Photographng The Story of YOUR Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! YAY – My favorite holiday is finally here! My girls are super excited as well.

Before I plant myself in the kitchen for the rest of the day, I thought I’d give you some tips on how to get memorable photographs and to capture the story of YOUR Thanksgiving Day.  I do hope you all have your cameras ready!

When I specifically say YOUR day I mean it because  even though there are definitely some similarities in everyone’s Thanksgiving celebration, there are definitely elements that make it unique to you.  That’s what will make your photos special.

Tip #1 – Plan

Just like you plan your menu for this big day, plan your shots.  What I mean by this is to really think about what might make your Thanksgiving different than anyone else”s.  We did this in my after school photography class on Tuesday.  I had the kids talk about what their Thanksgiving is usually like and we made a list of things that make it different so they know what to focus on when photographing the day

For example:  One girl said that besides the traditional Thanksgiving food they always have something Italian as well because her family is Italian.  She also mentioned they would be going away and the place where they will stay has tons of crazy decorations.

In my home, I cook all of the traditional foods but my mother-in-law makes stuffed artichokes for my older daughter.  She says it’s her favorite part of the meal (not stuffing, can you believe it?!?) so in her photographs I would definitely expect to see some artichokes.

Tip #2 – Start Wide

When you are telling a story you want to set the scene so the viewer has  a sense of location.  You can do this by starting off with a wide shot.  Maybe you get a photograph of all of the food set out on the table, or if you are at the parade, get a picture of the crowd and the floats, or take a picture of your location – the messy kitchen, all of the people gathered in one room, etc.

Once you get the wide shot to set the scene, then come in closer for more detailed photos.  Which brings us to tip #3…

Tip #3 – Get the Details & Storytelling Moments

Do you have lots of decorations?  Is there a special plate that you only use during this holiday?  What is your favorite food?  These are examples of things you can think of for your detail shots – the supporting elements to your story.  Get in close and fill the frame with all of the special details.

Also look for story telling moments.

My daughter likes to write and read a poem every year.

Things to think about…

Setting the table

Who does the cooking?

Everyone eating at the table

Falling asleep at the couch after too much turkey

Watching the parade – whether in person or on tv

Most importantly, HAVE FUN!!