I came to photography through scrapbooking. I have always loved to tell stories with my photos, and as I scrapbooked more, I realized that I needed to start taking better story-telling photos. Recently, I realized that I “needed” a better camera. 12 years after I started the scrapbook obsession, I figured out how much it helps to focus on the story-telling aspect before I take the photos, rather than trying to piece the story together from random photos after the event.

With that in mind, here are some “can’t miss” Thanksgiving photos to think about so you can be prepared, just like a good scout!

1. The Autumn Landscape

My grandmother lives on a farm and every year, I take photos as we drive up there. There is something beautiful and melancholy about farmland after the harvest. To me, it signifies the beginning of the holiday season. Also, the sunset is absolutely gorgeous from her back deck.

2. The Decorations

Someone took a lot of time to make the house look welcoming. Take some pictures. If indoors, it will help you figure out the metering and flash.

3. The Fine China

Is your Thanksgiving meal served on special plates? Is the turkey presented on your Great-Great-Great-Great-Great-Grandma’s platter that she brought over on the Mayflower? Are you using flatware that has been in the family for generations? Record this for posterity and then you can tell your great-great grandkids about it someday!

4. The Whole Spread

If you can, get a photo of the table before people dive in. Imagine what a beautiful photo you’ll have of the various colors and textures of the food. Turn off your flash, if you can, to minimize shadows and glare. That food’s not moving, so you won’t have to worry about blur as long as you can hold your camera steady enough. Just make sure you take this one quickly before the masses begin to riot!

5. Special Recipes

Did you prepare a side dish using a recipe that’s been in the family for generations? Or try something new and different? Don’t forget the desserts. If you are proud of it, document it!

6. The Carving of the Bird

What is more quintessentially Thanksgiving than the cutting of the turkey? Stake out your spot early. Maybe you’ll even get the first taste.

7. Breaking the Wishbone

Make sure your shutter speed is fast enough for this one, or use your flash. I learned that the hard way. I have a bunch of blurry pictures of my kids giggling as they break the wishbone. Encourage the kids to ham it up and put on their game faces. This one also may be a good time to use your burst mode, or continuous shutter.

8. Family Traditions

Every family runs Thanksgiving dinner differently. At my grandma’s house, there was always a kids’ table. My sister and cousin were still eating at the kids’ table well into their twenties. And yes, I have photo documentation; I just can’t find it right now.

9. Family Photos

How often do you have the whole family together? And I include those friends that are family in my definition of “family.” Take this opportunity to get some nice, posed photos. (Think Christmas card photos!) Your family may mumble and grumble about it (mine does) but they will appreciate those photos once they see them. Trust me on this one. Don’t forget the multi-generation photos, the individual families and one of the entire group. Make sure you know how to set the timer on your camera before Thanksgiving so that you can be in the photo too.

10. Spontaneous Photos

These document the reality of your family. Look for people laughing, special glances between loved ones, hugs, kisses, game-playing, kids with food on the face, anything that will help you tell the story of your family’s Thanksgiving.

Make sure your batteries are charged. Bring your wide-angle lens because it can get pretty cramped inside. Don’t forget your external flash if you have one. Then take your photos and then put your camera down. Make sure that you are a participant as well as the family photographer.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

P.S. Notice, I don’t have too many examples. That is because I need to follow my own advice!