Hello,
It has been nearly 3 years concentrating in children photography and family photography. I thought of sharing some of my experiences in getting interesting images of children photography. These tips may not be so obvious and generally less photographic central but people central.
Remember when taking pictures of people, they are giving you the trust and respect, so it is just a nice gesture if you return that trust and respect. Never hurry in lifting your camera to your eyes to take a shot. Take your time to understand your subjects and give them respect that hey deserve. It is the key to people photography.
You may have better tips... Leave me a comment with your tips if you would like to contribute.
1. Children first, photography second.
This is one of the most fundamental yet easily forgotten fact about children photography. Children like adult demand for attention and respect. The focus is with the children and not in photography. Many Photographers that I observe anxious about getting the shots. Slow down and bond with them and give them all the respect, you shall rewarded with their trust.
2. Shoot natural light.
Children photography don't have to be complicated and no flash is required. Natural light gives you very comfortable looking images without that "perfectly" artificial lighting. Remember they are doing you a favor by letting you take their shots. So go natural.
3. Shoot in their environment
The reason why we started children photography is to capture memories of our children, hence, shoot where their memories are. On their bed,their favorite toys, their behavior and let them be themselves which allow their personality to shine through.
4. Minimize your equipment
A simple full frame dslr with a humble 50mm f1.4 can go a long way by not intimidating the children of your photography tool. Less is more and keep it simple principle do apply here. Forget about reflectors, flashes, big zoom lenses, it is more effective with little set-up.
5. Clothing choice for children photography
The idea behind clothing is to ensure the clothing don't date the pictures so we would recommend clothing that is as simple as possible. Solid colors without prints will be nice as print and writing tend to move the attention from the subject to the clothing. However, at the same time, it is very important to do some shots with your child favorite clothing. If they are old enough, let them choose.
6. Getting the smile
It is probably the most requested shot. However, the only way to make the child smile is by not asking them to smile. As the resultant smile tend to be forced and unnatural. Try to play with he child and get him to smile because he is happy. That way, the smile will look a lot better.
7. Shoot early in the morning or late in the afternoon
Lighting is often the best, so get on earlier or very late in the afternoon. Younger children tend to be happier in the morning.
8. Observe, observe and observe
Most great images emerge from observing the child's behavior. Let kid being kid and observe what they do and don't do before taking the shots will allow you to capture some of the very best images of your child.
9. Sleeping time
Children are often cranky during their sleeping time, so it is best to note their sleeping time and only do capture their photos 1 hour after their sleep or nap.
10. Give and you shall be rewarded.
With children, you give them what they want and they will give you what you want. Not the other way round. Bribing with food should be the last resort. Sometimes children require a bit more "warming up" so give them time. They often require some "break" during your shoot, so only do small snippet about 5 minutes and let them play for 5-10 mins if the child needs it.
11. Keep it short
Children, unlike adult portrait, only last for a good 30minutes or so, less for younger and slightly longer if older. Read their body language, if they give you the signal of stop taking photos, stop and do it another time.
Ok then... Till next time...
Regards,
Hart Tan
Tomato Photo
www.tomato.sg
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