Change Your Perspective - Child Photography

Contrary to what some may think there is much more to photography than just the push of a button. Whether you find yourself an amateur, professional, hobbyist, or a parent trying to catch some great pictures of your little ones, change your perspective next time you are taking pictures of a little one.

While there is definitely a need and want for the straight on photos that show where you are and what your child is doing, look a little deeper and you may end up with some great pictures that show you a little more than you realize, and will end up being favorites of yours in the long run.

Little hands trying to figure out how a birthday noise maker works.

Aunt and nephew on a boat for the first time. Heads together for warmth and comfort.

Playing in a park on an old mining train. 

Curiously exploring a carved pumpkin on a first Halloween.

Sidewalk Chalk a favorite summer pastime.

This side shot of a boy playing in balls shows a bit of his personality and his size in relation to the balls.

Playing hide and go seek with cousins at a summer wedding.

Checking out the garden accessories.

Hungrily eyeing a cake…..

Waiting as mom talks to the adults...

Dad's Cowboy hat.. captures sweet little cheeks.

Fall Photo Tips

Stumbling along the bumpy road of learning to take great photographs can be quite daunting. Remember that everyone's style is different and what one person deems amazing another see's as so so. However, here are a few tips you may want to try or think about as you take photos with this seasons colors.

• Try looking for splashes or pieces of color. Don't get caught up trying to get everything in your picture.

• Some of the best family shots are taken on the move so you can see some personality and how the family interacts in their daily life. It might not start out being one of your favorite images but the family will enjoy a few of these.

• Take a step back. Always check your surroundings. You may miss a great shot if you are not watching closely.

• Keep your subjects in simple clothing and simple poses so you can focus on all of the colors and it does not get too busy.

• Find ways to take detail shots. Little hands trying things for the first time make for great shots that you are not used to seeing. Be creative. See what you can find when you look past the straight on shot.

• Find unique backgrounds and use them to your advantage when possible. Farmers markets, corn mazes, shop displays, all of these can be great backdrops for you. You may need to ask permission first. Some places will charge a photography fee.

• If you live near mountains get out there and explore. Thousands of shots are waiting to be taken in the great outdoors. With out the distractions or cars, people, parking lots, and other strange and random items that make it into the back of your shots you are setting yourself up for beautiful pictures when you start with beautiful backgrounds. Try to get full shots that include scenery and people, and close ups as well. (See examples below)

Oh Crap to Oh Snap!- Zooming

The Power of ZOOMING-

A month or so ago I was able to take some pictures of a cute Senior I know. I took quite a few and as I was looking at them after I was reminded of how the smallest of things can change an entire picture.

Taking a step forward, stepping just to the side a few inches, checking the background and adding or taking something away. These pictures are before and afters. The first shot I took realized it might look better closer or at a slightly different angle and it made a huge difference in the picture.

So several of these went from Oh Crap to Oh Snap! :) While I am by no means and expert I hope you can learn something from the examples as I did. It was a good reminder for me even now as I look at them months after the fact.

(These have very little editing done on them.) Please add your opinion on any of the shots. I'd love to hear it so I can watch out for do's and dont's in the future.

You can find some great quick tips here from Alex Nolan on zooming, focus, and a few other topics.
http://www.alexnolan.net/articles/digital_photography.htm

On to the before and afters:

These first two you could argue which one works better for you. The second one shows the barn doors to the left which gives a bit more to the story of the picture. But the first one puts a little more focus on the girl, as she is closer and the background distractions are taken out.

Oh Crap!-Rule of thirds in place but not quite the shot I wanted.

Oh Snap!- By zooming in and stepping a little closer you get more details and a better picture.

Before-From afar.....

After-A slight zoom helped this picture out.

Oh Crap-Too far away.

Oh Snap- Looks better.

Tips for Pics with your LO (Little One)

So much fun to photograph babies. Everything is brand new to them. If you are lucky enough to catch a shot of them with bright wide eyes and a smile you feel like you've taken a great photograph. Baby wonderment. Yes that is a word. (I'm sure its not a real word but.... could be now. :)) A few tips from an aspiring photographer in the making:

* Zoom In-the more of the frame you can fill with the baby or part of the baby;  chubby hands, bright eyes, smile, body, cute little feet, chubby stomach rolls, and on and on the better. 

* Use a prop or two but don't go overboard. Nothing ruins baby shots like too many props. Baby should be your subject. Don't take away from all of the little features and expressions that will naturally make your photo a great one.

*Lose the clothes. Diaper shots let you see all of the adorable parts of a little one. Things that are only adorable at a young age. You'll want to remember these little details.

*Find someone to help you. Dad, Grandma, a sibling. Your adorable little subject might not want to smile for you when your face is hidden behind the camera. Find someone baby knows to stand nearby and help
you get a response from baby.

*Take plenty of pictures. While you are shooting you will think you have a great shot. You might. But just in case make sure you take ample pictures so that you are sure to capture what you are wanting to. You don't want to miss the smile you've been waiting for and get it a second too late when it has changed just a bit. You can always get rid of those pictures you don't want.

*Watch your backgrounds as much as possible. It can be hard to pay attention to the whole shot when you are trying to keep a small one captivated and in a good mood but nothing ruins a picture faster then a chain link fence, a garbage can, a telephone pole etc. sticking up in the back of your photo. Yes you can crop but sometimes that doesn't save your picture.

*Try new things. You never know what might work out. Some may not but why not try. Have fun. A photo shoot with your baby shouldn't be a stressful nightmare. You are making memories with your tikes. Make sure it is one they would want to remember even if they are too small to remember it for now. If baby is not in the mood for your creative project take a break. Come back later or try another day.