Taking Perfect Portraits of Your Children

By | August 17, 2016

With every smartphone coming with a camera, and editing apps permeating the digital marketplace, it is easy for every parent to think that they have suddenly become a quality photographer, but there is much more to capturing a perfect portrait than many parent’s realize.  If you are looking to elevate your photography skills, making sure that your pictures are the envy of every parent on the block, consider these tips.

Learn to Pose Your Children and other Family Members

While it would be nice if everyone who stood in front of a camera automatically knew how to pose for a photograph, very few people do, especially children.  This is why having an arsenal of photography poses is especially useful.

Professional posing techniques help ensure everyone in the photograph will look their best whether for individual portraits or group shots.  Additionally, certain poses can be used to create different feels, such as calm and collected, professional and authoritative, or fun and whimsical.

Taking Perfect Portraits of Your Children

Have Quality Props

A prop doesn’t have to be expensive in order to add to a shot.  In fact, some are quite affordable and highly useful.  For example, props are practically a requirement for newborn photography, as newborns cannot generally support themselves in certain positions.  Having a variety of pillows, blankets, baskets, and other items to help create the necessary support can not only help you get a better photograph, but also help ensure your newborn is more comfortable during the process.

Props can also be used to create more interesting and dynamic photographs, as well as bring out your child’s personality.  You might want to try taking a portrait of your child while they blow bubbles or while they play with a family pet.

Be Patient, and Forgiving

While asking a child to sit still for a portrait may sound easy, it certainly may not be.  Before you try to wrangle them into place, consider a few alternatives.  For example, if your child is in a particularly active part of their day, consider trying various action shots.  If your camera has an adjustable shutter speed, and you have adequate lighting, consider taking pictures while they run, jump, or play.

If your child is hungry or thirsty, consider working in an appropriate food or beverage as a prop.  If they are feeling insecure, consider photographing them with a favorite toy or with another item they find comforting.

When running a particularly long session, be prepared for sudden mood changes.  Not only should these be expected, they can actually work to your advantage as they will allow you to switch gears and consider another type of shot or activity.

Make it Fun

If you make the session fun for everyone involved, you are more likely to capture some quality moments and create some wonderful memories while doing so.  If it starts to feel like a chore to you, it likely feels that way to your child too.  That should be a sign to either change things up, or take a break for the day.

The best part about photographing your child on your own is that you are not under specific time constraints as you may be with a professional appointment.  Keep your camera with you as you go about your day, and take a few shots whenever the mood seems right.  You might be surprised by the kind of opportunities that present themselves when you allow things to occur naturally.