In this kids photography guide for beginners, we\u2019re sharing the technical and practical kids photography tips – from how to shoot sharp images when your subject is moving fast, to keeping kids happy during the photo session.<\/p>\n
Table of Contents<\/p>
- The Camera Settings and Techniques You Need to Know<\/a>
- The Secrets to Good Images: The Top Kids Photography Tips<\/a><\/li>
- Recommended Lenses for DSLR users<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n
The Camera Settings and Techniques You Need to Know<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
Set the focus setting to Continuous Focus mode<\/b><\/p>\n
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<\/span><\/p>\nIn Canon, it\u2019s known by the name AI Servo, while in Nikon it\u2019s called AF-C. This enables your camera to automatically adjust its focus on moving subjects, like when kids are running around.<\/p>\n
Kids never stay still, they\u2019re always on the move. As you want to let the kids do their thing and be as natural as possible, setting your focus mode to Continuous Focus is important to make sure you don\u2019t end up with blurry images.<\/p>\n
For phone camera users, you don\u2019t have to worry much about this. The phone camera is usually quick to adjust its focus, but you can always tap quickly on the part you want to focus on just before you shoot.<\/p>\n
Shoot in continuous\/burst mode to capture everything<\/b><\/p>\n
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<\/span><\/p>\nThings can happen in a matter of seconds, and you don\u2019t want to miss a cute moment because you press the shutter one second too soon\/late.<\/p>\n
Keep your camera setting at continuous\/burst mode at all times, and keep your finger on the shutter button for a few seconds to capture their action.<\/p>\n
Pro tip: When you use a DSLR, make sure your shutter speed is high (faster than 1\/200, or 1\/500 if they\u2019re running around) to avoid blurry images.<\/p>\n
Use a shallow depth of field for close-up shots<\/b><\/p>\n
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<\/span><\/p>\nWhen you do closeup shots, you want to keep the focus on the kid, without the distracting background. Go for f\/2.8 or lower to draw the focus to them.<\/p>\n
If you use an iPhone to photograph kids<\/a>, choose the Portrait mode if the feature is available. Alternatively, you can download apps that allow you to set this manually, like Camera FV-5<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Explore different angles and heights<\/b><\/p>\n
With kids, positioning your camera at different angles and heights can give significantly different effects.<\/p>\n
Positioning your camera on the same level as their head will give a normal look at the size. Shoot from a high angle to emphasize their small size, or shoot from the ground level to make them appear larger for a more creative look.<\/p>\n
Read:<\/em>\u00a010 Experts Share Their Ultimate Kids Photography Tips – and this is what you should know<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Focus on the eyes<\/b><\/p>\n
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<\/p>\nJust like you do when taking a portrait, set the focus on the eyes. This is the part that has to be sharply focused, even when everything else is not. If you use a phone camera, tap on the kid\u2019s eyes before taking the picture.<\/p>\n
These special moments can be stored on kids photo albums<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Fix the composition in the post-processing<\/b><\/p>\n
When it comes to kids photography, the composition becomes a lower priority during the photo session. Kids move fast and you often only have seconds to capture a specific moment, expression, or action.<\/p>\n
So here\u2019s the tip: Don\u2019t think too much about the composition.<\/p>\n
Your priority is to catch the moment and to have the subjects in clear and sharp focus. You can always crop and recompose later in the post-processing, and it also gives you a chance to play with unique framing and composition.<\/p>\n
\nThe Secrets to Good Images: The Top Kids Photography Tips<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
Choose the right location<\/b><\/p>\n
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<\/p>\nWe\u2019ve heard that location is important, and indeed it is. But for kids photography, it\u2019s really important to choose a location where they can run around and play. A park or playground is always a good choice. You can also consider places with a bright-colored background, as this can instantly add a cheerful mood to the photos.<\/p>\n
If the options are limited, you can also do the photo session at the family home, indoors or outdoors (for example, in the backyard). You can choose a spot with a plain background to minimize the distractions in the image.<\/p>\n
Be their friend and bring toys<\/b><\/p>\n
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<\/p>\nKids can be apprehensive with a stranger, and this feeling would be reflected in the images. Before you start the photo session, set aside some time to introduce yourself, chat, and play with them.<\/p>\n
Pro tip: It helps a lot when you bring toys they can play with during the session. They\u2019ll feel warm towards you, and also, you can use the toys as props! Things like plastic balls, bubbles, or a wagon are always great with kids.<\/p>\n
Capture the emotions<\/b><\/p>\n
When it comes to kids photography, images that show sincere emotions and feelings are the most precious ones. These will be the photos that the family will hold dearly for the years to come.<\/p>\n
Let the kids play and have fun, give them their favorite toys, or be a funny clown that makes them laugh. Be ready at all times to capture these genuine emotions.<\/p>\n
Capture the ordinary<\/b><\/p>\n
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<\/span><\/p>\nWith kids, it\u2019s difficult to get them posed for a long time. And even then, you wouldn\u2019t be able to capture their innocence and the moments that are attached to their childhood.<\/p>\n
The best way is to follow them and capture everything that happens, even things that might seem ordinary. The kids playing and giggling, rolling around on the ground, reaching to mama, it\u2019s all part of the daily moments that the family will cherish.<\/p>\n
Keep the kids happy<\/b><\/p>\n
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<\/span><\/p>\nThe best time to capture kids is when they\u2019re most content, that is when they\u2019ve had enough sleep and food. If you\u2019re doing a photo session, try to schedule it after their nap and meal time. Happy kids make for the best photos, and it also makes your job a lot easier.<\/p>\n
For a more difficult situation,\u00a0Clickin Moms\u00a0shares\u00a0useful tips for photographing uncooperative kids<\/a>, just in case you need it.<\/p>\n
Print the photos for your clients<\/b><\/p>\n
- Recommended Lenses for DSLR users<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n
- The Secrets to Good Images: The Top Kids Photography Tips<\/a><\/li>
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