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Is it tears of joy or pool of sweat?

September 8th 2006 14:58
How, when, where - to photograph children?

How many of you have thought that these cute ones are really monsters in disguise when it comes to photo shoot?


Daddy... how come you never smile ... when taking photo..?



It’s a tedious task specially if you are an armature photographer. Kids do have a mind of their own…especially when they know they are the centre of attention. So does the camera! No matter how user-friendly it might be. Well then how do we strike a balance between the two - to have a good photo shoot ?


Here are some useful tips:

Hey dad do I drive you nuts???




Tip #1:

The golden rule is ‘you don’t tell them what to do’, rather ‘you let them do whatever they want to’ and get a good shot. Kids are angelic when they are in their natural behaviour! That whimsical smile, the chuckling laughter, the frown, that heart racing twinkle in their little eyes… nothing can beat that. So if you want the photo to look and feel natural … let them be themselves… that’s one of the trick of the trade !!


Tip #2:

Before you go on that ‘click’ - ‘click’ spree observe their behaviour, their mood and the angle(s) they look so charming. In order to do this you have to be patience too! Yes you’re right you have to be in your best mood and behaviour to get going with the shooting spree. No short cuts please..

I'm...the little Princess..from ... from ... the umbrella land!!


Tip #3:

Never rush yourself or the child through a shot. If the child looks good on a monkey-bar or a swing and in a playful mood ... let them be so... Such shots will look so very natural. Otherwise it’ll be like photographing ‘stuffed teddy’.

Top #4:

Next dress them in light, vibrant colours. Light and comfortable clothes will let the kids be more relaxed. Vibrant colours go very well with the kids’ mood and enhance their looks. Avoid black attires unless otherwise it’s apt for the situation that you are shooting.

Mummy, can I go and play now?..


Tip #5:

Avoid using or posing the child with a stuffed toy that’s larger than the child. The focus will be deviated and thus becomes disruptive.

Tip #6:

When posing with pets, let the child and the pet play with each other. That'll give a warm glow to the photo… a giggling child with equally excited pet is a good composure for the snap.

Aren't I the cutest bunny on earth..?


Tip #7:

If you want to mark a moment through series of photographs, like birthdays, anniversaries- shoot the photo at different times of the day and at different locations of the house.

(Once one of my buddy photographed his 18-month old by making her peep from the front loading washing machine with a mini-mouse-ear hair-band over her head. It was so very dramatically cute.)

Tip #8:

So be creative. Kids love this and they’ll play along... What more could be a bliss than an obliging kid. It'll also help reminisce these blissful moments during your golden age. Makes a good 21st birthday card! I promise the child will love you forever ..!

When I grow big... I'm gonna be a rock star... mmm... no, no an Australian Idol...


Tip #9:

When taking photo of infants, especially when its within the first 4weeks of birth, be warned against the lavish use of flashlight of your camera. Their eyes are very sensitive towards any bright object or light. Be considerate towards this. If you want to ‘click’ the camera hysterically, please ensure the shots are not direct. Instead angle them or even be creative and play around in various angles. creating a sensational series of photographs.

Tip #10:

Another important point is, when posing for photo with kids try not to place your arms around them. This literally covers their tiny body. All we see is huge muscular arms or pointed, polished nails - frighteningly across the kids. It's rather scary…


I'm soooooo happeeee .... don't know what I'm doing..


Tip #11:

Never place kids next to tall structure such as huge X-mas tree (specially if its indoors) it’ll only dwarf the child. Either you carry them or place them over your shoulders. It’ll give a good height to the child and nothing beats that ‘I feel like a giant’ expression on the kid.


Tip #12:

Finally, please remember kids are not your specimen! They are living being too. Therefore they’ll have good days and moody days. If the kid is in a bad mood you are left with no choice but to postpone the photo shoot. It’s like a bad weather for an outdoor shooting. You got to live with it.




(Photos published on this post from click - exlusively for reference purpose only. )


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Comments
5 Comments. [ Add A Comment ]

Comment by Cinico

September 7th 2006 21:19
Great tips!! Kids are really hard to photograph but following your advice you'd be able to get some really natural, beautiful shots.

Comment by jon

September 8th 2006 00:53

Comment by Smiley Eyes

September 8th 2006 09:45
Thanks guys... hope you'll benefit from it. Feel free to add in if you have any other tips ...

Comment by Adrian

September 8th 2006 22:57
Interesting tips.

I think children (and "retards") make very good subjects generally, even when they're playing up.

They're unaffected.

Comment by Smiley Eyes

September 9th 2006 14:03
It's true Adrian,

After all lenses don't lie. It’s the innocence that adds the beauty and enhances the photograph.




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