Tuesday, October 21, 2008

WFMW: Taking Great Photos of Kids

OK, part of me feels kind of ridiculous posting on this being that I'm nothing more than an amateur photographer at best.  But alas, there are things that I've learned that I feel are easy enough for the most technophobic among us.



1.  Capture the kids on their turf, in their element.  Kids are far more likely to let loose with a genuine smile if they're having a good time.


 2.  If you're planning a photo shoot, remember that simple backgrounds are always the best.  You want to see the kids, not the random scenery.  The best background is a background that complements, but isn't overtly noticed.


 3.  Don't be afraid of taking pictures when they're not looking at the camera or not smiling.  Sometimes, these are the pictures that really capture the funny parts of your kid's personality.


4.  TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES.  You can always, always, always delete later.  You'll kick yourself for missing a moment if you're busy deleting pictures while you're in the process.


 5.  Get down on eye level with them.  It's much less awkward looking than shooting from above.


 6.  End with something fun!  Let the kids make silly faces or run around or throw things in the air.  And then let them see the pic if it's digital.  Keep them excited about the process and they're more likely to be ok with doing it again.  


 Those are the six things that are probably the most basic of tips.  I'll post a more in depth version later.   If you've got some tips, I'd love to hear them!!

For more WFMW tips, visit Rocks in My Dryer
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Don't forget to visit my giveaway!  Ends tonight at 11:59pm!

13 comments:

  1. Good tips! I'm really impressed with your photography lately. You're turning into quite the pro. (And, I'm super jealous of your camera.)

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  2. Cute photos- I'm learning SLOWLY. Poor older kids have really cheesy photos.

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  3. Great advice! My other trick has been using food to distract from the camera. I did a blog header that relied solely on baby carrots!

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  4. Can I just say how good it is to have you back??? And I actually am a horrible photographer, so this post is very helpful to me.

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  5. I love taking pictures too! You gave some great tips : )

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  6. Jen these pictures are GREAT! You are so good with your camera. ~julie

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  7. Your pics are great! It doesn't help to have a good eye (which I think you have) and a great camera and lens!

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  8. very cute kids and very good pictures!!!

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  9. Those are some great tips and pictures! Thanks for sharing. I have a 4 week old and am looking for new ways to photograph him (for Christmas). :)

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  10. great tips..photographing my kids is hard. every once and awhile i get lucky

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  11. You really do have skills Jen. Your tips even help with thinking about to capture my kid who is really cute in real-life but either won't look at the camera EVER or makes hideous faces. Here's hoping for better pics!

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  12. Fantastic pictures. Please do post with more tips...be sure to link to WFMW or I'll never find you again.

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  13. Hi
    I'm Looking for a Katie MacDonald--photographer of a picture called WAVES on Flikr, I wish to get permission to use it for a CD cover --is the Kate MacDonald mentioned in the blog the same one? if so please contact me Roman at romanrhodes@romanrhodes.com
    Thanks!
    Sorry to bother you if not.

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