PhotoBox has conducted some amazing research recently and discovered that Dads are not in enough family pictures, mainly because they are always the ones behind the camera, taking the pictures. To help put the focus back on Dad ahead of Father’s Day, PhotoBox has opened a photo studio entirely run by children, in a bid to encourage parents to feel more comfortable about letting their kids be the photographers.
In a bid to put Dad back in the frame this Father’s Day PhotoBox is opening a photo studio run entirely by kids for one day only; everyone has the chance to take part. For a chance to win a free session at the PhotoBox Kids’ Photo Studio on Saturday 25th June, enter the #FocusOnDad competition at www.photobox.co.uk/focusondad. We were challenged to create our very own version of the Kids photo studio at home, and as the boys love taking picture it would have been great challenge, but unfortunately their Dad is on night shifts and we currently don't have the opportunity or time to take part this time, But we were lucky enough to share some of Photobox's pictures from a recent photo studio session, it defiantly looks like they had great fun.
58% of the nation’s families admit that Dad’s love of photography and passion for gadgets makes him the go-to member of the clan to pick up the camera. Two-thirds (68%) of the UK parents surveyed admitted Dad takes the majority of family photos because Mum prefers it. His efforts don’t go unnoticed, as more than half (56%) of those surveyed think his photos are much better than Mum’s.
When it comes to family photos, as expected kids are always stealing the show from Dad:
*Over half (51%) of parents agree one of the top reasons Dad is always behind the camera is so he *can capture all the children’s best moments
*Half (47%) of photos on display in the home feature the kids and neither parent
*Mum prefers Dad taking the family photos (68%)
*Two-thirds of Dads believe they’re better at taking photos than Mum (61%)
*A third of Dads admit trying to avoid family photos altogether (34%)
Professional Photography tips.
Professional photographer and father-of-three Darren Coleshill of Photalife shares his own top tips for parents:
1. Pick the right camera From experience, picking the right camera is key - there’s really no point in getting them an expensive all singing all dancing camera, but equally a disposable camera isn’t right for them either.
A simple basic camera with a zoom and importantly a screen is perfect. Even a phone with a camera is fine. Children need to see what they have taken a photo of and this needs to be instant, not a few days later!
2. Holding the camera Before you get them to snap away show them how to hold the camera. If they are using a phone then showing them a grip where they hold it in each corner is normally good. Show them what happens if fingers are in front of the lens. No one enjoys looking through photos where little fingers are in the way. Show them beforehand so they won’t get disappointed when you look back at the photos later.
3. Setting up the photo When getting children interested in taking photos don’t bombard them with too much information. The best way to start is to tell them to start by getting everything in the canter then they won’t go too far wrong. This is where having a screen is ideal as they can see exactly what they’re taking a photo of.
4. Experiment The beauty of digital photos and smartphones is that you can take endless amounts of photos and it doesn’t matter. If they get a disposable camera then it’s limited to 24 or 36, which is no good. My tip would be to give them a camera on a day out and just let them snap away. You can then look back over them together and pick out their favourites, or work on different ways they can improve.
5. Get Up Close On most cameras there will be some form of zoom, but also explain to them that if something looks too far away then move up to the subject so more of the point of interest is in the photo. This may be easier said then done, but let them find out what they like and what works best for them.
6. Focus on Interesting Things Why are they taking that photo? Once they’ve got the basics of actually taking a photo get them to take photos of interest. What catches their eye? If it was an animal or person get them to focus on that and fill the photo with the thing they found interesting.
How to win a slot at the PhotoBox Kids’ Photo Studio
For a chance to win a free session at the PhotoBox Kids’ Photo Studio on Saturday 25th June, along with thoughtful PhotoBox photo gifts of Dad, enter the #FocusOnDad competition at www.photobox.co.uk/focusondad
You can also tell PhotoBox why the special Dad in your life deserves a treat by using #FocusOnDad on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.
