Search
Related Links

 

 

Informative Articles

Gift Ideas For Your Wife Or Girlfriend
When buying gifts for a woman you want to treat her, to buy things she normally wouldn’t treat herself to or that she really wants but can’t justify spending the money on. One thing to remember when reading the gift ideas - You know your wife...

History of the Camera
The camera and photography are an important part of the communication history of the world. The history of the camera is indelibly linked to the understanding and development of optics. Optics is the study of physical properties of light in terms...

Inviting Children to a Wedding
If you wish to include children in your wedding as either a ring bearer, a flower girl or by assigning them a task that helps them to feel included. Children can make a wonderful addition to any wedding but they also have the potential for...

The Great Awakening--Menopause
Menopause is a natural transition all women experience, as natural as adolescence. For your grandmother and great-grandmother, life expectancy was shorter. Reaching menopause often meant that their life was nearing an end. But this is no longer...

You Can have An elegant wedding on a small budget
If you have a smaller budget, you're probably afraid that all of your guests will realize it. But honestly, a twenty thousand dollar wedding isn't necessary. Many couples have done it for a lot less, and no one could tell. What's...

 
Photographing Kids

Kids grow up so quickly and while we are often left with countless memories, most parents have only a drawer packed with school photos, blurry holiday snaps and the forced grin of the inevitable yearly birthday picture to account for the years gone by.

It’s time to stop bemoaning the latest photograph of your thumb obscuring your adorable baby and get on with improving your skills as a photographer.

Why should you bother when the near-by mall has a perfectly good photo studio, you ask? Photographing children poses specific challenges but yields numerous rewards.

While it can be frustrating when you miss that spontaneous moment, it is also highly satisfying when you manage to capture the joy in their faces as they dance in the summer’s first sun shower. Capturing the day-to-day moments will provide a treasure trove of memories that you will cherish forever.

As well, your own images take on a more personal feel and a more meaningful connection, something that can never be achieved in a generic mall photography studio.

Follow these easy steps and immediately improve your snaps of the kids.

Making The Unusual Usual

Friends with children often say to me “My child always pulls faces for the camera and I can’t get a picture without little Johnny sticking his tongue out and crossing his eyes.” Kids --and many adults as well-- are prone to hamming it up for the camera, however, they will be more natural if the camera is a part of their everyday life instead of brought out once or twice a year. By making it a regular part of their lives, it will increase the comfort level and encourage portraits that are more natural. Try bringing out the camera once or twice a week and focusing it on your kids. They will become accustomed to having it around and it will give you a chance to practice your technique, too. And, if they still clown around for the camera, get into the swing of things and enjoy it. Little monkey faces are a part of childhood!

Kids’ Eye View

As adults, we look one another in the eye and photograph our friends at eye level. Do the same for your children. Bend down on one knee or sit on the floor to get a picture that reflects a child’s perspective. To add a little excitement, have fun playing with perspective by shooting the image from the ground up. Lie down on the ground and taking a picture from that viewpoint. Suddenly toddlers become giants and we can witness the world as they see it, by looking up.

Patience, Patience!

Small children have a limit of two or three minutes before they become bored with Mummy or Daddy’s photo session. The urge to run off and play becomes just too much! Don’t force kids to stay in one place for long, unless you like pictures of sullen little faces. If you are taking a formal portraiture-style photo be sure to plan ahead for the best possible results. Check your batteries, make sure there is film in the camera and if you are using a digital camera see that there is space on the memory card. Provide your toddler or small child with a prop, like a ball or a favourite toy to help create a more


natural expression, instead of the one that says, “Just hurry up and take my picture, Mom!” Keep it fun and stress-free.

Fill The Frame

Because backgrounds can sometimes be distracting, do not be afraid to move in closer and take a picture of your angel’s face. It creates drama and interest in the photograph and eliminates extra clutter. Unless you are taking a travel photo or an image of the child engaged in a particular activity, feel free to emphasize the most important element of the picture- your child. Use the zoom or macro tool on the camera to get in closer. Pictures of your little one’s hands or feet can also be interesting studies, and one day you may find yourself saying, “I can’t believe they were so tiny!”

Just A Little Off-Centre

Many professional photographers use “The Rule Of Thirds” approach which means that they mentally divide the frame into three sections both vertically and horizontally --like a tic-tac-toe grid-- and place the subject of the photo at one of these intersecting points. It helps to create a more dynamic photograph, than one where the subject is smack-dab in the middle. Take note that if your camera is an auto-focus model, you may have to focus first on your subject and then, with the shutter button still half-pressed, recompose the image.

Natural Light Rules!

One of the tricks of the trade in photography is to use morning or late afternoon light. The sunlight at this time is wonderful and helps to produce pictures that are bathed in warmth. Direct light flatters the subject and adds to a more intimate and natural-looking photograph. It also helps to greatly reduce the bane of every parent photographer- red eye!

Experiment with taking advantage of the sunlight pouring through a window, or march the kids outside on a sunny day and photograph them while they are playing tag.To have a well-lit photograph make sure the light is behind you, shining on the subject. To create drama, try using side light for impressive shading. If you try to take a photo with the sunlight behind your children, a technique known as “backlighting”, you will end up with the subject looking like a dark silhouette.

The Last Word

It really is all about fun. View the time you are taking to photograph your children as time to share in their adventures and imaginary play. A frustrated mom directing kids to a more picturesque location and insisting on a smile does not reflect kids’ reality. Pick up the camera only when everyone is relaxed and happy. Finally, don’t expect every photo to be a masterpiece. The truth is that only a few images from each roll are frame-worthy, but the important thing is to keep snapping away to capture the moments that depict their ever-changing lives, in all its unique glory!

About the Author

Charlotte Riley has worked as an Internet editor, content producer, marketing writer and researcher. She has a BFA from Concordia University, majoring in Photography. In her spare time she can be found cooking, working on crossword puzzles or hanging out with her daughter, Kate. Contact http://www.acriley.com

 

photo.net Home Page
Learning more about photography? Making photographs · Portraits · Sports · Interior · Macro · Nudes · More Learning Articles. ...
photo.net
 
Photography: Pictures, Wallpapers, Postcards, More From National ...
Photography essays, documentary photography tips and links to photographers' web sites, photography education, and photojournalism.
www.nationalgeographic.com
 
Photo Galleries - Digital Nature Stock Nude Photography ...
Photography sites is a thematic photography directory with links to many great photographers online photo galleries. Here you will find great picture ...
www.photographysites.com
 
Photography - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Traditionally the product of photography has been called a photograph. ... In digital photography, the term image has begun to replace photograph. ...
en.wikipedia.org
 
Digital Camera Reviews and News: Digital Photography Review ...
Current digital photography news, digital camera reviews, articles and discussion forums.
www.dpreview.com
 
Photography at About
Information, advice and interest for all photographers and collectors with an emphasis on professional photography and fine art. Detailed features on all ...
photography.about.com
 
New York Institute of Photography - Home
Offering a home study program in professional photography for all skill levels.
www.nyip.com
 
Photography in the Yahoo! Directory
Explore photography through sites dedicated to photographer portfolios, archives, clubs, themed exhibits, photo formats, photojournalism, preservation, ...
dir.yahoo.com
 
American Museum of Photography (SM) -- View Great Photographs ...
View great images from the history of photography, daguerreotypes to Ansel Adams. Features Americana, Civil War, Wild West, portraits, scenes, ...
www.photographymuseum.com
 
Masters of Photography
Masters of Photography features the greatest practitioners of the camera. Over 1000 photos, along with extensive essays and biographies, ...
masters-of-photography.com
 
Taking Great Pictures
Kodak provides advice on photography. Learn the art of photography at Kodak.com., Kodak provides advice on photography. Learn the art of photography at ...
www.kodak.com
 
Photography: Artistry, Technique and Skill
Discusses photography tips, including information on glamour photography, old photos, taking pictures. Describes the technique, artistry and skill behind ...
www.photography.com
 
Popular Photography
Offers product reviews, forums, how to's, and features on photography. Also includes subscription information.
www.popphoto.com
 
The Seattle Times: Photography
Advertising. The Seattle Times · Times photography · Home delivery ... Photography · Purchase photos · Corrections · Archive · Alerts / E-mails. Marketplace ...
seattletimes.nwsource.com
 
A History of Photography
A hypertext history of photography from earliest times to the 1920s.
www.rleggat.com
 
Corbis: photography, rights, assignment, motion.
pictures, stock photography, digital stock photography, stock photos, stock image, stock pictures, stock agency, digital images, advertising stock, ...
www.corbis.com
 
Fodors.com > Focus on Photography
Travel photography instruction presented by fodors.com.
www.fodors.com
 
Photography -- Philadelphia Inquirer
These photos by Inquirer photographer Eric Mencher attempt to bring to life the ... Inquirer photographer Tom Gralish spent some time recently traveling ...
www.philly.com
 
Dallas Morning News | News for Dallas, Texas | Photography
Dallas Morning News staff photographer Melanie Burford visited the area a week before ... Photographer of the Year Barbara Davidson's photos of Hurricane ...
www.dallasnews.com
 
Photography Posters at AllPosters.com
Photography Posters at AllPosters.com. Choose from over 300000 posters and prints. Professional custom framing available.
www.allposters.com
 
 

 

Content Menu
  • 10 common wedding reception mistakes

  • 10 tips for landscape photography

  • 4 tips for taking great baby pictures even if youre not a professional

  • 4 tips for taking great baby pictures even if you re not a professional

  • 52 fantastic dates for fearless married couples

  • 6 ways to save money on wedding invitations

  • 8 simple tips for taking great baby photos

  • 8 tips for encouraging self esteem in deaf and hard of hearing children

  • abcs of adventure travel

  • about formal night on a cruise

  • activities where your introverted child can win

  • amazingly romantic ideas 16 ways to win your lovers heart

  • artistic nude photographs make a unique bridal or christmas holiday gift

  • art gallery

  • a beginners guide to marketing images with mats

  • a maui wedding

  • a month of fun with children making memories on a budget

  • baby boy clip art to liven up your baby shower cards

  • basics of photography

  • basketball swimming and powerpoint the new boys and girls clubs

  • better photos with your digital camera

  • birthday party photo tips how to make yours truly stand out

  • buying your child a digital camera what you need to know

  • cashman professional photographer of las vegas for quality and creativity

  • catch the bluebonnets in texas this spring

  • ceremony accessories

  • chile the ultimate adventure

  • choosing a maui wedding photographer

  • choosing a wedding photographer

  • choosing a wedding photographer traditional vs photojournalist

  • choosing a wedding videographer

  • circles in the water

  • create flash slide show from your photos

  • creatively speaking

  • curiosity the questioning force

  • cut the cost of your wedding in half

  • digital photography capturing your valuables for insurance purposes

  • digital photography is it right for you

  • digital vs analogue hearing aids

  • discover norton simon museum in pasadena california

  • discover what you really want to do

  • discover what yu really want to do

  • dressing your bridesmaids

  • duplicity

  • enjoy a las vegas outdoor wedding

  • fabulous wedding packages in las vegas

  • family spring outing wildflowers in texas

  • finding fun date ideas

  • finding your wedding photographer how to avoid three common mistakes

  • fun with children making memories on a budget

  • gathering with extended family for the holidays doesnt have to be painful

  • getting great pictures of the kids this halloween

  • get organized for wedding planning

  • get the most out of your digital camera today

  • gift giving gets better with fine art

  • gift ideas for christmas

  • gift ideas for mom

  • gift ideas for your wife or girlfriend

  • good advice on planning an outdoor wedding reception

  • help your marriage survive the rough spots

  • highland photography of las vegas award winning service

  • history of the camera

  • home run baseball photography tips

  • honeymoon destinations

  • how can you say you believe in god if you dont believe in yourself

  • how do you help your child develop emotional intelligence

  • how to be a nice guy and still get laid

  • how to buy a digital camera

  • how to care for your photographs

  • how to find select and afford a wedding photographer

  • how to make a family time capsule

  • how to organise your digital and traditional photographs in a single system

  • how to photograph children

  • how to plan a cheap wedding

  • how to plan your wedding and honeymoon

  • how to put your picture on a real us postage stamp

  • how to save money when purchasing a hearing aid

  • how to start a successful home jewelry business

  • how to take great flower photos

  • how to take great photos of your child

  • how to take great photos of your pet

  • hummingbirds

  • im sorry but

  • index

  • international bikini fashion show wow and the new klickcommerce bringing the bikinis to you

  • inviting children to a wedding

  • is your lifes purpose for sale

  • i am really worried about the future

  • i just love it

  • i want to create

  • las vegas photographers

  • las vegas wedding is getting married in las vegas tacky

  • life as a juggling woman

  • limit of perception

  • little chapel of the flowers

  • losing weight starts with the soul part 1

  • make a valentine for mom digital cameras make it easy for kids to preserve memories

  • making a family time capsule

  • making your own bird feeder

  • male nudity and the realities of war

  • marriage in the virgin islands st thomas weddings

  • maui weddings are something to behold

  • moonlighting photography of las vegas everything you need

  • mothers day 5 gift ideas guaranteed to make any new mom happy

  • new ways to use your digital camera for fun and profit

  • nine ways to save money on wedding photography

  • nothing ever stays the same

  • no more estate agent fees

  • oh no summer camps over so now what

  • organizing summertime and anytime photographs

  • paradise design and photography of las vegas

  • passionate about organizing how to create a single system to organise both your digital and traditional photographs

  • photographing kids

  • photography 101 part 1

  • photography 101 part 2

  • photography 101 part 3

  • photography contest a fun and rewarding experience

  • photography for your jewelry and craft website

  • photography jobs do you have a future in photography

  • photography poses the missing ingredient

  • picking the right wedding photographer

  • picking your wedding photographer

  • popular ways to congratulate the new grad

  • positive aikido the book

  • pregnancy photography tips for the belly

  • preventing drowning

  • prioritize your time with the power of 80 20

  • rotator

  • saving money on wedding photography

  • scheduling your wedding date

  • seeing the groom prior to the wedding

  • setting a good wedding budget

  • six fatal mistakes to avoid while you still have a job

  • so youve been asked to do the company event

  • specialized styles of photography

  • spring gardening ideas for the family

  • stop scoring own goals

  • surfing the edge of the known

  • taking photos while youre protecting your skin

  • tech abuse and your child what you can do

  • teddy bears arent all cute cuddly toys

  • the 4cs of choosing your wedding photographer

  • the advantages of professional wedding photography

  • the a to z guide for your wedding day

  • the beatles are back in photos

  • the day our heroes died

  • the easy way to make a club logo

  • the evolution of the camera

  • the five best gifts to give your family

  • the fountain of life exercise

  • the great awakening menopause

  • the many uses of kites

  • the value of a professional wedding video

  • the viva las vegas wedding chapel exciting

  • this was not my plan

  • tips for budget weddings

  • tote couture

  • tylers lock wedding venue extraordinaire reborn from the ruins of a canal pumphouse

  • unique gifts for mom

  • wedding budgeting tips

  • wedding ceremonies its all down to detail

  • wedding day transportation arriving in style

  • wedding etiquette who pays for what

  • wedding gifts something old nothing new

  • wedding gowns getting the best out of your photographs

  • wedding insurance

  • wedding photography

  • wedding photography preserving the memories

  • wedding photography that will last a lifetime

  • wedding planner

  • wedding receptions extravagant or simple

  • wedding video tips

  • western wedding done dirt cheap

  • what happens when during the baby shower

  • what high school students should do over the summer

  • what is your recovery rate

  • what should you look for in a new camera

  • what you didnt know about fhm magazine

  • why you must stay on course

  • your body is a map of your consciousness

  • your body is a mirror of your life

  • your car mad dad

  • your wedding budget setting and sticking to it

  • your wedding budget setting it and sticking to it

  • your wedding photographs

  • you can have an elegant wedding on a small budget