Quick Tips on Photographing Kids

1. Capture their personalities in the moment
I think there is a reason why documentary style photography has become so popular over the last decade.  People want to capture real moments with their family and friends.  Parents want to have pictures of their children and their beaming, funny personalities caught in a photograph forever.  To capture these moments, I suggest, if you have a Smart Phone, put your camera app icon on the front menu page so you have easy access to your phone when those magic moments appear.  If you are like me and love the feeling of holding your DSLR, take it with you everywhere and start shooting the second your child starts making memories. Bottom Line: Keep your camera with you at all times!

2. Consider the rule of thirds.

 This is the most important rule of photography.  This is probably the reason some photographs work and some do not.  When you shoot, imagine separating your frame by at least two evenly sized vertical lines running across the image with several evenly placed horizontal lines crossing into the vertical lines.  These intersections are often called "power points." The rule of thirds says that the "viewer's eye tends to naturally go to these intersections when viewing image (Mosher, 54)." This makes images more powerful and visually stunning when your child is placed in these power point intersections. See image below:

3. Use Textures and Patterns

Texture adds visual layers and contrast to your photographs and should attract the viewer's attention to the subject.  When I am photographing Shyla and Asher, I love to use different patterned blankets, grass, baskets, or pieces of clothing to add texture.  I love to go to the fabric store and explore the varieties of fabric. I love to buy big samples and take them home to use in my photographs.
4. Love is in the details

I love photographing the details of people's lives.  They are the things that we remember about them.  I often photograph Shyla's tutu and shoes because her style is so much a part of her personality.  To capture detail shots, consider having your child play in dirt, pick flowers, berries, etc.  The combination of meaningful objects in a child's hand(s) can create powerful images that are symbolic of all the good that lives in the world.

For more tips and tricks I suggest buying Heather Mosh's book: Photographing Your Kids Like A Pro.