How to Photograph Children With Ease

Author: Anton Sheker
The art of photographing children starts with connecting to your subject, in this case a child. The trick is to try and capture an expression or emotion on your child's face, a daunting tast but workable. These are the stuff memories are made of.

Step One
Set up early before the child gets to the set. This includes the equiptment and lighting. Make sure they are well strapped and are safe in case the children decided to make toys our of your gear. Your goal is to make it as quick and swift as possible.
Make sure all your batteries are fully charged. When the Child gets there, waiting is not an option.

Step Two
Setup your camera using your assistant or associate as a model.
Fix the lighting effect you like and make sure they wont irritate or hurt the child's eyes.

Step Three
If given a chance, natural light is much better. Keepting the enviroment as normal enough for the child is good so he does not suspect something goin on. Once they figure out that something is happening, they usually get irritated or go into a fit.

Step Four
If you are outdoors, make sure the sunlight dont get into the eyes of your subject, the childs eyes are delicate. Becareful with placement of shadows

Step Five
Keeping the subect unaware and far away from invasion of his personal space helps the model act more naturally without getting intimidated. Use long lenses to capture the children at play or in a posed shot.

Step Six
In some cases, bribery works with kids bringing in some toys or playing some sounds to evoke an emotion is a good technique.
Joke around and even make funny poses to bring the childs guard down and capture that laugh or smile. Timing is the key.

Step Seven
Use filters and other special effects to give you a different look, feel or mood.

Step Eight
Make sure the child is comfortable, prepare drinks or snacks that they enjoy. Making the whole experience enjoyable for the kid so he can give you his best smile or laugh. Try to get to know your subjects before shooting them. Once they are at home with you, you can bring out the best in them.

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