I would like to share my tips to take nice pictures of your baby/ toddler/ children. I use these to do my job as a family photographer, hope you find them useful.
It does not matter what camera you have, compact, SLR, the main rule needs to be: keep your camera handy.
If it’s tucked away then by the time you’ve found it you’ll probably have missed the milestone, the moment, of the main fun.
If you are planning to do a proper photo session of them follow this tips! It works!
Choose the right time
Consider the time of day your kids are likely to be at their best, I tend to do my photoshoots with children in the morning just after their breakfats. They will be active and responsive, this will make things so much easier. Also think about lighting and locations in advance, so that picture taking is as pain-free as possible.
Choose the right clothes.
Try to go for plain colours or vibrant colours, but avoid big patterns or big Logos on T-shirts or vests. Use hats, scarfs and fancy dress as a unique way to capturing 2 or 3 different looking pictures. Mix and Match so you dont have to be changing outfits.
Moving Moving Moving
Getting a child to sit still can be mission impossible so give in gracefully. Instead switch your camera to a high shutter speed, or sports/action mode. They can then run around happily and you’ll still get fun and pin-sharp pictures
Go down
When photographing small children it’s best to get down to their level. This makes it easier for them to interact with you and gives a very flattering effective.
Closer and Closer
Young skin can handle even the closest of close up shots. In fact, it’s often the case of the closer you get the more impact your photos will have. Your camera might have a portrait setting so use this one and you can notice the difference.
Do close ups of eyes , hands, feet or a nice smile
Get some help.
Ask another adult to help you and stand beside you and chat to the child you’re photographing. This allows you to concentrate on taking the pictures, to work with your camera and encourages your subject to look away from the camera, giving you a wider variety of shots.
Let them play
Taking photos when your child is focussing on something else, such as playing with their toys, watering the pants, bowing bubbles, makes them oblivious of your camera. This gives a wonderfully relaxed feel and is a great way of capturing a fantastic moment.
Clutter has to go
Talking of toys, if you know you’re going to be taking a series of photos it’s worth packing away the majority of their toys and clearing some space. Simple pictures without lots of distractions make for more powerful images. Toys are great props but not too many though.
Let them enjoy
Photographing your own child is a great way of capturing an special moment in life. Have a laugh with the kids, let them see the pictures you’ve just taken, use books, natural flowers, try fancy dress costumes, or allow them to be photographed with their favourite doll or teddy bear, even in their bed with pijamas - whatever it takes to keep them happy and enjoying the moment.
Please visit my website for inspiration:
http://www.carolinamiddleton.com
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