Taking Great Photographs of Children
Preserve Precious Memories with Wonderful Pictures
Jan 20, 2009
No fancy equipment is needed to photograph babies and youngsters. A basic digital camera and a little knowledge can produce amazing results.
Lighting for Photographs
Use natural light as far as possible. If working outside, early morning and late afternoon give the most natural, soft light. Inside pictures should maximize light coming in through windows. A flash can be used inside or out to lift shadows and provide illumination. Experiment by taking similar shots with and without the flash and compare the results.
Backgrounds for Photographing Children
If taking portrait style shots, use a large sheet of paper, a blanket or a sheet as a background. Plain, slightly textured or mottled are best. If taking photographs outside, look for expanses of brickwork, rough plaster, sky, water, wood or leaves to act as a uniform background.
Action Shots of Children
Encourage children to jump, somersault, and walk with arms stretched out. Give them some bubble mixture and tell them to blow loads of bubbles. They will soon forget about the camera, so providing the material for lovely action shots.
Angles to avoid
There is a tendency to take pictures of children, looking down on them. A far better perspective will be gained by kneeling and taking photographs from their level.
Natural Frames
Look for natural ways to frame the child. These can be very effective and add artistic appeal to a shot. Ideas include a window frame, the bars of a climbing frame, a blanket wrapped around the head, long hair arranged carefully, doorways, arches, plants and trees.
Using Mirrors
Experiment with mirror shots where the child is seen as a reflection or as a double image. Make sure the photographer is not picked up in the mirror. Also beware of reflected light and shadow. A child playing dress-up and draped with huge clothes and costume jewellery makes a lovely shot.
Using Furniture
Posing with furniture can create a variety of moods. Try photographing a child resting his elbows on a table, chin in hands. The profile of a youngster sitting in a wooden chair can create a pensive feeling. Make sure the background is clear of clutter.
Sleeping Shots
Babies and young children can provide beautiful shots while sleeping. Use props of soft blankets and night clothes and maybe a cuddly toy. Baby sleeping against Dad’s shoulder is another charming pose.
Using Unusual Props
If a child plays a musical instrument, get him to pose with it. Look for natural shots of him examining it, frowning as he runs his hand across the strings. Photograph a little girl, tongue protruding as she attempts to fasten the ribbons on her ballet shoes.
Group Shots
Instead of lining siblings or friends up in a row, try some different poses. Get brothers to stand back to back with faces turned towards the camera. Get all the children to dress in jeans and white T-shirts and drape themselves over a gate. Girls could be photographed bending over mom’s make up tray or swinging next to each other.
With a little foresight and planning, it is easy to take memorable shots of children. These can be made into albums or scrapbooks and preserved as special memories for the day they are grown up. They may even delight in showing them to their children one day.
 |
 |
 |
 |
