Photographing kids can be an adventure - they have short attention spans and generally want to run, jump and explore, not sit for a photo. You can work all of that to your advantage though, if you just know some tricks. Along with selecting the right place to shoot and knowing how to master the composition, involving kids is key. Below are my top five tips for capturing great photos of your children.
Choose a Beautiful Setting: When I am planning pictures of my own children, I always begin with the setting. If the background is beautiful I can allow them to run and play and be kids and I am sure to have a pretty picture no matter where they are when I snap the photo. We are lucky to have so many beautiful parks in the Columbus area. I suggest any of the Columbus Metro Parks if you are looking for a natural background. Another favorite setting is the streets on one of the small villages or towns in the Columbus area. Uptown Westerville and downtown Granville both offer pretty streets, fun and bright door ways, and many opportunities for candid shots of your kids enjoying a day out on the town.
Let the Kids have a Voice: I always allow my son and daughter to have a say in what they wear and where we go for pictures.I give them choices and they pick there favorite. I only give choices that are okay with me and they feel like they are part of the process and are more likely to cooperate.
Make it Fun: If you make it a game, you will end up with photos of your child having fun instead of looking bored or mad. I like to instruct my kids to play Ring Around the Rosie or to jump or twirl. I don't take the picture during the height of the action, but instead I click the shutter right when the game is over and they have a big proud smile on their face.
Look Up: To capture the pretty sparkles of light in your child's eyes that you see in many professional pictures have your child sit on the floor and look slightly up toward the light source. You will be guaranteed to end up with a picture of your child's beautiful eyes!
Interesting composition: One of the first things a photographer learns are the rules of composition. Pretend your camera screen is divided into thirds horizontally and vertically. Align the subject into the top, bottom, left, or right third for an interesting composition. Don't be afraid to play around with different compositions for a fun and unique photo.
Kids might not always cooperate as you hope they will, but it's taking those moments that seem not perfect and making them perfectly imperfect in your photos. You will be sure to capture the true moments and and those are usually what embody your child's personality the best - providing lasting memories true to them.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at elinajeannephoto@gmail.com.
Enjoy the moments!
~Emily
Emily Garner is a local photographer who describes herself as a creative soul with perfectionist tendencies. She specializes in newborn, children and family photography, with a passion for capturing real moments that you will remember for a lifetime. Her creative inspired style focuses on color, natural light, real emotion and capturing those perfect (or imperfect!) moments to create lasting memories.
You can see her work on her website: www.elinajeannephotography.com, as well as on her Facebook page. You can save 10% on your photo session by mentioning NE Columbus Macaroni Kid.
