When you start talking toddlers and children’s photography I can practically hear people groan. But really – it’s not that hard. If you make sure they are having fun you can have some fun as well.

I’m assuming everyone has heard the standard “get down on their level” advice about photographing kids. You haven’t? Some of you have? Okay I’ll be quick with that part. – Get down on their level. Pictures of children feel better and show more depth when taken at the child’s eye level. When you take a shot looking down on a child two things happen:

1. Perspective makes their heads look much larger than the rest of their bodies.
2. They look much smaller than they really are.

So your main goal when photographing children is get shots from their level.

Here is some other stuff you can do to get great shots of kids:

1. Get OUT of the studio – kids get bored. They don’t want to sit up straight and smile into the flash over and over until you get your perfect shot.
2. Find a location they can run around – kids that are running and jumping and playing are kids that are smiling. Let them run, take a million pics and you will have a few that show the authentic happiness of the moment.
3. Prepare to run – kids that are moving need a photographer that is moving with them. Run way in front of them and then turn around and snap 20 frames as they are running to catch up with you. Run up the steps and snap 20 frames as they are climb up. Climb a tree. Jump down and shot pic after pic as they follow in your footsteps.
4. Wear comfy clothes – you need to be able to bend and crawl and run and climb so dress for the occasion. If your shoes make your feet hurt then your not having fun and your probably not going to get fun shots.
5. Let go of the need to have perfectly planned poses – set your camera on continuous mode and just shoot.
6. Carry a tissue – stuff comes out of kids noses and mouths. Get used to it. Be quick, learn how to clean noses with one hand and shoot with the other.

Happy shooting! Please let me know in the comments if you found these tips helpful!

Thanks

e

Category: Basic Photo Tips, Elizabeth Chavez - Photography, Lovin Life