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There are basically two types of portraits. There are posed images and candidate photojournalist) shots. When photography children especially, I prefer candid imagery. With candids, one captures natural smiles, expressions and body movements. Kids in action give us a sense of their personality.
But natural shots can be tricky. For one, the photographer has to learn to either blend in with the background or become part of the child's play while still positioning herself to take a good
picture. A child must be comfortable to like like herself in front of a stranger or in front of grownups. It is your job as a photographer to put your subject at ease.
When a parent is photographing the child, it can be especially tricky. The child probably wants you to play up close with him. He does not want your face behind a camera. Kids do not want you to step back to line up a good composition. I went through a stage with my daughter when she told me to put the camera away every time I dragged it out. I learned to make what we were doing into a new game every time. I encouraged her to dance or pose. I encouraged her to include her favorite dolls and toys in our "photo sessions." I printed out copies of our doll pictures for her to put on her walls. I started writing poetry for her to describe the pictures we were creating.
In situations when I'm not photographing my own family, if the photo shoot is not focused on a particular event such as a ballet class, I suggest things for the kids to do. With children who regard me as a stranger, I have to first befriend them. I always bring flowers to my photo shoot and hand them out right away. It's fun to see what a child will do with a flower, but it also serves as a sort of "gift" that breaks the ice and helps get the children to relax. Sometimes as we go, the kids will make a photo suggestion to me. Or, they might become so comfortable with me that they just play and have a good time.
For event photography, you need to decide if you want photos of kids hamming it up for the camera or if you want natural images. This will help determine whether or not you will be part of the action or part of the background. Your decision may be based on the type of event or on the type of look you are aiming to get in the long run.
Though posed images have their place, I find that I am the type of photographer who does best with the photojournalist style. Maybe it's partly because I prefer to have my own picture taken this way. (My wedding photographer was a photo editor for the Boston Globe.) I do not like making people try to be what they're not. Perhaps I'm not clever enough to see who they are right away and pose them to suit what I see. Children especially do not want people to tell them what to do. We can dress them up or dress them down for candids and capture the essence of their personalities for lifelong memories.
A photojournalist seeks to document an event or capture a special moment. Think like a newspaper person and tell a story with your pictures. Photojournalists can be outsiders looking in or become part of the action ,. Whichever method you choose for photographing children, make it fit the event or occasion and the child's personality.
– Seek opportunities to tell a story about your subject. If your child likes to play dress up, grab the dress up clothes and your camera. If your child is more the mud pie type, shoot the action. You'll not only capture treasured memories, but you will probably also create some this way. We always reach for the camera on rainy days in my house and play "photoshoot."
– Birthday parties are especially great for using a photojournalist style. You probably have done this quite often yourself. Put aside hostess and mommy / daddy responsibility and take five minutes every half hour to scan the crow and seek photo opportunities. You are guaranteed to get great picture moments.
– Most importantly, do not be afraid to let your subject be hers and let her natural personality shine!
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Source by Melissa Mannon
