I reach daily for my iPhone to snap some pics of my two and I feel so lucky that it is that easy these days to record the precious moments as our kidlets grow! Now the quality on my iPhone is no where near my DSLR and I don’t expect it to produce such perfect images or replace a professional session, however there are a few steps you can take to greatly improve the daily snaps you take on your phone! Do you often get pictures like this of the kids…
The awkward cheesy face that as they get older gets worse (well it does in Izzy’s case anyway!) As they become aware of the camera it all gets a bit stiff and fake. Personally this is not the look I’m going for with my pictures. Being a lifestyle photographer I am forever trying to take sneaky pictures of the kids, pretending I’m not there…..but as soon as I pull out that phone they seem to go into silly mode.
So tip number one is:
1: DON’T SAY CHEESE……..if you want a natural face then saying cheese is going to give the exact opposite. Yes it gets them looking in your direction with their mouth in a vaguely smiling position but its never going to be one for the wall. Instead try saying or doing something you know your kids find funny, for me the silly words always get a giggle (poo, pop off and bottom). I for one however am not keen on shouting these words in a public place no matter how much I want the picture. So I often stick with a ‘knock knock’ joke or I asked them a silly question about one of the family members. This always gets a natural look from all.
2: GET DOWN ON THEIR LEVEL…….As adults we tower above most children and the view looking down on them is never as nice as at eye level which is more true to life and therefore more appealing. Crouch down so you are eye level with them, this will instantly get you a much better picture even without doing anything else.
3: THINK ABOUT THE BACKGROUND…….If you can position the children a bit or even better move yourself so the background is more appealing. Avoid clutter is the best tip. You would be amazed how you can make it look like its only you and the little ones even in a super busy place.
4: CAPTURE THE CANDID……Remember they don’t have to be facing the camera to make a great photo. The best pictures of children I think are the candid spontaneous moments that happen a million times a day. I love a shot from behind which tells a story and adds interest.
5: THINK ABOUT THE LIGHT….Although you might think a bright sunny day is the best it is actually the time to avoid. The bright sun can be harsh, casting shadows across faces and under eyes and making everyone squint. Try to look for space on the edge of a shady spot. There are lots of ways to light an image, a lot of this will be out of your control if you are capturing natural moments as the children go about their day but if you at least keep light in mind it will help to improve your images. It is after all the most import factor in photography and the element I am obsessed with, It’s all about the light!
I hope these 5 tips help you to take better daily pictures of the little ones. I’d love to see any pictures that you feel these tips have helped to improve! Just drop me an email with a little comment and let me know if you are happy for me to share the image.
Claire x
I found your advice really helpful about getting down to their level not only about angles but reduces my shadow in the picture. Thank you!