you.

[@amproductions_video]

This video was so helpful! I am a videographer wanting to expand my knowledge in photography. This was a perfect exploration when addressing manual settings!! Thanks so much!! 👍🏾 👍🏾 ❤

[@BadgerMushroom2]

I’ve watched thousands upon thousands of videos to brush up with new tips and tricks, but I’ve got to say something about this particular video: leave it to two amazing moms to perfectly explain manual settings to a new photographer! Fantastic video, simply beautiful!

[@esquared.photography]

Thank you so much

[@magdaelenapacheco586]

I have a d750 just shooting pics for my child. Well ive been struggling with focusing both my husband and my baby and now I understand why.. thank you!!!

[@Libbylou-bq1xs]

This by far has been the most informative video for what I needed! I struggle with trying to shoot wide open and then forgetting to change my f stop when subjects start moving around for more candid photos

[@LeonardAguilar3686]

Good tip about increasing the aperture with the increase in number of people, need to remember the depth of field!

[@drw6848]

I've struggled with focus for a long time, this is good information

[@florafae]

I'm a flower/plant photographer who typically only takes macro shots. Today I have a request to take my friends family photos! (Which they were just going to take on their phones). I've taken good single portraits before, never a whole group so that made me nervous 🥲 I got my notes from this video and now I'm excited!!! Thank you so much for sharing these recommendations ❤️

[@Space-raven]

Double the lens length omg that’s brilliant. Thank you

[@SarahWoods-jm9ex]

I absolutely love these videos! Thank you so much

[@BobbieHalle]

Thank you for sharing these videos they are very helpful.

[@donnydeya]

Litterally the best video on KZbin on how to get everyone in focus, direct to the point! Thank you so much!

[@esquared.photography]

❤️❤️🙌

[@andrewm_.]

This is the best I’ve seen so far! The f-stop makes so much sense!

[@esquared.photography]

Awesome!!! Thank you :)

[@helenejones6223]

I always had problem with nice clear crisp images until i started watching you ladies thank you so much my Christmas pictures are great thanks so much

[@coloradowing8518]

Thanks a ton. I retired from aerospace last August and want to revive/renew my portrait photography business. Even the background images on the wall helped me realize I want my portrait images to be light and bright, not so contrasty. You also reminded me of something I learned many years ago...aperture depends on number of people and where they're placed. Same plane or with front & back rows. Regardless, gotta keep the shutter speed fast enough to remove any motion blur. Yea, people move! 🙂 And they Talk and Laugh too with family, so I usually use a tripod just in case you have to swap a head. Just found you two. BTW, slight accent depicts upper midwest, like Wisconsin or so.

[@starladaniel8629]

I have been trying to find a photography video that actually pinpoints where the actual camera focal point would go directly on the subject in the photo! Thank you! I would love to still see a visual of the pinpoint focal spot on the subject as well.

[@febinrockzz5]

Seen like 5 videos about this topic, and this is the only best, most simple and we'll explained video out there

[@brookea9936]

This was so helpful as I start to do family photography. Can't wait to watch more of your videos!

[@karenm853]

Love you guys. As an event and Senior / individual portrait , o appreciate your family candid videos ! Thank you

[@karenm853]

I meant *as an event and senior /individual portrait photographer, I appreciate your BTS family videos !

[@houshangaghassy8578]

You guys awsm in short time you give us a lot info without jumping here and there. Wounderful job thank you .

[@lorenacastellano9713]

I’m doing my first family session soon and this video was SOO helpful! Thank you so much for sharing this information!

[@esquared.photography]

So good to hear!!!! Good luck!

[@charlesmorgan8168]

Thank you for the information,I’ll be doing my first large family session in a couple weeks. I really enjoy your videos

[@observantrider5775]

Best video I have ever seen. Thank you so much! You ladies are rock! 💚💚

[@lindastirling8451]

Great information and to the point, may have been taken 3 years ago however still valuable content. Thank you for simplifying everything.

[@Nattali88]

This is for real , the best video with VERY VERY useful tips!!! Thank you ❤

[@paulrichards3989]

Very useful information thanks

[@amandapotgieter8161]

Hi there. Thank you so much. This is going to help me sooo much. Absolutely love you guys!

[@esquared.photography]

Thank YOU!!

[@breeandbabies4402]

Why doesn’t your channel have more followers ???? This was amazing! Thank you for the help.

[@esquared.photography]

Thank you so much!!

[@shantalcopeland9542]

thank you so much for that extra! my question was going to be about where to focus!

[@markmorales2576]

You guys are amazing! Its the bonuses and activity sheets for me

[@esquared.photography]

Thanks!!

[@Shadow_T3am]

So helpful!! Thank you!! I struggle most with the focal point and making sure my f-stop is high enough to not blur the subjects!!

[@esquared.photography]

You are welcome!!!

[@amberbuckel5979]

Can you go over the actual camera settings for metering, focus mode, and area mode? I’m stuck on that

[@esquared.photography]

Great idea!

[@BigFish2023]

I agree 👍

[@dvil51]

Great video and thank you for putting the information on the screen, it was really helpful

[@lydiam9273]

This was so helpful, especially about what f-stop to use for family size.

[@esquared.photography]

We are so glad!!

[@tonyrajan5120]

Your video was perfect with not too much blabber to the point and perfect. Loved it. Keep going.

[@autumngatlin]

I have most trouble with Shutter speed but this video was so helpful. Thank you both!

[@Isaypreach]

This is soooo helpful thank u. Im doing my first family photoshoot this Saturday. Thank u

[@cenalanier6703]

Great video, love the step by step walk through.

[@frannemeth8151]

Great video. Short and sweet but a lot of information. Thanks!

[@HarshanPushpakumara]

i am new to the whole family portrait photoshoot scenario and I learned a great deal of information with this video.. Thank you for both of you!

[@michaelrc6282]

Great video. Thank you for all the tips 🙌🏼. I think it can also help to purchase a reflector especially if the subject is back lit. This can help avoid having to increase iso and risking noise in the picture.

[@meloche1syndrome]

I didn't know about the expodisc, but i just ordered one. Thank you

[@esquared.photography]

Yay!!! Awesome. Let us know if you ever have questions. You can always DM us on IG. Thanks!!

[@meloche1syndrome]

@@esquared.photography dropped a follow. If i have any questions, I'll be sure to ask! ❤️👍 Thank you so much

[@daniellesparks3835]

Thank you so much this was great information

[@shaeashley8907]

This was so helpful thank you both. I just got my camera for Christmas and am really excited to start learning how to use it.

[@esquared.photography]

Amazing!!!

[@shack109]

Very helpful, thank you! As soon as you said "so" I said these girls are from MN or WI. I was right, I'm just down the road from you in Clear Lake.

[@esquared.photography]

Haha that is awesome!!

[@genemetz1945]

I use a Canon 80D with an EF-S 18-135mm Kit Lens and an EF-S 60mm USM - Most of the time I just do Automatic SCN Portrait mode.

[@99eribear]

Thank you for the settings and step by step. Do a posing video and 'How to interact with kids who are hard to shoot'.

[@esquared.photography]

Eri Bear we just shot a behind the scenes of one tonight!!

[@haiderhusain9964]

Best thing about your presentation is that you give work sheet to make things more understandable and easy

[@esquared.photography]

Wahoo!!

[@gideoncrowmusic2335]

Thank you so soooooo so much for this, today is my first family portrait session 🤗 and this video helped a lot

[@esquared.photography]

Yasssss!!!! So glad

[@deewonda1952]

Your family session videos are GREAT!! How do you tell a family what to wear? Especially, on cooler fall days? Thank you!!

[@marcela_eslao]

Thank you! Great teaching and explaining!

[@haiderhusain9964]

Nice crispy presentation. it has resolve basic problems regarding family photos which I was thinking how to solve .hope I will do better next time. stay blessed

[@popjunki]

My biggest struggle are the shutter speed and ISO. Specially in night shooting with many moving people like group shots. I really want to be able to get a crisp image, daylight or night. I have another shoot next week at golden hour just mom and toddler son. Hoping for the best! Thanks for the video it is really helpful

[@esquared.photography]

Awesome!! Good luck. If it gets too dark bump the iso up and even turn them to face the sun to brighten their faces. ❤️

[@popjunki]

@@esquared.photography thank you, will do!!

[@carlamayfield6617]

Thank you, thank you, I found this video tremendously helpful. Now that I have found your channel, I will be watching your previous videos and hope to understand more. I also have to find a channel that helps me understand the workings of my camera. I have been given a Nikon d7100 and am a bit intimidated by all the different selections it offers. I am excited to learn more and am happy to have found you.

[@esquared.photography]

Great!! We are nikon shooters. Hopefully we have some tips that will help you

[@carlamayfield6617]

You use Nikon also, yes!! I may be asking elemental questions, I really want to learn my camera and be proficient with it.

[@lupearroyo588]

Loved this video! So easy to understand!

[@esquared.photography]

Lupe Arroyo thank you!! So glad

[@lakadivian5043]

Thank you for this, especially the focus tip 🤝

[@poisonallenphotography2168]

This was so helpful! 😭 I struggle with setting ISO the most and making sure every person is in focus! I use a canon but use a 50mm f/1.8 and 85mm f/1.8! I love those lenses but I struggle getting everyone in bigger families in focus. Y’all made this so easy to understand!

[@esquared.photography]

Awesome!! I would say an ISO of 200 is great and an f stop of 4 or so for those larger families would be best. :)

[@karenm853]

I like to use multi focal lenses ... so I can zoom in on individual close ups, after I get the family shots.

[@pauliaboniandoutoftheblues7829]

I am really enjoying and learning a lot from your videos. Using a mirrorless with a crop sensor, when doubling the lens to set the shutter speed should I double the lens size i.e.56mm or the equivalent 90mm?

[@LipstickInMyCoffee]

This was vey helpful! Thank you so much!

[@esquared.photography]

You are welcome!

[@zibaburrow2476]

This was incredibly helpful! Thank you! If I am shooting earlier in the day...2:30pm to be exact, would I just go below 200 ISO?

[@esquared.photography]

You definitely could but probably wouldn’t need to.

[@kimannthomas1054]

Great practical tips. Thank you.

[@esquared.photography]

Hey! Thanks. We couldn’t read the rest of your other message and can’t find it. I hope the download is in your hands. If not, email us and we will get that to you ASAP.

[@kimannthomas1054]

Got it. Thank you very much. I deleted my first comment once I figured out how to find the download etc. you girls are great.

[@robinengland8028]

I've watched a few videos thus far and will continue to overload on your expertise! VERY helpful and easy to understand...I have holiday mini sessions scheduled for tomorrow - 10AM-1:30PM so hopefully I do alright since I literally just heard you say 2 hrs before sunset is best. (sigh)

[@esquared.photography]

Best of luck!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@kellymayberry9780]

Super helpful!! Thank you!!

[@esquared.photography]

Kelly Mayberry you are very welcome!!

[@stevenbugas7554]

This channel is very helpful. love y all❤️

[@terraleetinder9594]

Shutter speed is what I struggle with. I tend to get some motion blur especially in low light because my camera is old if I raise the iso too much the noise looks terrible.

[@Susy-BC-Realtor]

Oh wow guys. This video was so easy to understand. Thank you so much. I am a very new photographer, soon will do my first photo shoot. I don't have expensive lenses yet. Will 18-55mm 3.5-5.6G good to start family photography. Can you please give me some tips. Thank you

[@esquared.photography]

IshikaSusy absolutely!! That will work just fine. Feel free to shoot us an email or a DM on Instagram @esquared.photography with any specific questions! Thanks for watching.

[@gandgsimon5455]

Outstanding info

[@esquared.photography]

Thank you!!

[@longkedah]

The best video for newbie 👍

[@Marc-wv1pr]

It seems like at least one thing has to be sacrificed in an "action" shot... or a shot with some movement. If subjects are moving, gotta increase shutter speed. Increasing shutter speed will reduce how much light is captured. If you compensate that with lower aperture, focus might be incorrect. Etc etc. How do you prioritize settings? Do you prioritize F stop and shutter speed, just to correctly capture the subjects, then deal with exposure and other things in post? Thanks!! Great videos.

[@cynderelliee]

This video was great! Thanks so much

[@ManchesterUnited207]

You guys rock! Thanks for the tips and the cheeky bonus ones at the end too🤙🏻

[@kristaharvey5948]

I'm having two main issues. #1 is when the mom and dad swing the kid, the kid is coming out blurry. #2 when the sun is starting to set I'm a getting black images. I just watched your more in depth video and I'm so happy I found y'all channel. Thank y'all so much for the easy to understand videos!!!

[@esquared.photography]

You are so welcome!! Swinging photos are not easy. The blurry images are normal with that quick movement. We would suggest focusing on the child and increasing the shutter and f stop. In a situation like that we would do that pose multiple times to get a good shot. I’m not too sure about the sun setting pics....is your iso turned up for those?

[@kristaharvey5948]

Thank you for the tip. I don't think it was. This was my very first shoot and I definitely have a lot of learning to do. I'm using friends and family to help me get my practice in. I'm looking forward to do y'alls worksheet!

[@rockj8197]

What is black? The whole screen or the people? If all black, no idea. If the people are dark, are you shooting in an auto mode? Av, Tv, P, full auto? In auto with the sun setting behind the subjects, the camera will expose for the brightness of the setting sun leaving the subjects dark because their faces are in shadow (from their heads). Overcome this by increasing your exposure compensation or moving to manual mode and overexposing the scene by about a stop (meter is in the positive direction three bars. It will be different in Al situations so you will have to figure out exactly amount). Hope this helps.

[@inthekitchenwithjosephanthony]

Thank you, awesome video very informative 🙌🏽

[@esquared.photography]

Thank you for watching!!!

[@glennavickers174]

You guys are SO helpful! I've watched so many of your videos the last few weeks after stumbling upon you and I just love your content. I've just now getting started out in family photography and so glad to find yall. Any tips for group photos with tall adults and children? Do you almost have to get them in rows?

[@esquared.photography]

Aw!!! ❤️❤️❤️ Rows or a bench press sitting poses are great!

[@ginasalang9378]

You guys are awesome! Thank you for sharing both process and technical settings. My question. Is how to do find that perfect balance between crisp in focus groups and bokeh in the background. Also what if you have to shoot indoors and space and light is limited. Thanks so much!

[@esquared.photography]

Group photos are harder to get the focus in the background and will have less focus. The lower F stop you can go without getting blurry people is the way to go but you still won't see a super blurry background. The closer you stand to your subject the more blur that will happen behind them and the further they are from their background. Shooting indoors is not our strong suit :) We always find window light when we need to shoot indoors. We have free training right now on manual mode if were we dive deep into the things if you are interested in learning more. It's happening next week. e-squared.mykajabi.com/manualmodetraining

[@esauhernandez6798]

You guys are awesome! such a helpful video! Thank you :)

[@janbelanger3902]

Very helpful ! Thank you so much.

[@BrendanGates]

Great tips, thank you!

[@Andeedom12]

Needed this! Thank you!!

[@JamieAngell]

This was very helpful, thank you!

[@esquared.photography]

Jamie Angell you are so welcome! Let us know if you’d like to see other videos!

[@JamieAngell]

E- Squared Definitely! I would love to see a tutorial of this same process in action to see what you’re thinking/planning as you’re shooting. You guys are great!

[@romanvaskovetskiy3068]

Great video!

[@Melissa-do7lz]

Wooooow very clear thanks a lot

[@margotdaley6683]

Thanks for this. Focusing on a shorter child in front was not always certain for me !

[@chavitavb]

I have my first engagement/ family shoot at a park this Saturday and kind of nervous! I was worried about getting the perfect sharpness. This video has really helped me ease my nerves. Thank you ladies!! Question!! What if I took a wide family picture of lets say 8 family members in a straight line kind of scattered in a straight line. Where does the focus point go for that situation ?? I've been taught to always try to put the focus point on someone's face.

[@esquared.photography]

Good luck to you!!

[@ooodaddy3904]

You guys are awesome

[@norelilopez8855]

Awesome info

[@kbshaw77]

New to photography. I get flustered when I have to switch the settings on the back of the camera. How do you get over that? Practice is probably your answer.

[@khiembolsa]

Thank you so much

[@justinemaldonado3930]

This was great!

[@that_guy_will5209]

So I was shooting Christmas photos I have the kit lens 18 to 55 I knew I had to shoot at a higher f-stop to get the whole family in focus but it was too dark inside with my 3.5 lens and I had to put my shutter speed all the way down to one sixtieth of a second to get the correct exposure with my Canon Rebel t7i Maxed out at 1600 ISO without getting super grainy

[@esquared.photography]

That makes total sense! You seem to really understand Manual mode. You did what you could.

[@stefie4545]

Thank you for this video! When a family is posing with a child that keeps on moving, do you use ONE SHOT o, AI FOCUS or AI SERVO?

[@esquared.photography]

Stefie Vanleeuwen We would use AI SERVO

[@deanfrank1344]

Good video! Just starting to try ping manual mode instead of presets.

[@jonpell2650]

Great concise info! Now the one thing not covered is exposure metering type. Do you prefer spot metering and if so what is your metering focus?

[@esquared.photography]

We do use spot metering! I’m not sure I understand the second part of your question.

[@jonpell2650]

E- Squared sorry if that wasn’t clear. I assume you have your focus shot and spot meter lined up correct? Circle inside the square.

[@esquared.photography]

@@jonpell2650 You got it!

[@yannetmo5610]

Hi this was extremely helpful, sometimes focus keeps looking on the floor instead on people o have to move manuallly on my d3500 but it makes me lose the shot,

[@yeseniasaldivar7291]

So many helpful tips ! I’ve been wanting to start shooting with families for the holidays. Question, when Focusing do you use Manual or auto focus ?

[@esquared.photography]

Auto focus