Half term is a great opportunity to take seasonal photos of your little pumpkins
Half term is upon us and it’s the perfect opportunity to get the camera out and try again to get that perfect picture of your little darlings – perhaps even one that could end up on the wall or in a frame as a present for the grandparents at Christmas.
But anyone who has ever tried to photograph small children will know it’s easier said than done, especially if you are trying to include more than one in the same shot.
Photographing babies, toddlers and their older siblings is a huge part of what we do at our studio in Herne Bay High Street, and we understand the difficulties. It’s perhaps easier for us as we have baskets full of tempting toys to capture their interest, plus with Doug behind the camera you can focus on pulling funny faces or keeping them in one place.
Don’t be afraid to get down on the floor when photographing children
But if you are attempting it yourself, there are a few things it’s worth considering.
First of all, the location. Outdoors will usually offer the best light, even on a dull autumn day, and it can also offer the best opportunities for action shots of happy children.
Pick your time carefully – ideally when they are not tired, and have eaten. And try to remember to have fun as the focus, with pictures as a happy byproduct. That way, you can avoid a lot of the stress by taking the pressure off.
Don’t worry about setting up the perfect pose but instead let them have fun while you watch and snap away. You might surprise yourself with the results.
Accessories can evoke holiday memories
When you are taking the photos, try to get down to their level for a better shot, and don’t be too far away. You are aiming to fill the frame – the image you see in the viewfinder – with the photo you want, so if there is too much background then move closer.
Think creatively: trees, gates, flowers or other objects around can be great props, and also great fun for hide-and-seek or climbing.
And if all else fails, we still have some spaces over half term in the studio. It’s warm, dry and a great image is pretty much guaranteed. And if your little one is 12 months or younger, you can also enter them into the Baby of the Month competition for free….what are you waiting for?!
