|
Home / Hobbies / Photography
Child Photography
By:Kael
The field of child photography is challenging but also both enjoyable and profitable – if you like children. Don’t bother pretending, if you really don’t. You may fool a parent – but not the little one.
Tips to help are:
The techniques used in most other fields of photography do not always apply in child photography. The phrase ”hold it” or “freeze” carry very little weight with children. They typically do as they please and if they please. Your assignment is to anticipate what a child may be about to do and capture it.
YOU can turn this into your advantage: Since children don’t always do what you want them to do, or what you expect them to do (actually they rarely do!). A solution often is: don’t expect them to become a cooperative little adult merely because you want to take their picture. Trick them – expect them to act like children. Don’t expect anything in particular. DO this and you can enter the fun and profitable field of child photography.
Know your stuff -
Before you start booking sessions with children you must know exactly what you are capable of doing – what your camera is capable of doing – what all your equipment is capable of doing. Operating your camera and equipment must be second nature. Have your style of photography down pat, so when you start a session your mind is on the child(ren). This takes your complete focus. This is not the time to be fiddling with you camera, or trying to figure out your light setup. Children take 100% of your concentration. For some children the entire shoot may only last 10 minutes – though you feel you have just run a marathon – so you have to be able to get in position , get the most cooperation from the child, get great shots. At times, this has to be done very quickly, BUT you cannot make the child feel they are being rushed.
Know your subjects -
With children, you must expect the unexpected. At different ages children are capable of doing different things. The more you know what they typically do during some of these stages, the better images you are going to capture. And the happier you make your clients – which, in turn, makes you financially happy.
During a session photographing children you can get a variety of poses, expressions and antics. In no other field of photography are you liable to get such variety. The more you learn about little ones the better child photographer you will be. Children are not just children until they become adults –they come in all sizes. Between four months and four years you can place them into quite a few categories: 4-6 mos, 6-12 mos, 12-18 mos, 18-24 mos, and then you can lengthen out the age span. Awareness of these ages are needed to help you - the photographer - be aware of the limitations children (especially little ones) have.
Listening to the parent can help toward a successful session.
You can learn specific things about their child that will make it or break it:
Are they afraid of certain things or sounds?
What are their special likes?
Do they like books?
How comfortable are they with a stranger approaching them? You do NOT want to spook a little one; the scheduled time may not allow for you to win their confidence.
Be ready with that camera when you first introduce something new –you do not get a second chance to get first reactions!
In most areas of photography a tripod is great for sharp photos. However with child photography you do not always have such a luxury. Once they reach the moving around stage, a tripod limits your ability to capture expressions and poses. Be mindful of your camera settings – keep that shutter speed fast enough to prevent blurring – and be ready to move quickly!
Child photography allows for close-up portraits as well as the child engaged in some activity – taking their socks off – in a box / tub with toys – climbing on or out of something. There is really no limit. As you continue to gain experience in working with children of various ages you will become more adept at learning what typically works with different age groups.
Child photography is a challenge – but don’t worry sometime it turns into children photography. Mom has twins – big brother / little sister – maybe three little cousins. The list goes on! Imagine two sister and they both have triplets! Other than the obvious difficulty of getting multiple little subjects in any semblance of position, conducive to a memorable photo you need to bring everyone’s eyes to a central focal point. Tricky, but not impossible. Adding something NEW to catch their attention, at the moment you press the shutter, can work. Use this sparingly, because when child photography turns into children photography getting all their attention on the same thing is quite a feat. The beauty of digital is no limits to the exposures you take and you can take a quick peek on the spot.
Parents can be quite helpful during the photo session. Children often are more confident with a parent nearby. Also, do not overlook the value of older brother and sisters. They have a relationship with the little one like no one else! Often they can get their little brother or sister to giggle, make faces, hold things and a host of other things that may be exactly what you need. Plus, you have the opportunity of including more subjects in the photos, which translates into a larger photo package for the customer!
As you advance in child photography you will want a lighting setup and a backdrop. A three light setup – consisting of a main light fill light and a background light – is ideal. However if you are just beginning you can do great photography with a lot less. Experiment, and add as needed. If you are using a backdrop keep the child at least four feet from the backdrop (if possible). This eliminates shadows and prevents the backdrop from competing with your subject.
Take your act on the road -
You can do child photography at the park - on the beach - in the backyard, just as easily as in a studio or home – maybe more so - and nature will take care of the lighting for you, as long as you select open shade.
Items to have on hand:
Depending on the ages and whether you are shooting indoors or outdoors you need a supply of items to catch and keep their interest and that look great in a photo:
rattles
feather dusters
soft toys
dolls
hats
mirrors
a telephone (the bigger the better)
a big whistle
duplicate toys (for twins & overly competitive little ones)
treats & snacks
There is much more to be written on child photography. For more information on this, and other related subjects, you may want to read the article
http://www.you-can-do-great-photography.com/child-photography.html
This article authored by: You-Can-Do-Great-Photography.com
Digg
del.icio.us
Blink
Stumble
Spurl
Reddit
Netscape
Furl
Article keywords: child photography, camera, photography, hobby
Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com
This article was authored by You-Can-Do-Great-Photography.com
|
|
| Top Photography Articles |
- 1). How to Select a Local Model Agency Without Getting Burned By : Bob Pardue
If you are an aspiring model, especially a beginner, you'll want to read this article before making any
contacts to model agencies. It's tough enough pursuing a modeling career when you are prepared but almost
impossible if you aren't!
The old cliche that says, "I'll just go down to the corner of Main or to the mall and get discovered." is totally
bogus! Believe it or not you're going to have to do some honest work to create a need for your modeling
services.
|
- 2). Fashion Models - Start Your Engines By : Bob Pardue
How to Promote Yourself as a Freelance Model
If you would rather promote yourself ...
Some models would rather promote themselves instead of listing through an agency. Nothing wrong with this but it does require more work on your part.
If your are signed with an agency, they promote the business, they talk to the clients in your behalf, they set up the shooting dates, they take the heat if you don't make it to the session, etc.
|
|
|
- 4). Underwater Cameras:Discover A Whole New World Underwater By : Albreht Moy
It is a known fact that over seventy-five percent of our world is covered in water, this world has just as many interesting things to take pictures of and is always changing with every ripple and wave. Underwater cameras are a great way to capture these scenes that are ever changing. Underwater cameras are great for deep-sea divers and the snorkeling community alike.
|
- 5). Get The Most Out Of Your Camera. (Part 1). By : TJ Tierney
Did you ever see an image where only a small part of it is sharp? Using the aperture ring correctly can maximise the artistic look of your image.
Not only does it determine the depth-of-field, it also has the power to direct the human eye.
The human eye is instinctively drawn towards noticeable points of an image. These are usually the sharpest and most important parts of an image.
|
- 6). How do Underwater Cameras Work? By : Nicola Kennedy
Underwater Cameras are cameras that are specially designed for underwater use or in circumstances that requires protection to prevent any water and pressure damage. There are many types of underwater cameras, depending on your budget and uses.
There are underwater cameras that are simply disposed of after use. These are the cheapest type of underwater camera available in the market.
|
- 7). Photography as a Fun and Interesting Hobby By : James Hunt
Photography is a fun hobby that interests many different people across a broad range of ages. Enthusiasts of all types have found a creative recreational outlet in the hobby of photography and with the advances in technology that have occurred in recent years ...
|
- 8). Filters For Landscape Photography. By : TJ Tierney
Filters are used in photography to bring back an image to the way our eyes have perceived the original scene. Some times it’s not possible for our cameras to record an exact scene - so we have to rely on the manufacturers of camera products.
Filters also help us to create mood in our images and bring out the best in a scene. A small selection of filters is well worth packing when heading off for a trip.
|
- 9). Use multi flash card readers to overcome data storage format incompatibilities. By : Ron Donnelly
As advanced consumer electronics like digital cameras, PDAs, multimedia mobile phones, and similar devices become increasingly affordable to the everyday user, we find ourselves having to keep track of more and more types of technology, which makes keeping all of our devices compatible with each other increasingly difficult. The technological marvels.
|
- 10). How To Take Better Kitten Pictures By : achiever
I compare my kitten with my kids and the love for my kids is equal to the love I have for my kitten, and that is why I make time to take my kitten pictures as my kittens grown into a lovely adult cat.
When anyone visits my home, they notice how well groomed my kitten is, and how well treated, and they also notice the collection of pictures I have of my kitten, I place my kitten pictures all over my home.
|
| New Photography Articles |
- 1). Digital Photography: Passion and Hobby Becomes Art By : John Darby
This article has put together a few tips to help you get convinced on the advantages of going digi and we have summarized the things that need your first priority or utmost attention toward the learning curve as soon as you begin to implement it in your work flow.
|
|
|
- 3). Digital Photography: In Focus By : John Darby
Learn how to take, edit and print your photos the right way using your digi cam through this article. This article discusses the tools and the features of a digital camera as well as the necessary tools in printing your digital photographs thereby eliminating the strange feeling that you will feel upon handling a digital cam.
|
|
|
- 5). How to Select a Local Model Agency Without Getting Burned By : Bob Pardue
If you are an aspiring model, especially a beginner, you'll want to read this article before making any
contacts to model agencies. It's tough enough pursuing a modeling career when you are prepared but almost
impossible if you aren't!
The old cliche that says, "I'll just go down to the corner of Main or to the mall and get discovered." is totally
bogus! Believe it or not you're going to have to do some honest work to create a need for your modeling
services.
|
- 6). SLR Film Photography Special Effects (Part 2) - Impressionist Effect By : Photo Views
This is a second article addressing SLR film photography Special Effects techniques that can be accomplished “through the lens”, being immediately immortalized on the film and ultimately the negative.
It requires no special instructions to the developing agent, whether your local photography shop or mail in developing service. Your prints will be developed with perfect exposure.
|
- 7). Panasonic Combination Digital Cameras By : Mike Reed
All About Combination Digital Cameras
Digital cameras are starting to become less attractive than all in one digital cameras which can often do many things other than just snapping photos such as record video, and play music. This certainly comes true in the Panasonic digital camera models. In an effort to show this wonderful technology, this article will look at one of the combination digital cameras.
|
- 8). Photography Q&A: The Basics Of Developing Photographs By : Travis Partrige
* Can I develop my own photographs?
Yes, you can. By having your own darkroom, it is possible that you can develop your own photos. You first need to set up your own darkroom and buy darkroom equipment.
* What equipment and supplies do I need in a darkroom?
A darkroom requires many kinds of equipment to get you started in developing your photos. It is expensive, so you should prepare a sufficient amount of money to get into this hobby.
|
- 9). How to be Prepared for Your Fashion Model Shoot By : Bob Pardue
The fashion model session - What to pack in your model case
OK, you're off to a model photo shoot. But, did you remember to pack your bag? Did you put everything you need in it? I hope this article will be helpful to you and start you on the right foot in making sure your model bag is complete.
What do you bring?
What you bring to your model photo session will depend upon whether this is your first shoot for a portfolio or a paying job.
|
- 10). Getting Photo Printing Help By : Matthew Noel
Photo printing help is commonly needed. With more individuals purchasing digital cameras, there is a wide need for help in printing off their pictures. While most standard computers with a decent printer can handle a good quality photo, others are looking for exceptional quality photos. The good news is that there is a wealth of help to be found for those who need it.
|
|
|
