The ABC's of Capturing Your Child on Camera!
If you're anything like I am as a mom…running around after small children and barely keeping up. Then trying to capture all those adorable moments that come with childhood at the same time…well, it can be a challenge at best.
If you keep a few small things in mind while chasing after them all the while with your camera in hand, your pictures can turn out to be memories you will treasure for a lifetime!
Assess the light. Many times people put their children in the harsh sun, assuming this will give the best picture. Instead, you end up with only part of the face in the sun, while the other in severe shadows making for a strange looking picture. Try putting your children in the shade (outside) or close to a window (inside) but not IN the direct light. Have them facing the light source so you can see the brightness in their eyes. Only utilize flash when absolutely necessary. This will help cut down on "red eyes". It will also help with possible camera delay, allowing you to catch those awesome, priceless moments. The best time of day to capture the optimal natural light is early mornings and late afternoons. My absolute favorite weather to shoot in is an overcast day. PERFECT filtered light no matter where you shoot outside!
Background. Look to see what is in the background of your shot. Will there be a huge light post "growing" out of your child's head in the picture? Do you want to see the background, or do you want to see just your children? To "blur" the background a bit, try standing further away and zooming in on your children. This will focus on the kids and not as much on the background.
Close up. For a more intimate pictures try taking a close up of just your child's face. But remember; don't cut off any body parts (like an ear) when you do. That makes for an odd looking finished picture. For babies and small children, I love to capture how small a hand is in a larger one. Show how small your child is right at this moment. You will love the outcome!
Down to their level. That's right…crawl around on your knees or your belly and look through that lens. What do you see? A whole new perspective that is better for photographs of baby!
Emotions. My most prized pictures of my children are not of them posed and smiling at the camera. They are the ones capturing a hug my youngest gives to her older sister (which, can be rare!). Or, the time that all my older 3 children were trying to teach the youngest how to blow bubbles.
Fill the frame. When looking through your camera, think about what you really are trying to accomplish. Is it to take a picture of the beautiful garden your children are standing next to? Or, is it to take a picture of your children within the garden? Fill the whole frame with what you want the picture to look like.
Growing. Remember, our children are growing at such a fast rate. Take as many pictures as you can, as often as you can. Besides, it will help you fill up those baby books and scrapbooks quickly.
Handy. In order to follow the "G" rule…make sure you have your camera handy. I have my "Baby" as a professional photographer. As much as I love my equipment, that big thing doesn't fit too well into my purse. That's why I have a little point and shoot as well. It fits nicely into my purse (or diaper bag) and is perfect in order to capture those emotion shots I told you about.
Last but certainly not least, just have fun with it. The more you stress about it, the more your children will stress about it. Lighten up and enjoy the moments you have. They are precious.
