How to Photograph Children

Capture an expression or emotion on your child's face to remember a moment in time that can never be replaced.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• SLR Camera
• Camera Bags
• Camera Batteries
• Camera Filters
• Camera Flashes
• Camera Lenses
• Camera Polarizer Filters
• Camera Tripod
• Cameras
• Film
• Light Meter
• Zoom Lenses

1. Set up your equipment and decide on a location and lighting before the child arrives or begins to play. Replace old batteries before taking pictures so that you don't lose the moment having to change batteries.
2. Choose a film suited for the lighting and type of pictures you wish to take. ASA or ISO 400 print or slide film is best for candid photographs of children playing. ASA or ISO 100 or 200 is well-suited for portrait photos in which your subject will be still. This speed of film also allows you to enlarge your photograph without any graininess.
3. Use natural lighting if possible. Early morning, late afternoon and overcast days work wonderfully for natural lighting. You won't have to worry about the harsh glare of the sun.
4. Place the sun behind you and to one side to help prevent shadows on your subject's face if you do need to shoot in the sun.
5. Use a longer lens such as a 70mm to 200mm zoom. This will allow you to capture the child at play or a posed shot without having to get close.
6. Use toys or tell a funny story when trying to pose a child for a picture. Be ready to capture that first grin or laugh.
7. Consider using a shutter cable release cord. You can focus your lens on the subject, step to the side of your camera and use a puppet or stuffed animal to catch the child's attention.
8. Try a soft filter to add a dreamlike or hazy look to your photograph. A polarizer will also help take out the harshness of the sun and deepen the colors in your picture if you are shooting outside.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are photographing other people's children, it is best to talk to them ahead of time about the kind of pictures they want (candid, portrait or both) before you set up.
• To catch a candid moment, use a faster film such as ASA 400 and handhold your camera as the child plays.