How To Shoot Photos Of Children!

Question: I really want to get great spontaneous pictures of my kids when they go back to school. How can I get my fun, candid shots to turn out as good as the posed ones?

Answer: You want to capture the things in your life that are really happening ... the every day events that make you smile years from now. The beginning of the school year is a great time to catch these pictures of your kids with their "real" personalities. Bring your camera to the bus stop, classroom or new school. All you have to do is follow a few simple steps and your pictures will turn out great!

Take pictures of people in a group when they are close together. Change the perspective by getting above the action and shooting downward or stay in close (within 10') or use your zoom to catch the excitement on their faces. Avoid shooting into bright lights or the sun. Try catching the children under a tree and turn on your fill flash. Professional photographers do this. Take lots of shots! Kids are on the run and you won't want to miss a thing! Most of all have fun!! These are the pictures that will make you all laugh in years to come!

Question: What's the best way to take pictures of the kids when friends and family visit?

Answer: Getting everyone together for a photograph is great, but don't stop there. Make a game out if it! Put on a show! Have Dad blow bubbles while you get the group shot, and take pictures of the fun.
Remember, you'll need to take lots of shots to get one good one. These fun, casual shots can be better than the posed ones!

Question: Our family is taking a vacation this summer. Any suggestions on how to take great pictures of our trip?

Answer: Always carry at least one camera with you. Don't leave it in the car, and don't let it languish in the bottom of your backpack. When you get home you'll treasure the pictures of those unexpected moments. Be sure to take pictures of the family all together. Use the self-timer or ask a passerby to snap a couple.

Also, take lots of pictures - don't limit yourself. Stock up on 4 packs of film (or memory cards) so you always have extra. Give the kids a disposable point and shoot flash one-time-use camera - it's alays lots of fun to capture their view of the family vacation. If you're headed to the beach or the pool, try a waterproof point and shoot. There are always some great pictures to be had of the kids in the pool with Dad.

Question: My child is very active and doesn't like to pose for pictures. Any suggestions?

Answer: One of the most important things to remember when taking pictures of kids is that they need to be entertained. Don't expect your child to stay still while you focus and click. Give your child something to play with. Get him involved in a story. If that doesn't work, try capturing him doing what HE likes. Your child will be entertained, and you'll have a great picture to boot.

Question: What is the best light for taking pictures of my kids indoors?

Answer: I love natural light! If you have the children near a window, and you use an 800 speed setting, you will be pleased with the beautiful soft lighting, and no red eye.

Question: How can I stop my kids from squinting or closing their eyes when I take pictures?

Answer: The morning and early evening are always ideal times for taking pictures. Taking your pictures when the sun's not too high will help you avoid the squinting and dark shadows that could affect your pictures.
For pictures at other times of the day, your best bet is to have kids stand with the sun on their backs. When the sun is at their backs, they are less likely to squint in your pictures. Another way is to find a shady spot - your subjects will be much happier than being in the sun. Setting your camera flash setting to "fill-flash" will brighten their faces and remove any harsh shadows.

Question: What's the best way to get pictures of my kids doing everyday things?

Answer: Most parents remember to record the special events of their children's lives, such as birthdays, school events and graduations. However, some of the best pictures go untaken; such as bath time, the kids on the swings, or reading a story.

If you pick up a couple, you can have a camera ready in the kids' bedroom, on the kitchen counter, and in your purse - you'll be ready to get those everyday events no matter where you are!

It is not necessary for the kids to look at you and smile. You want to capture the "candid" moment. Take a picture of what's really happening. You're telling a wonderful story!

Make sure you get Dad in the picture when he's teaching the kids to play ball, helping them tie their shoes, or putting them to bed. These everyday moments are priceless.

Question: Sometimes when I print my pictures I find that people's heads have been cut off. How can I avoid this?

Answer: When shooting pictures of people, make sure everyone's in the center of your viewfinder. Anyone who is too close to the edge of the viewfinder may be cut offwhen the picture's printed.

Question: How close should I stand to the kids when I take their picture?

Answer: The closer you are to your kids the more interesting you will find your pictures in years to come. By cropping out busy backgrounds that detract from the main subject of of the pictures, it's easier to focus on your kids. When you get in too close as possible. Don't stand too far away and rely solely on your zoom - when you're closer you have more control of the composition.

Question: How do I get my baby to smile?

Answer: The thing most likely to make your baby smile is you! Babies are more likely to smile if Mom is there encouraging them. Remember, though, some of the best pictures come when the baby is not smiling -- pictures of your baby yawning, sleeping, and even crying can capture another side of their personality.

Question: How do I capture the glow on my baby's skin when I take a picture?

Answer: Lighting is critical. Natural lighting will help you capture this glow - ideally, take your picture near a window rather in direct sunlight.

Question: How do I distract the baby while taking pictures?

Answer: Give the baby something new to play with, perhaps a stuffed animal or a favorite toy. Wait until she or he is busy playing, then you can get the picture you're looking for.

Question: How should I take pictures of babies when they're sleeping?

Answer: While a child is sleeping, place a solid color blanket over the child just exposing the face, arms and hands (to minimize colors and concentrate on the face)

Place a favorite small, soft toy near a hand (makes for a wonderful memory).

Move in close, usually within three feet to fill the camerea's viewfinder with just the child.