Wait a minute, I’m a photographer, why would I give you tips on how to photograph your children. Well because I cant be there all of the time and I’m not expecting these tips to replace photographs we create together BUT I know how frustrating so many of my mums find it when they just want a natural shot.
These are my daughter on holiday, she’s not looking but I still love them…
1. DO I NEED A BETTER CAMERA?
Probably not, unless you plan to learn how to use an SLR camera – NOT on auto and that would take a lot of patience and time. Then lugging a big camera out may not improve your photographs. If you do invest in an SLR, get the best you can afford. Learn how to shoot manual (changing aperture, shutter speed and ISO) and also invest in a prime lens (a 50mm 1.8 should suffice) then go practice LOTS! But for the sake of this lets presume you have a compact or phone camera
2. NO CHEESEY GRINS
The more you ask your little one to smile the bigger chance they will look away or create a huge grin that isnt the smile you adore. Don’t ask them to say cheese, just watch them then call their name. If you want to get their attention, hold a toy over the top of the camera or a musical toy, or even better decorate your phone or camera!
3. LOTS OF SPACE AND TIME
If you’re taking photos of toddlers, let them be, take them for a walk and just watch them through your camera. If it’s an event, (like a birthday) think before you click, move to the right place. But most of all don’t spend the whole event behind the camera, as your child will get annoyed with the black thing in front of you and you may never get smiles again, play with them enjoy the moment.
If you’re just at home, look what else is in the photo? Tidy up clear the background, sit baby on clean white sheets if youre stuck for ideas. A room with toys or the TV in the background might spoil the perfect smile. If in doubt head to the garden
4. LIGHT
I love backlighting photos to create beautiful sun sprays, but with a compact or phone it’s liable to just look like black sihouettes without the right lenses or settings. So if you’re outside and it’s sunny head to open shade – the edge of the shade so its not too dark but its not too sunny, which would create nasty shadows on their faces. If it’s cloudy it’s actually better than a sunny day as you can take photographs wherever your children want to play. If youre at home in a bright light room is always best.
If you can AVOID flash- if you have a compact with adjustable ISO increase it to the biggest number instead of flash. If you have to flash you can try a little tracing paper in front of the flash to diffuse it.
5. INSTAGRAM
Many photographers would hate me for saying this but if its on an iphone – why not play with your favourites on instagram after. Its just for fun and its never going to be a huge frame but if its just for you why not!
6. DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME
Sorry I have to say this one. NEVER try to recreate my studio styled shoots with props, they involve lots of photoshop to remove dads hands and leaving a baby in a basket or lying on something without being held is DANGEROUS. I’ve been photographing newborns for over 3 years and have undertaken lots of safety training. If you just want to do your own shots, do a shot on your bed with dad and you holding baby safely. Dont try to replicate poses that could be done wrongly and harmful.
7. IT’S YOUR MEMORIES
Remember if its not perfect, it doesn’t matter they are still adorable to you.
I’m thinking of launching a parents course next year of how to get better pictures of your little ones on location, drop me a message if you fancy hearing more!
