Shooting When With Family...

[Sionara]

I have a similar problem of feeling like I need to rush my shots because I don't want my wife to become bored or irritated. Last weekend we were downtown and I told her that I wanted to grab my camera and walk around to get shots of whatever. I felt kind of bad since she really didn't have anything to do...

[mariasabalaart]

Since I tend to mostly take pictures of people, I usually use my family as my subjects when they're around. I have a lot of fun trying to get unique-looking pictures of people I see all the time. Since I have enough shots of them looking straight into the camera, I try to get shots from different angles or in motion, doing fun things, etc. I do wish I had more time to get out and do more wildlife photography, which I love. Hard to do when you're nursing a 6-month-old... Even if I took him, he would scare all the animals away.

[Mojorisen]

Thanks for the responses, at least I know I'm not alone. My wife isn't too bad, sometimes I think it's more me being paranoid. But I will definatley try to incorporate them into the photos for fun shots. For this weekend on the 4th she told me to go shoot the fireworks while she took care of the baby. It was great except I left my tripod behind thinking I wouldn't get the chance. I started shooting blind sitting in a chair and using my hip as my tripod to prevent motion, worked pretty good, got some decent shots.

[peach1828]

I totally feel your predicament. Although my husband is very patient and supportive, I also feel somewhat guilty for taking too much time. What we do is we compromise. When we're in a park, he jogs while I shoot. When at the beach, he goes for long walks (which he loves) while I shoot. When at a fair or event, he goes around with our daughter while I shoot. And both my hubby and daughter make wonderful subjects. It's working quite well so far.

I also gave my daughter my old point and shoot, so now she's as shutter happy as I am. Also, I've been encouraging my husband to get more involved. He has a good eye and is only too happy to point things out to me that are worth shooting. There are times when he would borrow my camera to try his hand. I just fix the settings and then he shoots away. I think it's only a matter of time before he goes out and buys his own gear!

[smenzel]

This is a tough situation. It's one that you'll need to figure out for yourself as each family (and family member) is different.

My wife is more or less patient with me as I hang back to photograph stuff while we're out walking. Periodically she'll suggest things she'll want photographed but that's about the extent of her involvement.

When traveling with other family members, I end up having to pick my subjects. We don't (won't?) have time for me to shoot everything at my slower, photo pace so I pick a few things here and there to shoot in detail and then snap the other stuff quickly. It isn't ideal but it's a decent compromise.

I figure eventually I'll get more adept at shooting faster, end up with fewer snaps and spend more time walking with the rest of the group (as opposed to trailing way behind).

[candleman]

similar situation here.. but they can learn patience..
because its important to you (so long as they're not getting agitated)

best to keep the peace.


if its far away from home.. thhey can wait.
if its close to home i'll just go back on my own if i really want to.

talk through it nicley and it works out well usually.
(coming form someone with 3 boys under 5..)

[pedra12]

If I am out with family members, I find it a good time to get some shots of them and also I will ask them to possibly get them to hold something or to get their perspective on the shot I am composing. That way, they are not too bored when I randomly stop for a shot.