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!

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@donnydeya]

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

[@esquared.photography]

❤️❤️🙌

[@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

[@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 ❤️

[@febinrockzz5]

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

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@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 !

[@LeonardAguilar3686]

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

[@Nattali88]

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

[@brookea9936]

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

[@andrewm_.]

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

[@esquared.photography]

Awesome!!! Thank you :)

[@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 👍

[@Space-raven]

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

[@alisha4264]

This was such an informative and helpful video. Have my first family shoot today and I am so thankful for this video helping me to prepare 🫶🏻

[@drw6848]

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

[@charlesmorgan8168]

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

[@houshangaghassy8578]

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

[@liltootie2031]

Can you go over shooting family with different skin tones & lighting?

[@tonyrajan5120]

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

[@breeandbabies4402]

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

[@esquared.photography]

Thank you so much!!

[@SarahWoods-jm9ex]

I absolutely love these videos! Thank you so much

[@FabrizioMagrini]

Hi, how you did edit the pictures in those warm and astonishing way?

[@elizabethHerlihy-cq8rn]

How do you get smooth creamy blurred background when shooting a group where you need wider lens and higher f stop?

[@Isaypreach]

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

[@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!! 👍🏾 👍🏾 ❤

[@lindastirling8451]

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

[@SaraBrown-lv8yt]

Having trouble with posing tips for mom, dad, and two teenage daughters. Please help!!! Shoot is coming up this weekend! :) You're both AMAZING- thank you soooo much!! You SAVED my senior photo shoot yesterday with your posing tips! 🥰🙏

[@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!

[@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!

[@BobbieHalle]

Thank you for sharing these videos they are very helpful.

[@observantrider5775]

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

[@deewonda1952]

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

[@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!!!

[@dvil51]

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

[@shantalcopeland9542]

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

[@amandapotgieter8161]

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

[@esquared.photography]

Thank YOU!!

[@markmorales2576]

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

[@esquared.photography]

Thanks!!

[@marcela_eslao]

Thank you! Great teaching and explaining!

[@lovevutumn]

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

[@cenalanier6703]

Great video, love the step by step walk through.

[@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.

[@frannemeth8151]

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

[@anthonycox5222]

What is your reasons for not shooting on a say 70 to 200mm? I have had instances where the children are a little nervous about me being in their face and so take some of the candids on the longer lense so not to be too close? Great info on the video.

[@esquared.photography]

That’s a great reason to use a zoom lens. We are just so used to the prime lenses that the zoom lens is not for us. We move a lot :)

[@deborahcolon2451]

Great info. Can you give the link here for your cheet sheet?

[@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!!!

[@debbispears1621]

Great information! In a family photoshoot... do you focus on the eyes?

[@esquared.photography]

As much as we can, yes. :)

[@lydiam9273]

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

[@esquared.photography]

We are so glad!!

[@stevenbugas7554]

This channel is very helpful. love y all❤️

[@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.

[@daniellesparks3835]

Thank you so much this was great information

[@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

[@deanfrank1344]

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

[@gandgsimon5455]

Outstanding info

[@esquared.photography]

Thank you!!

[@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.

[@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

[@lakadivian5043]

Thank you for this, especially the focus tip 🤝

[@romanvaskovetskiy3068]

Great video!

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@lupearroyo588]

Loved this video! So easy to understand!

[@esquared.photography]

Lupe Arroyo thank you!! So glad

[@esauhernandez6798]

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

[@paulrichards3989]

Very useful information thanks

[@Semalufotographer]

The best video for newbie 👍

[@BrendanGates]

Great tips, thank you!

[@Andeedom12]

Needed this! Thank you!!

[@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!!

[@skean219]

Thank you!! I have a question about directing/posing do you have any tips or “Go-to” arrangements

[@esquared.photography]

Check out our family posing video ;)

[@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!

[@kellymayberry9780]

Super helpful!! Thank you!!

[@esquared.photography]

Kelly Mayberry you are very welcome!!

[@michellehaskell]

do you have a video that goes into more detail about using the expo disc on site and in editing?

[@esquared.photography]

We do have a couple expodisc videos!

[@norelilopez8855]

Awesome info

[@cryptographerchris4856]

Great video ladies. Do you prefer to leave your focus point in the center, than move the camera to the person you want to mainly focus on and than recompose after? Or, do you compose and move your focus point to the person you want to use as your main focus spot? Hope this makes sense.

[@esquared.photography]

Hey! Yes. We use our center focus, lock focus and then recompose our camera to where we want them in the frame.

[@cryptographerchris4856]

@@esquared.photography Thanks. I’ve always done that, but I fell better now hearing this from someone that knows what they are doing.

[@gaelledempsey4521]

I use this technique and for some reason I lose the focus when I recompose. Can you explain why this happens? What am I doing wrong?

[@anishaaswani3611]

Awesome! How to avoid blur and how to shoot with infants at a family shoot?

[@yolandagonzales8892]

This video was great and very helpful. I take this as the 3 mains to have down when you get on set. I struggle with posing and getting that aperture look when shooting more than 3 people. Any suggestion on what I'm doing wrong there.

[@esquared.photography]

Do you mean getting the creamy background?

[@irissorokin8629]

When shooting outdoor family Lifestyle pictures, do you ever use an off camera flash (softbox) or on camera flash?

[@esquared.photography]

No flash when shooting outside

[@chrisnewfie]

Hi ladies, love watching your videos. Can you please define the metering modes in a grad photoshoot.

[@esquared.photography]

We always use matrix :)

[@barbaracarver5678]

Thank you for sharing your tips and tricks! These really helped me to get started. What would you suggest as a good editing program for natural light as a end product?

[@esquared.photography]

Adobe Lightroom!

[@karenm853]

Do you use back button focus? I also shoot with the d750 What focus points do you use ? TIA

[@esquared.photography]

Yep! We use bbf and single point :)

[@karenm853]

@@esquared.photography thank you! Same. Just checking 💙🙏🏻

[@ManchesterUnited207]

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

[@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?

[@stevericki]

Do you shoot posed or candid?

[@esquared.photography]

Both!

[@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!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@chani2411]

Loved the video! Hey do you guys use flash at all? If so how would your settings change (iso, shutter speed and aperture) different to what’s in this video? Would love to hear from you :)

[@esquared.photography]

Hey!! We don’t use flash. We will only use it during wedding ceremony’s if it’s indoor.

[@chani2411]

@@esquared.photography all good, thanks for responding so quickly love your channel 🤩😁

[@ooodaddy3904]

You guys are awesome

[@jordandavis6717]

Thank you for the helpful information! I have a Nikkor 50 mm 1:1.8 lens I haven’t even tried yet. Is that as good as the 1.4?

[@esquared.photography]

We have only ever used the 1.8 and love it

[@jordandavis6717]

Okie dokie! Lol love the videos!! ❤️

[@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!

[@cathysmith5666]

What area focus mode would I use for a group shot and what meter mode would I use?

[@esquared.photography]

We would use single point and matrix

[@MartinMcNicholls]

Ow do you adjust your settings when photographing black skin?

[@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

[@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

[@Melissa-do7lz]

Wooooow very clear thanks a lot