Best Tips for Taking Good Photos of Children
Taking Pictures of Kids for Holidays, Special Occasions and Everyday
Nov 12, 2009
Parents can be photographers too! Read on for ways to take great pictures of the kids this holiday season and everyday.
Photographers: Be Prepared that Kids Like to Move
Parents need to deal with the reality of their subjects. Kids like to move, not sit still. Anyone taking pictures of kids needs to realize this. By accepting this and being prepared can make the process better for everyone. It avoids the frustrating scenario where parents keep telling their kids to sit still and then get frustrated because their kids aren’t listening. Their frustration will in turn agitate the kids who will then lose interest in being photographed.
Take Lots of Photos of the Children
There's one great thing about digital cameras – they allow photographers to take as many pictures as they want and need. Parents should give themselves a lot of time and just keep clicking. Yes, there will be a lot of photos that don’t work, but taking pictures of kids is like fishing. Keep throwing the line out there until one captures a good one.
Avoid “Cheese” When Taking Pictures of Kids
When someone tells them to say “cheese", many kids end up looking cheesy. Telling them to smile often gets the same result as well. They give forced smiles and the photo won’t capture the essence of what the child normally looks like.
Talk to Kids While Taking Pictures
Talking to kids is the best way to get them to look natural for the camera. It’s also the best way to get them to look at the camera. Tell them there is a little fairy that lives in the camera and ask them to smile at her. Talk to them about Santa and what they want for Christmas. Ask them about their favorite toys or candies. Ask them who they love the most and why. These kinds of comments and questions will get kids to smile naturally and make for a better photo. Another trick is to have another adult talk with kids or get their attention with a toy or puppet just behind the camera so kids will look in the right direction.
Zoom in Close to Get the Magic Moments Between Siblings
Zoom in to get up close and personal photos of the children. Close up face shots are ideal, but don’t get hung up on having all the kids looking at the camera. Having kids interacting naturally and sharing a moment can make a much more powerful picture even if they are not looking right at the camera. It’s also nice to mix things up and snap interesting profile shots and even the back of the children as well.
Use Natural Lighting With Kids
In the morning when the sun comes up and at dusk when the sun is about to set are great times to get the best lighting. If that is not possible, try to pick a sunny day or a well lit room in the house for photos. By getting enough natural light, the photographer doesn’t have to use the flash, which can sometimes distract or even frighten young children.
Parents can get the best holiday and everyday pictures of their kids by accepting the fact that the kids will move around, taking lots of pictures, not telling them to say “cheese” and talking to kids about things that will make them smile naturally. Use the zoom function on the camera to get close ups and use natural lighting where possible to avoid the use of the flash.
Also check out Visiting Santa at the Mall With the Kids and Getting the Best Photo With Santa and the Kids.
HOL101
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