Have you ever taken photos of your precious ones and feel that the images were too serious? Or looked a little odd? Or that the children were everywhere but in front of your camera?
Here are 7 tips on how to make sure that the next time you whip your camera out, you create beautiful child portraits with your little sweetheart!
1. Relax.
If the photographer (you) is tense ("I need to get a really good picture!") or upset ("Why can't he keep still????"), your subject (child) is bound to be more active or less cooperative. People, especially young children, easily pick emotions up. If you're relaxed, happy, easy-going, they will be, too. It's always easier to get happy images from happy subjects. And who doesn't like happy children?
2. Know what you want - and can get.
Be clear on what you expect from your pictures. And work towards it. If you want a clean picture with a simple background, don't take pictures in your messy living room - unless, ofcourse, you have a pretty egg-blue wall in it with a huge window with loads of diffused light beside it. If you want a picture to tell a story, then make sure there is a story and that it's all included in your frame. For example, you want other people to see just how much mess your child can make, then by all means, take photos in a messy living room with the room in the frame, too.
3. The Rule of Thirds.
Not to be too technical but this is the simplest and easiest technical rule to learn. Read up on it and apply it in your photos. I won't go into details but here's an article about it that I recommend you read.
4. Time.
Choose the "when" wisely. Do you want calm photos of your child? Grab your camera and start clicking when they're about to sleep or just when they've woken up (unless they're cranky at either times. Then you can still get interesting photos, not calm, mind you, but interesting.) Or maybe when they've just had a meal. Or maybe when they're playing on their own in that quiet way young children have. Or… you know what? Best thing to do is observe your child - when is he most quiet? Take note of those times and grab your camera then. Or if you want happy action shots, take note of when he's most active and grab your camera then.
5. Props.
One way to make a photo interesting is to use props. This also gives your subject something to do. I heartily recommend bubble bottles and wands! The children love them and they make beautiful pictures, too! Other props include hula-hoops, baskets, balloons and anything else the child may be interested in.
6. Patience.
Refer to #1. Seriously. You'll find that there are times when you start relaxed and end up frustrated. Don't. Remember to be patient. You'll get that shot. Really.
7. Treasury of Jokes.
Or Nursery Rhymes. Or cartoon stories. Anything you can use to communicate with your subject is always good. It will help them look at you (if you want a straight on image) or look away (Wow! Look! Is that (insert cartoon character)?) or have a special look on their face (Can you look like Sleeping Beauty? Ha!)
This list is by no means comprehensive, I'm sure you have other tips you'd like to share. You can share those tips in the comment box below so others can benefit from them, too.
Happy clicking!
Send me an email (info@chiesipinphotography.com) if you'd like to capture moments with your loved ones!
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