Kid’s Portraits - Handy Tips to Photographing Children

The birth of one’s first child often sparks off the beginning of a person’s serious interest in photography. People usually buy their first good camera in the hope of taking better pictures of their children.

Before you go and spend thousands of dollars to get the latest camera in the market, let me tell you the beautiful truth, you don’t need it! All you need is a small digital camera, with a humble zoom, and a nice square flash.

Less is more when it comes to taking kids photos. You don’t want the kids be running around you, laughing and holding balloons, and you are stuck in the Manual mode figuring out which f stop or shutter speed to use!

So, here are some handy tips to get you starting shooting children:

• If you want photographic records of your kids, start at the beginning-the births - and make the camera a normal part of your life.
• Get to know your camera very well. You should be familiar with most of the gadgets in there.
• No matter whose toddler you’re taking pictures of, you will have to adapt to the kid’s schedule.
• If possible use natural lighting for photographing children.
• No matter where you go with your own kids, make sure you’ve got some sort of camera to hand - you’ll regret it otherwise.
• Don’t miss a great shot waiting for the red-eye reduction to kick in - retouch the picture later.
• Let the child act like a child. Get the parents out of the way and have some fun!
• When shooting group portraits be sure to turn on the charm. It’s the only way to get great shots.
• Don’t follow the action of sports days and the like. Set yourself up and let the action come to you.

Hani Gamal is a professional photographer since 1997 and have a large number of photography students in his 101 photography class.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hani_Gamal