Top Tips – Part 1: Shooting Children’s Portraits

We aim to please here at alicehartleyphotography. And what better way to make the gentle reader happy than to dispense counsel on ways to improve holiday snaps. Herewith are the most common questions I am asked on the topic of photo-taking:

What is a common mistake people make when shooting portraits?

Placing the subject in the centre of the frame and not focusing on the eyes. Always remember – the eyes have it. When composing the shot, place the subject’s eyes in the top third of the photograph. And always aim for focus on the eyes.

D3000 f/3.2 ; Exposure Time: 1/40sec; ISO-100; Aperture Priority

D3000 f/3.2 ; Exposure Time: 1/40sec; ISO-100; Aperture Priority

Another super-important tip I’ve learned in photographing little ones is to get on their level. Lay on the grass with them, for example. Kneeling down or sitting cross-legged with them all the while chattering away, singing a song, pointing out pretty birds in trees, will give the child comfort or at the very least a diversion and space in which you can merrily snap away and produce wonderful images.

Many of my friends show me photos of their kids which are taken from 4 or so feet above the child which does nothing but dwarf them. If you want to create stunning children’s images, align your camera lens with their eyes on the horizontal, and press that shutter button!

D3000 f/4; Exposure Time 1/250sec; ISO-100; Aperture Priority

D3000 f/4; Exposure Time 1/250sec; ISO-100; Aperture Priority

 

 

About Alice

I run, I jump, I sing, I dance. Whether climbing trees, walls or stairs I do it at a clip. When out, my date is always Trusty Nikon (who never lets me down in the attire stakes; so smart in his black, with a pop of red!). Where does it lead, this love affair of mine? Well, its lead me to Dubai, via the matrimonial aisle, thanks to a gorgeous husband who whisked me from Coogee beach, Sydney into the Arabian Peninsula - to my new home, Dubai. I am a freelance writer and photographer and my wish is to snap away, to scribe and to share it all with you. Enjoy.
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