Yumi Matsuo photo by Greer Goldenberg
11 tips from the best photographers for taking photos of children and families
Have you ever wondered why our covers look so good? This is because we have the best photographers shooting for us. We also do a lot to get a great photo, especially with children. Personally, I’ve done somersaults, worn silly hats, and begged and begged for a great photo. But there are also times when our team does something crazy… we let kids be kidsand we take the photos as they live in the moment.
Whether you want to take a great family photo or bring memories of your little ones, we’ve got tips from our amazing partner photographers on how to get there. Take the pic and make sure you get pics where you are mom!
Ana Gambuto
anagambuto.com
Move it move it: Take a group photo as everyone walks toward the camera, swaying, singing, yelling something (“Happy Halloween” offers nice mouth shapes), or whatever makes your body move naturally. This will always give you a more authentic and lively image. If you are taking a photo of your child, ask him to run towards you, spin in a circle or do some kind of action, maybe a jump, try a high five and these photos will look more casual and more natural than a grab. -and smile.
Set the scene, call to action (toddlers): For a toddler, first, lean him against a blank wall (as simple as you can find!) Then have a friend sit next to him and say “ACTION!” have them dance, sing, and do ridiculous things right on top of the phone or camera, maybe with a toy, with their voice, or anything that uses the element of surprise (and delight). Just go crazy! A little boy will stand there, at least briefly, and smile and laugh against a smooth, perfect background.
Ave Maria: For older children who are too “cool” to participate, find a large floor space and tell them to lie down and go to sleep. Now bring your heads together, legs stretched out in front of them, position them so that their bodies form a small pinwheel shape. Just put a blanket over all their heads and then pull it out, silly playing hide and seek or “don’t smile!” and although they are old and too cool, they can’t help but smile if you play with them from above. Then you can offer to change and you lie on the ground and they look down above you, maybe you make a little ring around Rosie’s action and take pictures from below with all her hair flying over the camera and it’s very silly and an impressive photo.
My iPhone Upside Down Trick! Simply hold your index finger on the volume up button on your iPhone with the camera open, turn the phone upside down, and hold the camera near the floor or kitchen counter. Shoot, taking photos upside down! Your subjects may be so intrigued with what you are doing that they will want to participate. Infallible!
Greer Goldenberg
greergoldenbergphoto.com
Let children be children: Shoot the kids just the way they are. Sometimes children, especially younger ones, are not in the mood to take a picture or smile. It’s okay! A great portrait captures children in the moment of being silly or angry etc. So go ahead! Chances are you can make them laugh or crack a smile just by letting them be them.
Vibrate with them: Get on their level, set the shutter speed fast and get ready to run! A great way to capture active children is to have them run towards you or catch you. When you’re below his level, you get all the amazing expressions that come with the joy of movement. Just make sure your shutter speed is fast enough to avoid blurring!
michelle rose
michellerosephoto.com
It’s about that light: For professional-looking photos indoors, turn off the overhead lights. Try to use as much natural light as possible and take photos by a window.
Feed the models: Make sure you have snacks with you during a photo shoot in case someone gets hungry. No one wants their pictures taken when they are hungry! Mess-free snacks are best, a bottle for little ones (bring a bib!), sachets for older kids, and something easy/no-mess to eat like soft gummies as a treat for older kids. Avoid chocolate and crumble snacks.
You drink: For small babies (not newborns) I have a very simple trick that I use to make them smile. I stand in front of a baby, maintain eye contact, put a big smile on my face and sweetly sing and say “HELLO” (like hiiiiggggghhhh-eeeeee) a bunch of times until I get my smile. For the shyest children I say it softer with a big smile so as not to scare them. Try it!
When in doubt, take a lift! There’s hardly a child (better for after four months) who doesn’t LOVE being lifted up in the air! It makes the sweetest photos.
Bribes: There’s no shame in the bribery game: I personally prefer a paddle bribe at the end of a session; however, the promise of a special toy, activity, or extra episode of a show are fan favorites. In general, the promise of whatever the child really loves tends to work!
Psst… take a look Study of the stars: Tips for beginners and places to stargaze New York
Source: news.google.com