Quick tips for taking photos of your children
Despite it being a bit grey out there at the moment, lockdown offers a great opportunity to experiment and take photos of your children (and improve at the same time if you wish). It really doesn’t matter what camera you use and your phone is more than good enough to capture the “little moments” that stitch the day together and preserve those memories as the days slip away. Taking photos in the ordinary moments, rather than special occasions, are the ones that reveal their personalities.
Using window light
Don’t underestimate how amazing ordinary window light is…. that’s why there are so many natural light photographers out there!
Cloudy days are perfect, believe it or not, as the light is soft and doesn’t create too many harsh shadows. If it’s sunny, then take your photos early or late in the day - if you’re feeling adventurous, then you can put voile on the windows or make the most of net curtains.
Simply place your baby or child a few feet away from the window and depending on what they’re doing, facing the window. Then, just let them do their thing and click away.
This little girl is sitting a few feet away from a bedroom window, on a bright sunny day.
This image, of my son, was taken specifically in the afternoon sun, where I knew the shadows would fall to capture the contrast between light and dark.
Get down to their level
It’s a really simple trick but getting down to their level changes the nature of the whole image - get down to their eye level, and watch the world from their point of view.
You’ll end up crouching or on your tummy but it’s definitely worth it and if you feel like pushing yourself, get lower than them to compose the image and really exaggerate their size - it’s fun to do this with toddlers and understand how they see the world.
Cousins hanging out…it’s only when you get on the floor you realise the concentration it takes!
This highlights how big the trees are and how little she is in comparison - a great one for when you think they’re growing up too fast.
Don’t forget the details
As much as we adore our children’s face, its really special to capture specific details - those beautiful long eyelashes, chubby little hands, that look of concentration. Isolating those details trigger those memories and, more importantly, the emotions around them.
This little chap had the most beautiful eyelashes
…and those chubby little hands and toes!
It’s not all about the face
Images that don’t show or reveal the whole face have something special about them. For me, it keeps the moment private, either between the photographer and the subject or allows the subject - your child - to remain in their own little world, doing what they enjoy.
This picture was taken when my sons packed up their Lego for the very last time; it was definitely more emotional for me than it was for them and this image will always remind me of the passing of time.
You don’t have to see his face to feel the boredom and frustration of online lessons
The most important rule to great photos is to let your child be.
With phones, its easy to be always be ready to click however even then, don’t expect your child to perform you, simply capture them as they are. This way you take the pressure of yourself and you get to capture them just as they are.
Have fun, and hopefully, it keeps you busy until lockdown lifts and it helps in some small way.