Tips and tricks from a professional children photographer in London
Children can be challenging. Everyone who has a kid in their life knows that! Of course, children are lovely, they are entertaining, enjoyable, funny and full of creativity and ideas. But at the same time, they can be difficult and not easy to work with…? So that’s the real challenge for a children photographer. Even if kids can take it as a game, even if they will have fun on a set, the photographer needs to find out some tips and tricks in order to make the most beautiful photos they can!
Photographing children is a compelling and satisfactory work, but before receiving some outstanding results, it is necessary to study and to understand some technical aspects that can be very helpful during the photo session. So, what are the secrets for photographing children? Let’s discover together ten tips for a great children photography outcome.
The secrets of a children photographer
What are the secrets of a children’s photographer then? First of all, choosing the right setting: outdoor or indoor backgrounds make a great difference. Outdoor settings comprehend parks, streets or other public spaces, where it is possible to use colours and natural lights to spice up the portraits. While during indoor sessions, the children photographer can use a softer light, softer colours and setting to create a more intimate working space, especially if the children are very young.
- Use natural light
There’s nothing better than natural light for a great photo session. With natural light you do not need artificial studio light or lamps, you will not need flashlights or instalments. Of course, you need to be careful regarding the position of the sun: is it sunset, dawn or midday? Each moment of the day has a different light and it can be used in different sets.
- Use props
Do not limit your photography to the subject and background. Through children photography it is possible to tell a story, and to do so there’s nothing better than using some scene-objects! Therefore, pick up some original and funny props to use on the set when photographing children: they will make it a big adventure!
- Get down
Well, children are on another level. So, get down and be at the same level. You will find another perspective and you will make them accustomed to the camera and at the same time they will trust you.
- Don’t make them smile… but let them talk
Children don’t smile because we tell them to do so. They need to be themselves also during photo sessions. So, ask them questions, make them feel comfortable, play with them and do not force them to pose or smile. The best results are the ones that come out naturally.
- Keep it simple
When it comes to children's photography, less is often more. Keep the backgrounds and props simple to avoid distracting from the child's personality and energy. A plain background or a natural outdoor setting can create a beautiful backdrop for the photos and draw the focus to the child.
- Moving subjects and continuous mode on
Children simply can’t stay still: they need to move; they need to play. No worries! Just be ready to capture with your camera these splendid and natural moments!
- Composition
One of the most important aspects in all kinds of photography is composition. Also, for children photography is necessary to think about the composition. So, start with perspective and frame, then decide where to put your subject, i.e. according to the rule of thirds, off centre, or do you prefer a symmetric composition? In any case, with a bit of study and concentration, you will have a great result!
- Be patient
Children can be unpredictable, and sometimes it takes time and patience to get the perfect shot. As a photographer, be patient and take the time to work with the child to get the best possible images. Don't rush the process, and allow the child to take breaks and have fun during the photoshoot.
- Expose the face
We already talked about light, now we recommend to use the right exposition especially for the face. It doesn’t matter if the background stays in the dark or in shadow, we want the face in brightness and splendour.
- Include the family
Incorporating family members into the photoshoot can create beautiful and meaningful images. Consider taking children portraits with their siblings, parents, or grandparents, as these images can capture the love and connection between family members.
- Show yourself
Do not ever forget that you are photographing children, so it is important to show yourself, to be at the same level and to become their friend!
How to create great children portraits
In in order to achieve great children portraits, allow games during the photo session. There’s nothing more special for a kid than to become his/her favourite superhero or heroine. Or to live and adventure as an explorer, a pirate or whatever comes to their minds! And of course, as a children photographer, you can include games and props in the frame. They will add a funny and glamorous touch to the entire scene!
It is very important also to use different angles and techniques. Children are versatile so you should behave a little bit like them as well! You need to play at their own level, they need to feel comfortable and to act as if they are with friends or familiar faces.
Best advice from a children photographer
But above all, the best advice from a professional children photographer is to let them be natural! There’s nothing more inspiring that a lovely smile on a happy face right? So, let them just be kids and move around the set – whatever and wherever it is – and be ready to capture the best out of them! They can smile, they can show off their strength, they can make funny faces towards the camera, but, however, they will be beautiful and their lovely pictures will be forever part of the family’s memories. At the end we would like to emphasise the importance of capturing candid moments. The patience, creativity, and a love for working with children are essential traits for every successful children photographer.
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