Seven simple steps to better pictures of your kids
We all love to take pictures of our kids. Here are seven simples steps to taking better pictures of your children.
1. Start Early – Bringing your camera out on every occasion -family outings, special occasions and even in the backyard or park will make your children comfortable when having their photo taken. Starting them early will no doubt mean more natural photographs of them as they grow. The more accustomed they are to being photographed, the less likely they are to freeze up, show off or even stamp their little hands and feet in protest – which in itself can be a photograph you might want to take.
2. Compose Yourself -Because of our emotional connections with our children, any photograph of them is precious. This can be a disadvantage however, as it can lead to average photographs in terms of composition and design. So, for that brief moment before you take the picture, think about how well your picture is designed. Think of your composition and use your child’s surroundings to make more interesting pictures.
3. Too Posey -Try to keep their postures and expressions as natural as possible. As we have mentioned, starting early helps, but the best opportunities but often the best opportunities for photographs of children are when they are playing and their minds are preoccupied with what is going on around them. If your camera has a zoom lens, use it to your advantage so as not to be caught out in the process.
4. Use Available Light – Straight flash is a terrible way to light your photographs, and with children it can be even worse. It is bright, unnatural and without dimension. Where possible, use windows, open doors or whatever natural light is available to light the pictures you take of your children. If you are using a film camera, use a fast film like ISO 400. If you have a digital camera, set your camera to one of the higher ISO settings.
5. Use Fill Flash – Just because it is bright outside, it doesn’t mean you don’t need a flash. In fact, you probably need it more than ever! Bright sunlight —especially the direct, overhead, middle-ofthe-day type —is the most unflattering light you can use. Children particularly are susceptible to the ‘Panda bear’ look – the dark shadows in their eyes from the sun. Also, if you are sunsmart, your children wear hats, thus exacerbating the problem. So, turn your flash on and use it outside to remove hard shadows.
6. Little Friends – The interaction between children and their friends and relatives is too special to miss photographing. So photograph those little concerts, tea parties, wrestling matches and dress up parties when they happen.
7. The Right Perspective – Children are lower to the ground than we are, so it’s a good idea to get down to their level. So that you are not too uncomfortable, sit in a chair or on the ground and wait for that moment when they are so adsorbed in whatever they are doing that they forget you’re there.
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