Advice on Photographing KIds
Children are a lot of fun to photograph, and are rarely camera shy. Before you being photographing them, start thinking like one. Get inspired by simple things, and find the awe in everything. The following tips will help you take great photographs of kids.
1. First get on their level by bending down or lying on the ground. When you photograph them by looking down, you imply dominance over them and may make them feel inferior. Instead, photograph them from below, because then you empower them.
2. Photograph children with their friends and family. It’s always interesting to see how children interact with one another and how they interact with their parents and siblings. You will want children to get comfortable with you and the camera so you may want to begin by photographing them with their parents.
3. Don’t forget to be patient. Photographing children is difficult, but don’t get frustrated. They will need snacks and short rests. It’s important not to rush the session, and keep photographing them even when you don’t think they are doing anything interesting.
4. Pay close attention to their expressions and eyes. Capture how they react to the world around them. Maybe even ask them to make happy or funny faces. Have them look directly into the camera, and have them lean in.
5. Take children to a new location such as a new park or playground. Watch them explore and document how they react to the new environment. Outdoor lighting is the best light, and you will get soft light before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
6. Relax. Children can sense fear, and if you are nervous they will be uncomfortable. If you are having fun, so will they. Bring props such as toys or games, and food is also not a bad idea.
It’s always good to give children some direction, but let them be themselves and make sure they are having fun. You never know what they will do, so be prepared to capture those precious fleeting moments. While you may want some posed pictures, candid ones generally produce the best shots.