Childhood is fleeting, and while it might not seem like it at the time, your time with your child is finite. As a child, having a photograph taken at school, at events and holidays is a ritual we all had to cope with. Standing around while an assortment of photographers recorded your young life is something we all hated, but our parents loved.
Now we’re older and may have our own children whose life we want to record for posterity, or to embarrass them later on. To get the most out of these moments we need to know a little about taking pictures and composition. That way we can avoid annoying the kids too much and become better photographers.
If at all possible, plan ahead. Staging moments in time can avoid many of the pitfalls that can arise with using children. If you want to take a picture of your child on their first day at school, mock it up a day or two in advance. They are going to be nervous enough on the day as it is, and that will come out in the picture. Use it as an exercise to try on the new uniform and check everything, then get them to pose. The end result should be much more pleasing than capturing a nervous child on their first day back.
Consider the background when composing a picture. Doors often make their way into photographs for some reason. Gloss paint can glare with a flash and detract from the subject. Pick a plain wall, hang a sheet or do it outside with trees or shrubs as a backdrop.
Watch the flash too, most photographers will diffuse the flash to make sure they don’t make the subject look unnatural. A standard flash can cause harsh shadows and “bleach” the skin. Using a diffused one, or not using it at all will produce a much better picture. A simple diffuser can be made by putting thin tissue paper over the flash.
Positioning the subject is a skill all Naples Photographers have to master. The typical child shot is composed with them in the middle of the shot, standing or sitting straight on, directly in front of a door or some background. Change it around a bit and you’ll get a much better finish.
Turn the subject slightly and have them look at the camera. This creates a nice shot that seems softer and more intimate. Get down to their level. Whether they are sitting or standing, shoot from the subjects level. This reduces shadows, doesn’t elongate features and makes sure the image is accurate.
Don’t be afraid to use props either. Most Naples Photographers will have favorite props they use to compose shots. Use items relevant to the setting, like a backpack at school, a bike at home or a ball at the park.
You don’t have to be a professional photographer to get good shots, but a little study can make sure you get more of them. Knowing how to compose a shot will enable you to create a much more pleasing record of your child’s life, although it won’t be any less embarrassing for them.
The Art of Child Photography
Naples Photographers
02/10/2010