| The reason that children make such great subjects in | | | | the landscape that is allowed to be in the shot, the |
| photography is that they rarely look the same from | | | | more distractions there will be. The viewer should not |
| one photo opportunity to the next. They grow up so | | | | be left guessing what the subject of the photo is, so |
| quick. | | | | use the viewfinder to crop out as many distractions |
| The goal for most child photography is to capture | | | | as possible. |
| the blissfulness and innocence of youth, to take the | | | | Head and shoulders shots ensure that the child will |
| child's pure character and freeze it in time. This allows | | | | dominate the shot. Since most of a child's character is |
| parents to preserve these wonderful traits forever. | | | | shown in his or her face, a head and shoulders shot |
| The problem is that professional formal photography | | | | will also ensure that more of the child's character |
| does not usually capture the true character of the | | | | shines through. |
| child. Usually the child is posed in an artificial setting | | | | 3. Child Action Photography - Children are happiest |
| and told to look at a point just to the side of the | | | | when they are playing, but they are also pretty fast. |
| camera and say cheese. | | | | Being able to take good action shots is essential, or |
| These kinds of pictures are taken at schools, and | | | | all you will wind up with is blur. |
| studios. Photographers make a good living taking | | | | If your camera does not have an auto setting for |
| these kinds of pictures because the same shot is | | | | action shots, 1/400 is usually a good shutter speed |
| easy to reproduce with different children. While these | | | | for general playing. If setting the exposure manually, |
| produce good pictures, they do not really reflect | | | | be sure to also adjust the aperture and ISO settings |
| anything about the child. | | | | to get the correct exposure. Take a few practice |
| The tips below show how to take photos that will | | | | shots before the action starts. |
| truly portray a child's character. | | | | 4. Don't be a Stranger - Parents always teach their |
| 1. Use Candid Photography at a Distance - Candid | | | | children not to go near strangers. Sometimes this can |
| photography focuses on the spontaneity of an event | | | | cause problems if you are asked or hired to |
| or subject rather than a staged setting. This | | | | photograph someone else's child. |
| technique requires the photographer be prepared to | | | | When this happens, introduce yourself. Also let the |
| take a shot when the scene presents itself instead | | | | child see your photography equipment and explain |
| of setting up the scene. | | | | what it used for. Spend some time talking with the |
| Incorporate a telephoto lens in with candid | | | | child's parents in a relaxed setting so the child sees |
| photography so you can be far enough away to not | | | | that they are familiar with you. |
| be noticed. The idea is to have the child act and play | | | | These actions should make you appear less like a |
| natural. Being far enough away will ensure that the | | | | stranger and help the child feel more comfortable |
| child does not react to the camera. | | | | around you. |
| 2. Fill the Viewfinder - The child should be prominent | | | | I hope you have enjoyed my Top 4 Tips for Child |
| in the photograph, not just part of it. The more of | | | | Photography. |