Baby & Kids Photography 101 – Tips & Tricks – Guest Blog post By Small Ant Productions

04/13/2013

1.  Shoot, shoot, shoot… it take lots of frames to capture the perfect shot so don’t be afraid to fire off as many as you can. It’s digital, if you don’t like the image you can simply delete!

2.  Natural light is the most flattering, beautiful light there is. Choose an indirect light filled area (not direct sunlight) usually the most light filled rooms in the house are on the second floor.  Try placing baby on the bed on a simple blanket.

3.  Don’t forget the details… Little feet, little hands with dimples, rolls of sweet chub will soon be gone so don’t forget to capture them too.  Your little ones favorite toys or blankets are also a good idea they make great filler shots in a photo book

4.  It doesn’t always need to be smiles.  All expressions and looks are sweet. We always try to get a smile but don’t ignore the straight faces and other reactions.

5.  Shoot with a Friend. It’s always a bit easier to get great expressions when you have someone acting goofy behind your shoulder.  Try photographing your little one with a friend during a play date in the park.  Songs, noises and toys behind you always get a great reaction.

6.  Simple is best. Don’t get too caught up with props, outfits and locations, nothing is sweeter than a baby in the buff.

7.  Get your great images off your camera. You don’t want to be caught having to delete shots on your camera to create new ones.  I suggest creating a folder on your desktop and starting a habit of downloading your shots into it ever month.  Even better, create monthly folders within the folder so your images are organized per month.  This makes it easy when making prints or photo books.

8.  Read your Camera’s Manual. I know, it’s not exactly the most exciting read but your camera’s manual is full of important information.  You’ve spent a lot of money on this equipment so spend half an hour and read the manual to get the most out of your investment.  I still always have my manual in my camera bag for quick reference.

9.  Best Settings on a Point & Shoot for babies & kids? Try the portrait setting (the silhouette of a ladies face icon) or the sport mode (the man running icon).

10.  The best camera is the one you have on you. Don’t miss a great shot just because you don’t have your snazzy DSLR on you.  The camera on most phones these days are really good, it might not be technically perfect but a sweet image that makes you happy doesn’t have to be.

11.  Back up your images. There is nothing worse than the feeling of realizing your computer has crashed and all of your photographs have gone with it… Buy an external hard drive and make sure all of your photographic memories are saved on it.

Resources for Photo Books:

iphoto or Aperture – Mac makes it simple to make photo books (calendars & cards too) through iphoto or Aperture. Amazing templates, easy to customize, change your images to black & white, and order straight to your door with a click.  Mac also has amazing tutorial’s on their website that demonstrate step by step.  www.apple.com/ca/ilife/print-products.html

Blurb – Simply download their application and create a stunning customized book delivery in a week. www.blurb.com

Pikto – Located in The Distillery, you can upload your prints online via their ROES system and pick them up, usually same day or take your files in via a zip drive upload them via their in-store system and prints are ready within 45 mins! Awesome photo books too. www.pikto.ca

Fun app’s for your iphone:

Instagram (create an account and share shots with friends), Hipstamatic (funky retro filters), IncrediBooth (fun photo strips just like the photo booths at the mall)

Camera+ (easy editing and filters) 8mm, (create beautiful vintage 8mm movies)

Photography takes time & practice.  If you’re interested in learning more about photography, photography software, cameras & gear, and how they work there are some great free tutorials on www.lynda.com I recommend the Foundations of Photography with Ben Long http://www.lynda.com/Ben-Long/748177-1.html

You can also join one of our DSLR 101 6 Week Sessions. For more info contact Lindsay@smallantproductions.com at www.smallantproductions.com