Family Tips

Keep your compositions as simple as possible, unless you really want to add something to help tell a story in your photos. For example, you can show a child with a prop, such as a favorite pet or teddy bear. In a planned portrait, props give the child something to do besides standing there self-consciously, and they can also be used as good compositional elements. Kids will sometimes pick up things naturally or have fun with even the simplest objects. Encourage the child’s creativity, and start taking pictures. Photographing activities like this can help draw the viewer into the child’s world. One way to get some engaging images is to ask a child to show you his favorite toy. Shoot pictures while the child is hunting for it in the toy box, and then of his proud expression when he shows it to you.

Keep the background simple. Cluttered backgrounds fight with the subject of a photo for the viewer’s attention. When looking through the viewfinder, quickly ask yourself what can be eliminated from the photo. Sometimes, just changing your position slightly will make a big difference in what’s behind the child.

Kids and pets often interact naturally. This can result in great shots if you’re ready with your camera. Photo by Susan Taylor Jackson	By allowing children to interact with each other, you can often get very appealing and natural pictures. This photo would not have been as successful if the two boys were standing side-by-side, grinning at the camera. Photo by Loren Brown

As with all other types of photography, the right lighting is important. Shoot early or late in the day, as the sunlight will come from a more-flattering angle than that of midday. Also, overcast days or open shade are good for all types of people photography, as this type of illumination produces a pleasant, soft lighting. Fill-flash will give you subtle flash illumination, even outdoors.

When photographing children playing outdoors, consider using fast film, like ISO 400 (or a fast ISO setting on your digital camera), even in bright light. Also, use the sports setting on your compact camera to help freeze kids’ action. If your camera has a zoom lens, you can vary the framing of a scene by zooming in and out, instead of running to keep up with your subjects.