Childrens Outdoor Portraits
Tips from a Pro

Photographing children can be quite challenging especially if they are between the ages of one and four years old. Children at this stage are not usually cooperative for the photographer, whether its a professional or mom and dad. They are expected to behave and sit still, but this really isn't necessary in order to achieve great results. Childrens outdoor portraits is the answer to getting these results.

I have been photographing children professionally for over ten years and have given up expecting small children to pose and stay in one place in front of the camera. Sometimes it works but not without alot of coaxing, bribing, and crying (okay sometimes I cry too). I have decided to skip studio shots entirely with small children and instead take them to an outdoor setting for candid portraits. The kids have fun, mom is not stressed and neither am I. It is a win-win situation all around.

I don't want to make it sound easy however. Whether you are a professional or a parent wanting great shots of your children, here are some childrens outdoor portrait tips to capture those magical moments.

Tip #1- Invest in a digital SLR camera and learn how to use the manual controls. There is no comparison between a point and shoot camera and a DSLR camera. The main advantage in using a DSLR is that you won't have shutter lag. When the shutter lags (as is p&s cameras) shots are delayed by a second or two and the action is missed. The manual controls found in more advanced camera systems enable you to select faster shutter speeds and stop action. If you have a kid running around a million miles a minute you will still be able to capture their playfulness and spontaneity. Pre-visualizing the shot is an added bonus. You will get what you want the first time and not have to spend time deleting images.

It can be a daunting task sifting through information on the many digital cameras in the market today. I can save you the time because I have actually reviewed over a dozen DSLR cameras. Check out my camera reviews on the website listed below.

Tip #2- Choose a location that the child is familiar with. Many of my clients select the beach, either in Destin or close-by at Lake Lanier. Once they get there, they find out their child does not like the feel of sand on their feet.

Once the child starts crying, sand sticks to their face and then it is over. The beach can be a great backdrop if this is not a problem and many types of candid and playful shots can be captured in this setting. If you are not choosing a beach location find an area that has a backdrop of trees and a shaded area if shooting in mid-day. Make sure the ground covering is not barren as this can ruin a great shot. Sometimes the backyard is a good choice or a nearby park that the child has visited often.

Tip #3 - Choose a time of day when the lighting is lowest to the horizon. I can always tell amateur shots of kids because they are squinting. The best time to take photographs is early in the day 1 -2 hours after sunrise and at the endof the day 1-2 hours before sunset. I prefer the "sweet light" approximately 30 minutes before sunset (especially if I am at the beach). Shoot with the sun on the subject's back (back lighting) and use a fill flash to fill in the shadows and to add a catch-light and sparkle to the eyes. You can also try side light, however you will need a large reflector to add highlights to the shadow side. Shade and clouds also provide excellent filtered lighting. Here you will not need to worry about squinting or too much light on the face. Last but not least front lighting does add a golden glow to the skin as long as the child is not squinting.

Tip #4 - Photograph children in relaxed and natural poses. A child picking up a stone, looking at a flower, looking at siblings, jumping, playing all make great life like portraits. Photographing life is what you will remember most about your child. If you are a professional your clients will appreciate your insight and creativity.

To summarize, you will need at a good start-up DSLR camera with an adequate lens (zoom coverage from 35 - 70mm). Invest in a class either online or at your local community college. Train yourself to use your left brain for knowing the many features of your camera and your right brain for your composition and story-telling. Children move so quickly and great candids sometimes only occur for a fraction of a second. Photography is a creative and rewarding hobby/career however I cannot emphasize how important it is to learn the technical features of a camera.

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