How to Take Better Family Pictures with ANY Camera

Lots of tips for taking better family pictures with any camera, even if you're just using a cell phone. No special equipment, lights or gadgets needed, just a basic understanding of light and photography. Anyone can take better pictures using these simple principles using only existing light and stuff lying around any household. Enjoy, subscribe for more practical tips and happy holidays everyone!
Using a cell phone as a light • Using a Cell Phone to ...
Off camera flash samples • Great Portable Flash S...
Affordable remote flash trigger www.amazon.com/Neewer-Wireles...
Affordable flash that works with almost any camera www.amazon.com/Godox-Speedlit...
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[@konotoasita]

There is not single one youtuber that I know to be more enthusiastic than Markus.You are great man, you make me enjoy more and more the art of photography.God bless you!

[@juhaaavalaakso455]

This video contains more information than any youtube video or 2 week course about lighting. A lot of common sense included.

[@tomn.9610]

I am a retired wedding photographer and I used to take a small piece of frosted vinyl covering , the kind that you would put on a bathroom window,, and stick it to the front of my flash. This helps to soften the light coming out of the flash for better pictures. You do not lose much light coming out of flash and only one f stop adjustment needed.

[@robwinklerphoto2189]

As a nature and wildlife photographer, I almost never shoot people, yet I found insights in this video -- for example, walking around a subject to study how the lighting gets better or worse. As you note, this is about the photographer's eye, which is much more important than equipment.

[@insanejughead]

8:48 Hahahahaha! He gave Santa a sleigh full of camera gear to help spread Christmas cheer Amazing tutorial Markus! I love that a 13 minute video feels like a three minute one because of your enthusiasm!

[@Richie5480]

Thanks Markus.

[@rikoscorpion]

So many useful tips!

[@HelamanGile]

Thank you

[@Richie5480]

Thanks

[@edmerckx99]

This is perfect timing! thank you!

[@Omar-fh2lq]

Amazing tip. Thanks

[@MileyonDisney]

Thanks, Markus!

[@markattardo]

Perfect timing. Merry Christmas!

[@vtk_jnr]

You have such an infectious cheer. It's like good medicine. Thanks man.

[@worldwideb772]

Thank you for your videos!!!

[@EugenBrinzoiu]

Merry Christmas Thank you for everything you do!

[@tommiahtola6317]

Thanks Markus, Merry Christmas!

[@ChrisMcKiernan]

Thanks Markus

[@snax_4820]

Easy and efficient tips without the propose to sell anything. That really helps. Tx.

[@ericdanthon2]

Once again another great video on light.

[@RobertAustralia]

Thankyou Markus... this is a big help... Happy Holidays... 👍🎅🎄

[@ZE308AC]

Thank you for the video Markus.

[@jb678901]

Very glad I discovered this channel!

[@thommyers3983]

Excellent video with great info

[@michelebullock9867]

Thanks for answering my question! You rock and are spot on! You gave great read world examples and graphics!

[@andresalgadomarques]

Very informative, thank you

[@danjohnson5457]

Thanks Markus. Very practical, almost MacGyver like applications anyone can use.

[@JohnSmith-nk9fd]

Most helpful 👍👍👍

[@gstrummer]

Great! Video! Thank you, Markus!

[@acg4investor]

🎁 Merry Christmas!!

[@guyjordan8201]

Excellent. Thanks for these very approachable lessons.

[@trevorcooper5876]

Thank you and a Merry Christmas to you both from 🇬🇧

[@rustypadlock5129]

Thanks for the video. Merry Christmas, man.

[@roseckansas3871]

Your enthusiasm and easy to understand videos motivate this old lady lol Thank you!

[@raulzaldivar7828]

Great tutorial Markus, thank you for all the tips!!

[@ReelLightPictures]

Great video and simple explanation of real world proper lighting. Just shared it with a friend who just purchased his first ICL camera, so this should really help him get good shots during the holidays. Keep up the great work Marcus!

[@DARKMETAL31]

Always Great tips and help thanks Markus, Another great video

[@tomdmann]

So glad I discovered your channel!!!

[@suniellama2820]

Happy holidays markus

[@angelmusical70]

Great video, thanks.

[@AntonioPaezL]

Happy Holidays!!!

[@Dustinrhoades]

Your videos are So practical and accessible. Great work

[@vacationboyvideos]

So much information 😎😊

[@plantspirit9289]

Thank you Markus! Happy Holidays to both you and Cara :)

[@harrimakelaDOTcom]

After watching tens of your videos - You are simply Amazing Guy Markus! - Please continue you honest and no frills or hidden agenda videos!

[@ocshunfever]

Fantastic inspirational videos. Love watching them, and pick up so many great tips

[@PrinzMegahertz]

Your videos are amazingly helpful. Thank you!

[@MrTerryRay1]

Markus this was awesome! Thanks for showing us how a professional photographer looks for light. Merry Christmas! 🎄✝️

[@deeyammy783]

Great video. Tx!

[@sgurung9428]

Awesome video. I carry a camera and a notebook everywhere I go. These tips help when you’re taking pictures ,anywhere.

[@LawrenceLapitan]

Wish I saw this last year!

[@michaelofmelrose]

Happy Holidays to you Markus!!!! I like you simple & enthusiastic--can do attitude.. you photography FUNNNNNNNNN

[@MsHackthat]

And seems humble too!

[@carcina27]

I'm enjoying your content. Thank you well done.

[@0031771700]

Somehow I stumbled across one of your videos and well...I've stayed for who knows how long!? Your tips and reviews are fantastic!! Thank you!

[@MarkusPix]

Welcome aboard!

[@T-Slider]

Nice!

[@Warren3carpentry]

Great stuff here markus! Thanks again!

[@bdssoaz]

Thanks for the great video with helpful tips! 👍 Merry Christmas!

[@RobinGroenevelt]

As a wedding photographer my preference is to point the flash left or right back and upwards, depending on where the closest whitest wall is

[@perrypelican9476]

Insanely great video. You will create thinking photographers. Using your DIY ideas will get people to understand Lighting or whatever it is. It's the same with a lot of things that when you understand the concepts behind what you are doing then you will likely get better results. If you just memorize how to get something done then you will not be able to deal with variations or improvise or even tweak for different effects. I appreciate you more and more. You make the best videos man. I hope you are satisfied. I get the feeling that normal things are not challenging for you and you are looking for challenges to your abilities all the time. It's obvious that you are in a position to create whatever stimulates you that day. I am happy for you because you give a lot, which translates to deserving, in my opinion. Imagine if everyone would put energy into giving, what a better world it would be. Narcissism and the worry of being different is the disease of our time. How many people have lost any individuality. They like what fashion and trends tells them to like. They listen to music the same way. They need to know what is trending in order to have an opinion. It's so sad. I asked a friend if he liked something specific that was new and he couldn't give me an opinion because he didn't know what most people thought about it. How crazy is that? It's like if I asked your opinion on a painting and you couldn't decide without knowing what most others thought of it. It's the fear of being against the trends. It's a sick thing and totally stifles creativity and I individuality. The only choices become the current big trends.

[@MarkusPix]

Thank you. Yes just being yourself and following inspiration is key.

[@johnyoung8103]

Luv Ya Man,,,, You R The Best !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Happy Hoildays !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jdawg63000]

Alright Markus. You got me. I like your stuff. As a new videographer I'm still learning and I like you're no BS approach and simple terminology. Keep up the good work. I'm off to continue binging on your channel. 👍

[@MarkusPix]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@toddbristol707]

Great Video sir, as always. Merry Christmas to you and your family!!

[@W-HOLTZHAUSEN]

Thanks Markus, Merry Christmas :)

[@ToddHayward]

Hi Markus, I discovered your channel while looking for advice on camcorders and have watched a ton of your videos since. You pack more useful advice and information into single videos than you'd find in libraries of other sources. And always energetic and entertaining. Thanks for taking some of the mystery out of good photography.

[@MarkusPix]

I try

[@Xeo989]

Great tips but definitely amazing 3d animation work. Merry Christmas Marcus

[@mikldude9376]

Great tips as always , thank you . Merry Xmas 🎅🎅🎅🎅🎅 and a great new year to yourgoodself and Kara .

[@chriswheelington6592]

Great video Markus! I received the Manfrotto Light Stands and they are great! thank you so much! I love how passionate you are about photography. It is truly inspiring! I wish you and Cara a very Merry Christmas :)

[@planning_with_patches5860]

Your deer in headlights made me laugh! I like how you always give options for all kinds of cameras. You have good practical ideas!

[@rudolfabelin383]

Thanks Markus! Yesterday (that's the day we celebrate Christmas in Sweden) I used my GM1 and hand held my small Godox using S1 sync. Need to practice more and put a diffuser on the small GM1 flash. Merry Christmas to you and Cara!

[@MarkusPix]

I LOOOVE my little GM1! I just used it yesterday also when Cara and I went out, as a matter of fact, these 3 images were taken with my GM1 with a MZuiko 45mm, no flash or anything kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2SconWliKmijM0

[@elvinlawcc]

Merry Christmas my friend! Cheers from Malaysia!

[@BigJimbo56]

Thanks Markus. I'm a little late to the game on this video and a new fan. I absolutely love your style. Your upbeat instruction reminds me of me when I used to teach. Energy builds energy. Blessings to you and Cara.

[@MarkusPix]

Welcome aboard!

[@MuwexTech]

Great video with great tips! Happy holidays everyone! :)

[@bulgariastan]

You've been making great content. I'm surprised you don't have a bigger audience.

[@yrakshay]

Nice to see you using Lumix cameras!

[@MarkusPix]

I love Lumix! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJuVlp2fadKma6M

[@BillDubeVariety]

WOW.... I need to set up a Markus University video list for future reference. Great stuff..... "WALL OF LIGHT" Got it... TY

[@rarindraprakarsa4376]

Nice animation

[@hackinghifi4247]

This is great man. Took me a couple years to piece together what you did in ten minutes. 😂

[@Jimmy_Cavallo]

🌟✨🌟 Merry 🎄Christmas Markus to you and your gorgeous girl. 🤟🏼 Always Enjoying your videos. Always so knowledgeable and chill and your explanations are so simple and you give the greatest examples.

[@MonoNovaTube]

You sir are very cool instructor! enjoying your videos and vibe, thank you. and i will wait for the video about white balance

[@peacock777]

Great advice. Thank you very much. Greetings from Germany :-)

[@JulesMoyaert_photo]

🙏

[@raduceocoiu8363]

Hi there Markus, I know you said you don't do these videos for the money, views, subscribers etc. I just wanna tell you tho for the sole purpose of teaching people ... you should have way more views and subscribers, I mean watching your videos on lighting and camera reviews.. I'm just happy I came across your channel. Hope youtube will fix the error in the algorithm and help you reach a way bigger audience as you really do deserve it.

[@ruthann8111]

Thanks Markus! From "us".

[@bobstringer1739]

So, funny... I do the same thing - when someone is driving and I see a perfectly lit wonderful landscape I say "STOP STOP STOP STOP" so I can get the shot and I'll tell my friend to "stand right there" then later, I give him or her a copy of the awesome photograph. It's sort of embarrassing while you're on the freeway doing 70 mph when this happens.

[@ASMROW]

Always good to see a video from markus. Good content and very enjoyable. Pees

[@badhabit714]

Merry Christmas Everyone.

[@nictheartist]

I find that, in the northern hemisphere, a north facing window is great for portraits or selfies, because it tends to be a little more diffused and makes for nice, even lighting. Love your advice, only just discovered your channel today. Great to see you are also making videos for us poorer folk who are in a somewhat tighter budget. I found out about bouncing the flash for indoors shots some years ago, makes such a difference. Can you review budget video lights?

[@MarkusPix]

I have several videos on budget video lights on this channel

[@radiozelaza]

that's why I love my LX10, the flash can be tilted, while on e.g. Canon M50 it cannot. I never had any success with paper diffuser ;)

[@pndamonium1241]

Thank you! This is just what I needed for today’s event. Any pointers for group photos?

[@MarkusPix]

That's what this video is! for group (family) photos

[@pndamonium1241]

MarkusPix thanks, thought it was for 1-2 people at most. Merry X-Mas!

[@westyavro]

Dude you sound like one good friend. I really appreciate your tutorials and imagination.

[@3a6arid]

Thanks so much, What is the best landscape lens for sony a6300

[@MarkusPix]

Each person's taste is different. I like the Sigma 30mm 1.4 because I can also use it for people but some people like the 16mm 1.4. If you do ONLY landscapes (where everything is in focus) and don't need soft bokeh backgrounds, there are all kinds of inexpensive wide angle lenses out there

[@3a6arid]

@@MarkusPix you are the one 👍

[@thebeardedguypodcast]

Great advice. Natural light is always best. I have found bounce flash to be the best for me when taking photos indoors. Do you think a white card or grey card works best for setting white balance? I seem to have better results using grey. Great video my friend. Regards

[@garybrown9719]

Please Could you do a minimalist camera set up I love old Olympus OM 50mm, 35mm, 135mm tamron 24mm Panasonic 42.5mm LOOKING FOR A WIDE ANGLE

[@MarkusPix]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2PMp2iFhtuoaM0

[@charruaporelmundo]

Nice that you (obviously) been a millionaire , you do not tell the people buy a mag/fog... blabla bla, but just use a sheet of paper , bien! Muy bien! Feliz Navidad 2019!

[@22phan]

Good photographers are resourceful and enjoy the moment. Move lamps to light face, tape white wax paper to flashlight, cut out star effects, there's also cheap $5-30 led lights. Use white walls or white foam sheets as diffusion.

[@Jestunes]

HELP! Hi Marcus, I've been watching your videos for a while now and really have lots of respect for your knowledge of cameras and video equipment. I have an important question for you. I wrote recently telling you of my newness to the world of photography and wanted to make a puppet music video with great video. I mentioned I have built a 4 foot tall 6 feet wide and 9 feet high stage with red curtains (where I'll be underneath controlling the puppets) and remotes for a Go Pro 3+ and a MiniGo Chinese action camera along with my Blu cell phone taking video along with 2 12 inch monitors under the stage connected to the action cameras. I have been working on it since Jan 7, 2020 and have completed the lighting and green screen along with green lighting and all the puppets and misc items. Am I doing this right and if not, is there a better way of doing it and shooting video with mostly closeups with a video cam or with what other type camera(s) affordably? Mind you I'm retired and on a limited income. I know you're busy and do a lot of work and travel, but this is a work of love in my retirement recreating music I have written and performed and collaborated with artists globally. I am 66 years young. Thanks for any advice you could give. Sincerely Jesse L. Mendez

[@oo0RECON0oo]

You should have a miniature statue made of Cara

[@GypsyinAus]

Just a heads up to anyone wanting to try the paper towel hack...( which i think is great btw) BUT do it exactly like Markus shows. I have a little sony with inbuilt flash that sucks and throws a big ball of light in every photo...so i tried the paper towel but must have held it to close to the flash and it went POP!!! then smelt like fire crackers. my flash doesnt work anymore now lol. i dont think it will be worth sending it away to get fixed. Thought i would just tell anyone thats gonna try it to not allow the tissue to touch flash in anyway. :( thanks for great video Markus. x

[@MarkusPix]

Notice the air space in my video between paper towel and flash- you want a much of the paper towel or paper to light up as possible. If it's pressed up against it, the diffusion surface isn't big enough to do much anyway

[@GypsyinAus]

MarkusPix .....Hi Markus...yup That’s exactly what I did wrong I held it too close not enough air space....oh well it’s my daylight only camera now 😆 if anything it bought back memories of playing with cap guns when I was young.... it was the same smell 🤣 anyways ...thanks for your reply Markus. I always learn heaps of tricks from your camera vids X

[@mictadlo]

Hi, I like your videos. How to get a group of people sharp if they stay slightly different distances from the camera?

[@MarkusPix]

wider lenses, smaller sensors and higher f-stops

[@mictadlo]

@@MarkusPix Is there a camera with autofocus that chooses the optimal f-stop for all people in focus?

[@StoriaFilms]

MARKUS can u tell me what software u used to make those 3d broll ?

[@MarkusPix]

Carrara 3D

[@Happy.Traveller]

What's the name of the music at the end of this video?