We take a lot of photographs, especially at holiday events and on long weekends. And every time we snap the photo, we think we are taking photos worthy of blowing up poster-size and hanging, gallery-style, on every wall of our apartment. Sadly, later at home, viewing them in Photoshop, well....not so great. Not so frameable.
We admire homes filled with framed photos of families, in all the permutations that families can be. Unfortunately, we are not photographer enough to take the kind of photos that one would want to frame, and display. Luckily, we found some great resources online to help us take better pictures of children! Below, a compendium of links and advice.
• DIYPhotography.net. They suggest making your kids laugh, having assistance when trying to photograph kids, and using props. This two-part guide also has great suggestions regarding camera angles, lighting, and more.
The best money I ever spent was hiring a photographer to photograph my daughter; these are but a very small portion of the photos from the shoot
http://www.amgphoto.com/folio%20people/ppl-folio_p19.html
I went to art school, and studied photography, and can shoot well. However, I am not equipped to do so -- I don't have any good cameras or lenses at the moment, and will probably never buy lights or light meters. I know that even though I am trained, I cannot come up with the pictures a good professional can.
My only regret is that we do not do it often enough to mark our chidlren's different stages.
view mschatelaine's profile
The best book I read on the subject is How To Photograph Your Baby, by Nick Kelsh. His advice is clear and uncomplicated, and works from a few very basic principles. You may not be hired by Life magazine after reading his book, but you will definitely have frame-able photos.
view mamacita's profile
My tips for good pictures-- I get down on level with my child and zoom in close. I set up the shot and then I don't hide my face behind the camera--I get her to look at me for a real, engaging experience not so completely staged. And I take lots of digital pictures. Out of 20-50 shots, only one or two might be frame worthy.
view dollhouse's profile
I'm a children's photographer in the St Louis area, and I really believe it's a very learnable skill. People assume that they just "aren't photographers" and leave it at that. So that's my biggest tip... don't give up! Read up a bit, and keep practicing.
There are a few sites I know of that are great for someone interested in learning more:
http://twopeasinabucket.kaboose.com/cg.asp?garden_id=2
(Try clicking on Photo Tips, Photo Message Board, or Photo Gallery near the top of the page.)
http://ilovephotography.com/forums/index.php?
(The whole site is great, and there is a Just Starting Out section that's helpful for reading up and sharing pictures for help or critique.)
http://www.flickr.com/
(A great source of inspiration. Try searching for groups specifically for children's photography or children's portrait photographers.)
http://www.ellaminnowpeas.com/
(This is my site, if anyone wanted to peek at it.)
view Amy Phillips's profile