8 steps to taking better Photos of your kids.
I remember back to the early days with my first DSLR camera (Canon 1000d), I was excited and inspired to capture what I hoped would be amazingly beautiful photographs of my kids. Initially my little models were quite enthusiastic, smiling gamely for the camera when prompted, willing to try different things and scoot locations. Somehow along the way I became a better photographer and they became very temperamental subjects.
Even the simplest of shoots began with pouting and ended in tears, fights would break out faster than my camera's shutter speed. I'd buy the girls off with promises of trips to Symths, sweets and ice-cream if they'd only hold still for 10 seconds. The begging, bribes and threats eventually paid off and I finally managed to get what I wanted, a half decent photo that doesn't make them look like they are possessed by demons.
The face of mutiny!!!!!
I am stubborn and I refuse to give up on achieving beautiful images of my kids, it shouldn't have to be painful. Since my methods weren't working I totally changed my approach to photographing children. I won't try to tell you that you won't have bad shoots, but followings these few simple steps should have you well on the road to stunning family snaps.
1.Make em laugh
I am a portrait photographer and I use images of my kids on my Facebook page, I ask for a lot more than a typical parent snapping a few shots.Therefore I try to make it fun..as much as i can...tell jokes, make fart noises ....anything that makes then smile naturally...
2. Set a stopwatch
When I decided to change my photographic relationship with kids, I had to recognise my faults . My girls were burned on more than a few occasions with me promising, "ok last photo". It's not that I want to lie I just get behind the camera and get carried away with myself. I tell them now ok 15 minutes on the stopwatch and it creates a trust and they know I won't drag the shoot out.
3. Get them involved.
Invite the kids to scoot for locations and props. Bring snacks and treats and allow time for them time to explore and run around. They are kids after all with very short attention spans.
4. Take loads of photos.
Take as many photos as you're memory card will allow, you can always delete the bad ones....It is so worth it if you have taken 50 photos but have 1 amazing one that you will treasure for a lifetime.
5. Buy props they will love.
Props are a great way of making your photos more interesting and mean they aren't just sitting posing because generally they don't know how to, whereas props mean they have something to act and react with.
6. Buy cute outfits
Buying a cute outfit is so worth the invest, they will love getting dressed up and posing which will add to a creative and worthwhile shoot.
7. Let them be themselves
Pose them in ways that will naturally engage them such as reading a book, petting a cat or discovering nature. You will get more out of them if they are having fun and don't feel pressure to preform.
8. Use every opportunity for a great photo
I am always mindful not to overdo the family photo shoots but at particular times, Christmas, Halloween, snow days I take full advantage of the fact they are excited and don't mind mum taking a few sneaky snaps.....
Remember if all else fails, hire a professional Annette (087) 9228185
Happy Mammy Snapping!!!!!!
