5 tips for taking better photos of your Kids
There is nothing we like photographing more than our children, and with the quality of phone cameras, we have never had it easier to do so. That being said, we often see parents make a few mistakes that prevent them from getting better photos. The good news is that these photography mistakes are easy to remedy! Here are 5 simple steps that will instantly improve the photos you take of your kids.
1. Get Down!
The key to a great photo—regardless of its subject—is that it draws you in. The power of an image that puts you in the story tends to be greater than one that sets you apart from it. The easiest way to connect a viewer to your subject when photographing a child is to get on their level. Taking photos from above tends to limit a viewer's ability to connect with your subject, but it also tends to create an uninteresting photo. This tip takes little effort but has the maximum payoff!
2. Pay Attention to the Background
Nothing ruins a great photo like a bad background. As I mentioned above, getting down on your child's eye level helps connect your audience to your subject, but it also opens up your options for a better background.
Some locations lend themselves to great backgrounds, but others take a bit more effort. If you're in the city, for instance, it's easy to get unsightly trash cans or just a boring wall in your photos. By changing direction, you can easily get a shot down the street, which makes for a much better photograph. A related tip: try to avoid anything sticking out from behind your subject—especially from their head. Sometimes it only takes a single step to remedy this.
3. Anticipate
Let’s say you’re photographing your child’s birthday party, there are some key moments that you know will give you the potential for great photos: the birthday cake, unwrapping gifts, and any entertainment. Keep these things in mind beforehand, then set yourself up in position from the best vantage point.
4. Rapid Fire
When the moment for a great photo comes, it’s a good idea to snap at least two or three shots in rapid succession. This doesn’t mean to “spray and pray”, which is the act of shooting as many photos as possible, hoping to capture one good one. It just means that it’s smart to get two or three quick shots to ensure your shot isn’t ruined by a blinking kid.
5. Be Patient
Patience may be a virtue, but when it comes to snagging that perfect photograph of your child, it’s a necessity. I’m referring to your patience with your photography. It’s easy to get discouraged and to decide that the effort isn’t paying off, but your photography skills will improve if you stick with it.
Final Thoughts
Getting great portraits takes skill, intuition, and lots of practice, but if you keep these 5 tips in mind the next time you’re photographing your kiddos, you’ll be well on your way to some truly great photos. Need some help capturing your child at their best? Contact The Shelby Studio to schedule your family portrait session.
