Wherever you find kids, camera-toting parents are never far behind. (OK, they’re usually far behind, but doing their best to catch up.) And now that email makes it easier than ever for parents and grandparents to share those precious images with the world, the gross national production of kid photos has risen from gazillions to bajillions.
If you’re one of those parents, you’re right to capture those memories before childhood flies by. But try to sit still long enough to read this section. With a little technique, you can shoot photos that make your kids look even more gorgeous (just don’t expect the other parents to admit it).
Children are challenging for all photographers. They’re like flash floods: fast, low to the ground, and unpredictable. But with a little patience and perseverance, you can keep up with them and get the shot.
If you want great-looking kid shots, you’ve got to play on their turf. That means getting down on your hands and knees, or even your tummy.
Many of the action photography tips you learned at the beginning of this chapter are great for kid photos, too. Highlights include:
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Children are a challenge for many consumer digital cameras, primarily because of shutter lag. In short, kids move faster than some digicams can react. But with a few adjustments, you can capture excellent images regardless of the type of camera you have.
One of the most important adjustments is to get down to kid level when shooting. This is “hands and knees” photography at its best, as shown in figure below. If you need to, get on your belly for just the right angle. Getting down to their level will instantly make your shots more engaging.
Go where the kids are to get good shots. Don’t be afraid to get down on the ground, and once you’re there you might want to turn on the fill flash to help you stop action and evenly illuminate the portrait.
Next, get close. Then get closer. This may seem impossible at times with subjects who move so fast, but if you want great shots, you’ve got to keep your subjects within range.
Now turn on the flash, regardless of whether you’re indoors or out. Not only will this provide even illumination, but the flash helps “freeze” action, and you’ll need all the help you can get in this category. Keep in mind, however, that the flash range of most digicams ends at around 8 feet.
Finally, use the “focus lock” technique described in the practical example “Capturing the Decisive Moment”. By doing so, you can reduce shutter lag and increase your percentage of good shots.
Some of the most rewarding pictures you’ll ever record will be of children. Like the child-rearing process itself, kid photography requires patience—but the results can far surpass the effort.
