How to Photograph a Child

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:PhotographChild
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How to Photograph a Child

Introduction

Creating professional-looking photographs of a child does not have to be an expensive or elaborate process. Even a point-and-shoot camera can provide professional-looking results. With some simple guidelines and minimal effort, parents can easily get great images of their child without hauling them to a high-priced portrait studio. Read on to learn how to photograph a child.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Steps

1

Step One

Use simple backgrounds and props. Backgrounds and props don't have to be expensive or elaborate. A white sheet tossed over the back of a sofa or hung over a door frame will work well. Outdoor settings are also good. Use flowers, toys or a special doll as props.
2

Step Two

Keep lighting simple. Use natural light and/or the camera flash. Remember when shooting outdoors that early morning or late afternoon provides the best conditions. Also, overcast days are better than bright, sunny days.
3

Step Three

Choose fun, natural poses. Poses don't have to be stiff and uncomfortable. Sometimes candid, natural poses can be the most treasured images. The child's personality is able to shine.
4

Step Four

Take pictures at the child's level as angles are very important when shooting portraits. Sometimes that could mean squatting or lying on the ground in front of the child. This can make the difference between an amateur and a professional-quality shot.
5

Step Five

Shoot several frames of the same pose. The more photos you take, the better chance of getting that one great shot.
6

Step Six

Crop photos closely. If it's not possible to close in tight on the subject while taking photos, cropping can eliminate any distracting clutter in the background.
7

Step Seven

Have fun. If the child is relaxed, the better the photos will bring out his or her personality.

Tips & Warnings

  • Zoom in close to the subject to avoid anything in the background that will distract the eye.
  • When shooting outdoors, try to avoid bright sun and shoot on overcast days. Use the flash on the camera to highlight the faces.
  • Check the camera settings to make sure the photos won't be under or over exposed.
  • Make sure the subject does not have shadows or sunlight directly in the face.

Overall Things You'll Need

  • Props
  • Camera
  • Simple Backgrounds
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