Taking pictures of children is not an easy task. Toddlers may be naughty, fidgety, or simply refuse to pose. We have selected examples of the most successful shots, and at the same time revealed the secrets of their creation.
The main rule when photographing babies and children under one year old is comfort. The baby should not be scared, hurt, uncomfortable or cold. And there must be mom and dad nearby.
– If you want good postcard photos of a sleeping baby in a basket, you need to remember that such photos are taken at the age of 8-15 days, when the baby still does not react to what is happening around him and sleeps most of the day. This is a special kind of shooting and a special direction in photography. You need to carefully look for a photographer who specializes in photographing newborns. Usually, they immediately have everything they need for photo shoots: special backgrounds, hats, blankets, baskets and other accessories. They know how to put the baby to sleep, put him in the right position, which of the angles will be more successful, – says the photographer Nadezhda Knyazeva. – When the baby begins to hold his head well and lie calmly on his stomach, and then sit confidently – the most excellent time for real filming. The child does not walk yet, so there are more opportunities to take a good shot. A photo studio or your apartment is more suitable for such filming.
– When the baby is walking confidently, you can have a photo session on the street. This can be a walk along the alleys of parks or playing in the playground, as well as cycling. Photos will be lively and emotional, – concludes Nadezhda Knyazeva.
A few tips for those who are going to a photo shoot:
– choose the time right after sleep so that the child is in a good mood;
– take with you his favorite toy (rattle, book, pyramid) and water (juice, fruit drink, possibly cookies);
– the first shots are best done with mom (dad, grandmother), so that the baby gets used to the new environment, gets used to a stranger;
– in no case do we insist on filming if the child is crying. Better to come another day. Perhaps something is bothering him (teeth, tummy);
– it is very good if you constantly go to the same photographer, the baby will already know this person and behave calmly.
By the way, one more important point. Be careful when photographing other people’s children (especially if they are children of representatives of other cultures or nationalities). Perhaps their parents’ beliefs prevent a white person from looking at or touching a child at all. If you want to take shots – ask permission!