By Emily Cone

(Emily Cone is a Birmingham-area photographer specializing in lifestyle, commercial, and wedding photography. She strives to capture the “candid, crafted, unnoticed, and celebrated moments” of life. She can be reached at www.emilycone.com)

This is a weird time for everyone with schools closing, people working from home, and the uncertain timeline for social distancing. But, fortunately, for many of us, shelter-in-place orders mean more dedicated family time and more free time to do things that may not have been a priority before. We’re visiting parks, hiking to waterfalls, camping in our backyards, crafting with our kids, and taking daily walks. If it’s something fun and different but socially distant, we’re doing it.

Oddly enough, in this strange time, we’re coming together quite unexpectedly. I mean, did you see the videos of people singing on their balconies in Italy??  In these moments, please don’t forget to take photos! You’re going to want to remember this.

Here are some tips to remember when capturing these strange but meaningful moments through photography.

Be in the moment

Let me start by saying this: Enjoy the moment first. Don’t let the goal of getting the photo overwhelm the experience. I’ve been there many times, whether at a concert, an event, or on a trail. I spend so much time trying to get the best shot, that I don’t appreciate what is in front of me. Then I wonder, “Did I miss something?” I have the photo, but it doesn’t mean that much anymore because I may have missed being part of the moment.

Here are some things I’ve learned to create a balance between taking that once-in-a-lifetime shot and being in that once-in-a-lifetime moment.

• Don’t think about Instagram. Don’t look for a shot just to post it.
• Don’t constantly look through your viewfinder. Trust me, you’ll get a much better view with your own eyes.
• If something’s happening, wait a few minutes before pulling out your camera.
• On a hike? Take photos on the way up or the way down, but no need for both.

When traveling or on-the-go, pack light

Another thing that can put a damper on enjoying the moment is bringing too much gear and having it weigh you down (or worse, get damaged). Unless you’re trying to submit something to National Geographic, you just need the basics.

• If you’re looking to invest in a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera, consider a crop-sensor camera or a mirrorless camera, as these are much more lightweight than a full-frame camera.
• If you already have a decent DSLR setup, just bring your camera body and either a 35mm or 50mm lens.
• If all you have is an iPhone, that’s all you need to capture memories. Seriously.
• Bonus tip: I’ve recently started bringing along my film camera for two reasons. First, I don’t spend time editing the photo, and, second, it takes about a week to develop the film and see the final product. When the photos come back, it’s more about remembering the moment, rather than what shots I captured.

Make sure your photo equipment is secure

You’re moving around, climbing up stuff, maybe falling at times. You may be hiking or doing something else active. Make sure you secure your camera or phone before you get lost in the moment. Whether you’re on-the-go, wrangling children, or facing unexpected weather, make sure your equipment is protected.

Stop saying cheese, take more candid photos

We all have those awkward photos of ourselves where our parents made us look at the camera with an uncomfortable forced smile, no genuine emotion at all. The photos that we’ll really cherish are the ones we took when we didn’t have to force it.

So, take the candid photos, the ones where no one is looking at the camera, or thinking about fixing their hair or how sweaty they are. Capture the real moments. Here are some tips on getting candids, whether you’re on a walk, making crafts with your kids, or watching them play in the backyard.

• Be discreet. Don’t say anything about getting a photo. A phone camera is probably your best option to not get noticed.
• Keep your camera or phone nearby for easy access.
• Please, do not take a photo while someone is eating. I promise, they never turn out good.
• Bonus tip: Say you want photos where you can clearly see faces, but you don’t want forced, fake smiles. Ask them to pose for a picture while they’re already laughing and having a good time. Then snap the photo before they can pose and capture that genuine emotion.

Whether we’re sheltering at home, or it’s just a regular day, I hope you take photos. Remember this time spent with your family, whether it’s during new adventures or everyday routines. You’ll want to keep these memories forever.

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