Hi there Twisted Needle family! I'm popping in today to share some photography tips I've picked up over the past couple of years. Specifically about photgraphing young children.
I have been sewing for years but didn't start sewing for my own children until our twins were almost two years old and our youngest was a newborn. Naturally I wanted to take pictures of them in these new creations, but quickly realized they were not the most cooperative models. After lots of frustration, blurry pictures, and tears I decided to take a step back and see what I could change.
Don't make it a production
Of course you want to get that 'perfect pictue' but your model might not be able to take direction or for that matter, enjoy being in the spotlight. Try and capture your kids in a setting that is familiar to them. If you usually go for walks or play at the park, take your camera with you and capture them doing what they do best. Often times those candid photos end up being the best ones.
Patience
Kids can be unpredicatable so be prepared to go with the flow. They might not fully understand what it is you need from them, so just keep clicking away. Chances are you are bound to get something to work with.
Get on their level
So you don't end up with a bunch of aerial pictures, bend down and get eye level with your model. This helps both you and the model feel connected and will likely result in more genuine expressions. Bonus, you might end up getting a great lower body workout!
Natural Light
Photos with natural light, whether indoor or outdoor photos, are the way to go. This goes back to my first tip of not making it a production. As your model gets older, a studio set-up might work, but for younger kids, I always suggest keeping things natural.
Props
Using props was a game changer for me when it came to photographing our kids. I try and pick something that is related to the theme of our photoshoot but that doesn't always work. You can include their favorite small toy, a flower, or anything that will fit in their hands. Use the prop as a way to keep them still but also as a way for you to engage with them. Ask them questions about the prop, or hold it out for you to see it better, etc.
Hopefully a few of these tips will help your next photoshoot go a little smoother.
Until next time.