Perhaps one question that I am asked over & over again is......."How do I take better-looking pictures at home?" Well...here's 7 quick tips for photographing your kids that go through my head during a session....
**First, don't think you have to go out and buy an expensive DSLR to achieve great shots. I started my photography adventure with a Minolta point and shoot. Sure...learning how a camera works will greatly benefit you, BUT, as you may know, manuals that come with cameras are often not so user-friendly and can be intimidating. I follow a couple of great blogs that are much more informative and interesting.....for example, Digital Grin allows you to upload your pictures and be critiqued by other beginners and pros. There is DPS, which is similar to a photography class with assignments and feedback. Oh! And, did I mention that these sites are FREE??? Yep...even better.
Now....on to the tips....
Jason's # 1 rule: Get Down on their level. No child is going to look natural or comfortable smiling up at you. In fact, most children turn on the charm when you take initiative to "play" at their level.
2. Practice a little Patience....Chances are...your child doesn't want to stay in one place for 10 minutes trying to perfect a pose, so don't expect them to! Be willing to wait for a photo moment by allowing your child flexibility....as it turns out, you will probably get a more creative photo this way. (If any of you have worked with me before, you'll know that I provide little direction in terms of where to stand, how long to stand, etc.....there's a reason for this...see #3).
3. Focus on capturing an expression....not position. Candid photography is not about a smile and good posture....after all, wouldn't you rather capture a smile, laugh, or frown that is
more indicative of your child's natural, normal personality? This will be what you want to remember for years to come.....In some
cases, if your kids seem "camera-shy" or uninterested in the lens, ask them to tell a story, do a silly dance, or make a funny face....I'm sure this will loosen them up...and create fantastically memorable photos!
4. Try using natural light. Allow yourself to turn your camera flash OFF, & take a few photos outside or near a window (during daylight of course :) Remember....when your flash is ON, your camera is factoring it into the shot. When the camera flash is OFF, your camera works with the natural light to highlight, creating a more natural-looking picture.
5.Back up a bit and try zooming in. Most times, children will "perform" more naturally with more independence and less crowding by the camera.
6. Involve your child. Ask them to be your helper for the day. If
they are able, allow them to carry your camera bag or tripod. Ask them to suggest an area to take a good shot....this makes it FUN! I did this with Noah on a trip to Acworth.
GALLERYi.e.-Noah thought it would be a good idea to put his hand in his pocket.
7. Consider & Experiment with Perspectives. Your child's face/body does not have to always be the in the "center" of the picture to be the focus of the picture. As in the picture to the left, allow space on one side of the picture (the side where the child is gazing) to help tell a story, or to
create a thought...for example, "what is she looking at?"
I hope this helped a few of you aspiring photographers. Leave me a comment if it was helpful and I will share more in the future.
