3 important things to remember while photographing kids
Having a baby is often the reason parents buy a camera. They want to record every stage of their child’s life, from cradle to college – and beyond.
Unfortunately – having a good camera is not enough to create great photographs. Real photographs – the ones that shows your child’s personality, each stage in life and all the beauty that surrounds that special moment. Often parents are very surprised seeing me photographing their children. It’s so unconventional… and easy at the same time.
- Don’t say “cheese”
- Don’t be “bossy” or impatient
- Do get down on their level
It’s impossible to smile naturally while saying that word. The real smile that your children are designed to make is a matter of the right moment when they are enjoying themselves. Also, remember that there is beauty in non- smiling photographs as well! Record all the emotions and faces of your child, even the crazy ones, and you’ll not regret it. That’s the reality of your life!
Once you start to tell them what to do – or worse – get mad at them – your chances of getting great pictures are close to zero. Don’t say “don’t move” or “turn your face to me”. Let them be themselves! Childhood will not last forever, so stop being so serious, and let your playful side take over. Do some silly things with them, tell some jokes and enjoy yourself! At the end of the day, you’ll get some great pictures of a happy child.
It’s important to be on their level, physically and mentally. Don’t photograph them from above because it will create an unnatural perspective. Your child’s head will appear much bigger than his/her body. Also, talking down to them creates a stiff atmosphere… so get down on their level and treat them as an equal. I guarantee you’ll not only get beautiful pictures, but also a great relationship with your child.
There it is – the whole secret of taking better photographs of your children. Use my advice to create something special… And remember – you can’t take too many pictures of your own children. They only grow up once, and it will be wonderful when you’re older to have all those memories to look back on.
I lovee that “don’t say cheese” is #1 :)
“love” not “lovee” :)
It’s so true! As a family blogger, I constantly have my camera out and my girls are often the subjects. It’s so hard to get “the shot” sometimes and #2 is a rule that is soooo hard to live by. Thanks for the post!
Great tips! I have a hard time getting good pics of my daughter! I’m going to see if these tips help!
I do get down on their level which reminds me that I can’t get back up to easily like I use to lol. I never say cheese I just normally tell them to be themselves and play. Great tips
What great ideas! I have to remember the first two points. And I do take the ones with the crazy faces, priceless!
Thanks for sharing!
All excellent tips and you can tell every single ‘cheese’ smile that we have in our photo albums. That is an identifiable (fake) smile. :)
These are excellent tips, and ones I need to remember when I am taking photos of the kiddos.
Those are some great tips which I will share with the picture takers in my family and those friends who also take photos!
these are all great tips. I tried photographing my daughter this weekend and she wasnt having it. I will try these tips thank you :)
We don’t say cheese around here, but we do say ‘kimchi’. :)
Candids are my favorite photos!! There have been times when I try to pose my kids and the one were they are moving or doing something else always ends up being my favorite! Thansk for the tips :)
Thank you for the tips, photographing kids is like a game, everyone involved to get the best shots & natural smiles.
great tips!
When we were in Paris, I wanted some great photos of my kids with historic backdrops. The “formal” photos turned out okay, but the framed photos on my walls show my daughter playing peek-a-boo through the beams on the Eiffel Tower, my older son turning his sister upside down while his brother “photo-bombed” in the background, and one of my son studying a piece of modern art at Georges Pompidou. They capture the true memories best!
These are such great tips! My son is so difficult when it comes to taking pictures.That’s why we have no real family pics! I’m bookmarking this!