Tips for photographing your kids
It’s so important to capture as many moments as you can as your kids grow and change. As a professional photographer and mum, I wanted to give you some key tips on how to take better photos of your kids.
1) Get down low
The angle that we take photos makes a huge difference in the way we view them. Being at an angle where you are looking directly into kids' eyes totally changes the way we connect with an image. I am sure you have heard the expression that the eyes are the window to the soul, and this is never more true than when photography kids
2) don’t ask them to say cheese
We all grew up with the school photographer who asked us to say cheese, to try and capture a smile. But it was a different time when photographers worked with film, and could only take 1 photo, and by saying cheese they had the best chance to capture something resembling a smile
Times have changed and with digital photography we can take a number of images to make sure that we get a real smile. When I am photographing kids I ask them questions or tell them silly joes that I know will make them laugh or smile. I’m always ready to snap away to make sure that I capture that perfect moment. It means that you end up with photos that have real & authentic expression , that really capture a true special moment of that age.
3) understanding light
I can’t tell you how often people think that being in full sun will enable the best photos, but nothing could be further from the truth.
The best places to get done are actually in the shade, or near a window inside your home
a) photographing outdoors
Try to get your ids playing in a shady area. The middle of the day is the hardest to time as finding shade can be hard, sp try to find the time in the early morning or late afternoon to concentrate on photographing your kids
But the reality is that the best moments happen at any time, so if you are watching your kids play and you want to get the best shot then put yourself in a position that the sun is behind your kids. This will stop them squinting if they look at you, and the sun will not be as harsh..
b) photography indoors
You want to stand so the window is behind you. If you are facing the window your camera will struggle with how to expose correctly and there will not be enough light on your kids. SO look at where your kids are playing and move yourself around so that the window is behind you.Light is the most important factor in every photo. Look at where it's coming from and how strong it is. If you're inside, try to get close to a window and turn your child's face toward the natural light. I usually leave indoor lights and flash off, especially now that iPhone 11 Pro has night mode. Artificial lighting changes the white balance (warmth) in a photo and messes with skin tones. But if you happen to capture a shot you love and the lighting is tricky, try a black and white edit.Another tip for indoor shooting: Look for interesting light patterns made by things like blinds or drapes and pockets of light streaming in through windows that help create eye-catching portraits.
When outside, light on an overcast day is good all day. On sunny days, the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset is the most beautiful and flattering light to take photos, but life doesn't always happen in perfect lighting! If the sun is high and strong, I look for shade or bend low to the ground to put the light behind my kids. Smart HDR makes it easier to take a shot and expose it correctly even in harsh overhead light, but know that the shadows will be harsh so you'll have to work with it as best as you can.
Capture emotion
It's so important to tell the story with feeling. To do this, rely on candid moments, like a recent one between my dad and my daughter enjoying a quiet morning of reading stories. Because I had my phone handy, I was able to capture that special moment while sitting across from them.
But don't be afraid to create some candid moments of your own. Ask your kids to give hugs, hold hands and jump, play with water, pick flowers, build a sand castle, or have them twirl or dance. Give them a toy or snack like ice cream or hot cocoa. Sit back, watch, and snap the in-between moments of silliness, giggles, and beauty.
You can bend or crouch down to be at face level to get the most of their expressions. Let them stick their tongues out, be goofy, and have fun. Tell them jokes and laugh with them and their faces will light up even more.
Throw the rules away
OK, not really, but don't get hung up on them either. With time and practice, you won't think about lighting and framing so much because it will start to happen naturally, and you'll be able to focus on storytelling and capturing that raw emotion. Remember, you're telling the story of their lives, you're not limited to a certain number of photos, and your kids don't always have to strike a pre-planned pose.
The photos I end up loving most are the ones where my children aren't looking at me and smiling, but instead are interacting as I capture their actions. Nothing compares to the ones where they are laughing so hard I can remember what their giggles sounded like days later. A lot of times, these shots aren't technically perfect, but they're perfect to me.
Join in on the fun
And last but not least, if you're the designated family photographer, use that selfie mode! You were there too; you're part of that story. Go by how a shot makes you feel and capture the moments that matter to you because, in the end, your photos of your kids are for you.