4 Best Tips for Photographing Children

The best reason that children make such great subjects in photography is that they usually do not look the same from picture opportunity to the next. They grow up so quick.

The expectation when taking pictures of children is to show the innocence and blissfulness of the child, to freeze the child's pure character forever. This allows these traits to be preserved forever.

A common problem is that standard photography does not commonly show off the child's true character. Usually a child is posed in an unnatural setting and told to act natural and smile at the camera.

These sorts of photos are taken at schools, and studios. Many inexperienced "photographers" make a good living taking these types of portraits because the same quality is easy to duplicate with different children.

While these may result in good photos, they do not really portray much about the child.

The tips below show how to take photos that will most often show a child's character.

1. Use Candid Photography at a Distance - Candid photography focuses on the impulsiveness of an event or subject as opposed to a staged scene. This technique obligates the photographer to be prepared to take a shot when the scene presents itself instead of setting up the scene.

Use a telephoto lens with this technique so you can be far enough away to not be noticed.

The intention is to have the children play and act as they normally would. Standing far enough away should make it more likely that the subject does not react to the camera.

2. Use the Viewfinder - The subject should be prominent in the scene, not just part of it. The more of the background or foreground that is allowed in the viewfinder, the more distractions there will be. The viewer should not be left to guess what the subject of the shot is, so use the viewfinder to cut out as many distractions as possible.

Bust shots ensure that the subject will be prominent in the shot. Since most of a child's character is shown in his or her face, a bust shot will also guarantee that more of the child's character shines through.

3. Child Action Photography - Children are happiest when they are playing, but they are also usually speedy. Understanding how to capture good action shots is necessary, or all you will get is blur.

If your SLR doesn't have an automatic setting for action photography, 1/400 is often a good shutter setting for general action shots. If setting the exposure manually, be sure to also change the ISO and aperture values to get proper exposure. Take a couple test shots before the action starts.

4. Don't be a Stranger - Parents often tell their children to not go around strangers. Sometimes this can cause complications if you are asked or hired to take pictures of someone else’s child.

When this occurs, introduce yourself. Also, let the child see your photography equipment and explain what it used for. Spend some time talking with the child's parents in a relaxed setting so the child notices that they are at ease around you.

These actions will make you appear less like a stranger and help the subject feel more at ease around you.

I hope you have enjoyed my 4 best child photography tips.

Jonnie Blaylock is an amateur photographer that helps new photographers learn child photography tips.