Taking photos of children can be like herding cats. Not only can they not stand still for more than a second, but they often feel uncomfortable in front of the camera. We’ve put together some tips so you can capture your most precious moments like a pro. One little spoiler: keeping things natural is key!
Get down to their level
Getting face to face with kids is a great way to make them more comfortable with the camera. If having a camera in your face is so annoying for adults, it’s even worse for children. That’s why it’s essential to first get down to their level when you want to take photos of them.
Choose a simple background
Children’s clothes are usually quite colourful, which means you should keep things simple when looking for backgrounds. Too many elements can spoil a composition. You don’t want anything to take the focus off the child!
Photograph every moment (and not just the most important ones)
It’s very important not only to take pictures of the kids during the most clichéd moments, like birthday parties and family outings. You should keep your camera or mobile phone at hand at all times. It is in the simplest activities of everyday life that children tend to feel most relaxed and free and it is at these times that you will get the most spontaneous (and spectacular) photos of all. Always be ready to shoot!
Take photos of the kids when they’re in a good mood
While not all good pictures need to be full of smiles, the truth is that nobody wants photographs of children when they’re throwing a tantrum. As with everything in life, this too is a question of timing! Take the opportunity to photograph children when they are at their most content: after a meal or a nap or while at play.
Talk to them and ask them questions
For spectacular photographs, you want genuine moments and expressions. A great trick is to get the kids talking while you photograph them. Ask them questions and lead the conversation according to the expressions you want to capture. Play with them and capture their best expressions, from the happiest to the angriest!
Let them misbehave (just a little)
As the old saying goes: “forbidden fruit always tastes sweetest”. If you make your kids pose, you’re not going to get great results. For good pictures, you should let them do things they’re not usually allowed to do, like jumping on beds and sofas, screaming and playing with their food. They’ll genuinely be happier and you’ll notice that in the pictures, believe me!
Do everything you can to get them closer to the camera
A good way to bring kids closer to an object as strange and intimidating as a camera and to take incredible pictures at the same time is to make them interact with it. Call them over to see the pictures you take or ask if they can see any insects on the lens so they come towards you. Take advantage of those moments to shoot non-stop!
