Children, especially very young children, are favorite subjects for most of us.
However, photographing children may be very challenging. The first rule in children photography is that you should have love for the children. Otherwise you cannot expect to have anything remotely similar to Anne Geddes! (Anne is one of the world’s most respected and successful photographers, who specialize in children photography, especially below 12 weeks of age!).
Tips for Photographing Children
- Every effort should be made to ensure that small babies are comfortable, well-fed, warm and feeling secure. Mothers should always be present with babies during the shoot.
- Do not expect your every shot to be comparable with what you see in Greeting cards. (For world-class images, preparation time varies from several weeks to sometimes a few months!)
- Costume designers are not just for glamour photography; and stylists are not just for good photography. Both these trades are equally important in children photography!
- Young children are best photographed, when engrossed in some activity, and oblivious of the presence of the camera.
- Do not try to direct children too much. Instead of asking the smile, just say something that will make them smile.
- Use props, like a basket, bathtub, toys, a fancy chair, or even soap bubbles!
- Make use of natural light for photographing children. High-key pictures, taken in diffused light make the more impressive photographs.
- The real key to success in children photography is patience. If during a photo-session the children do not oblige you, turn that session into a play. Children will love you and (hopefully) oblige the next time!
- Do not shoot children from adult’s point of view. Get down to their level, for natural looking pictures.
- Music can sometimes help in keeping the children involved. Be sure to play rhymes (and not your favorite oldies!)
Where these tips helpful?
(Check out Tips for Photographing People/Portrait, too!)
What would you add?
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