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Children Photography ...How to Do It |
Taking Pictures of Children is a phrase that can strike terror in parents, having them reaching for tranquillizers. Since we have discussed other aspects of photographing children elsewhere (see "Related Topics" at the bottom of this page), we're going to cover the HUMAN SIDE of children photography here.
When taking pictures of children, the only thing you can be sure of is that you really can't be sure of anything!
In spite of all your planning and technical preparation, there can be unforeseen circumstances (euphemistically called "crabby kids") that can impact the outcome.
Each age group is different, but what they do have in common is uncertainty. With children between 2 – 5, expect the unexpected when you point your camera at them.
Children occasionally react to having their pictures taken in very childish ways.
Kids will not agree to any rules regarding children photography. If they are in "one of those moods," they can be impossible to handle, accept guidance, or generally listen to anything anyone is saying. If they get scared, decide to play with something more fun, or decide they don't like you - they simply run away.
This will hinder your photographic efforts (unless you're trying to get pictures of children running away from the camera). Let's take a look at some of the issues and solutions that may arise in the arena of children photography.
Children Photography Location
Take the child's feelings into account when deciding on where you will be shooting. A terrific shot might be at the top of an outdoor slide, but if the child is terrified at the prospect, you're not going to come away with anything other than tears on their shirt or a smeared camera lens.Pick the best location at which the children are comfortable. This could be their home, the park, a make shift studio, or in a pile of laundry. The key is to find a good location in which your subject(s) are comfortable.
Pretend the Child is a Model
Never force the child to "smile-sit still-look natural-be photographed" if they're not ready or don't want to. Think about it, do you think pictures under these circumstances will be worth framing?Instead, either wait for another opportunity, or position yourself further away, then pull out your telephoto lens and get some good shots.
Zen Children Photography
Become one with your environment. Working in the world of children photography means thinking about many things before you need them. Have an idea of what shooting perspective you want to achieve. Do you know why most children appear so short in "typical" snapshots? (Don't worry, this isn't a trick question.)
Adults take photos from their level rather than the child's level. "But, they're rolling around on the floor!"
For the best shots, get down on the floor with them. You don't need to roll around like they are, but at least take the picture from eye level (theirs, not yours).
Available Soon...
If you have trouble remembering what is required before, during, and after Taking Pictures of your Children, QuickTips® is for you.
We are developing an ebook with a unique approach that features a 1 page QuickTips® "What to Do" summary, condensed from hundreds of pages of Child Portrait Tips.
While the 1 page summary is designed as your before, during, and after photographic tutor; all supporting information is contained within the balance of the ebook.
Instant Replay
Oh, the times I wish we had instant replay, like in football games. If we could only go back and be ready for that spectacular photo opportunity that was totally missed because it was so unexpected.Instead, we need to anticipate these situations. Rather than hoping for a wonderful spontaneous moment within the 30 minute time frame allocated for children photography today, have you camera ready, turned on, prepared (controls properly set), and your finger on the shutter.
You might even want to hide it behind your back or under a table so that the kids will not know what's about to happen, and will therefore be natural, not artificial.
For those times you can only deal with the pictures AFTER you take them, the folks at Google are making several very cool products available at no charge.
 | Want to show the world how cute your child is?" |
Don't Talk to Strangers
Although not generally thought of as a children photography "phrase that pays," Don't talk to strangers is very applicable. The more familiar you are to the children, the better they will behave (or at least more predictably).
But what if you're not familiar with the kids? Don't worry. Children are typically very open to having you enter their world if you do it with respect.
Play with the child or at least express interest in their toys, stuffed animals, or environment before you jump in to take their pictures.
If they've never seen a flash before, show them what it does before you scare their socks off by using it. In fact, if you let them fire it off a few times, they will be much less intimidated by it when you use it.
Look beyond the Children
One of the things that is very easy to do when involved in children photography is to only observed the children. It's easy to get caught up with the magic of photographing children.
One of the things that can elevate an average photo to an exceptional photo is by paying attention to all of the details, including the background.
Check the background for any distracting or overpowering elements that will take the viewer's attention away from the child, once the final photograph is viewed.
If you do use a background, it's usually best to have a neutral and relatively insignificant.
Photographers sometimes forget that once they find a spot to shoot a portrait, they can get up and physically move if the background is problematic.
What I do is determine the best shooting angle by doing a quick 360, taking into account not only the background but also the effect that the sun and shadows may have on the final portrait.
It's Not Over till You Say It's Over
Photo editing after the portrait session is over can be one of the most important times in the entire process. With all of the potential difficulties there are inherent in shooting children photography, don't throw your hands up in despair when you go over the final images and find a potentially great one, if only...True, you can't go back and re-shoot it with just the changes that you wish were there, but here is the next best thing. Change the elements that are easy to change with photo-editing software. If you are thinking: "What does this guy think I am, a Photoshop guru?" - that is not the case.
Here are some options you might want to consider:
- For an interactive video book approach developed by a professional photographic restoration artist, check out his Free Trial of "As Simple As Photoshop." I have reviewed the video book, which is illustrated with 224 full-sound movie clips (over 6 hours of running time), and it doesn't get much better than this.
- If you have Photoshop Elements, download the Free Trial for this product, developed by the same expert. This product has 76 embedded clips arranged in a logical table of contents format that dramatically shortens the learning process.
Final Children Photography Thoughts
There are many opportunities for children photography. There are big occasions like birthdays, family reunions, vacations, holidays, baptisms, etc., as well as many everyday occurrences.What may turn out to be a fantastic photograph can come from anywhere. So don't limit yourself to only special occasions. The most mundane lazy day might create your absolute favorite child portrait.
Related topics...
Children's Poses
How to Take Child Portraits
Children's Photography Tips
Secrets of Taking Cute Baby Pictures
