Photography Tips- How to photograph children at home

Due to COVID-19, most people stuck at home. We get more time to spend with our kids. I'd like to share a few tips with all the parents about how to photograph your children (maybe uncooperative children) at your home.

  1. Use natural lights! Open all the curtains and door to let the light in. At the same time, turn off your lamp or any artificial lighting. You only need one source of lighting. Pay attention to the lighting. Have you noticed where is the brightest room in the house in the morning and afternoon? Then have your children face the window or door.
  2. Declutter the house! I know it's common sense, but it's actually pretty difficult to do.
  3. Get down to their level. It sounds obvious, but remember that you’re likely to be much taller than your subjects. So get down to their level instead of looking down.
  4. If you have a camera, look for a " A" button (A means Aperture priority mode), dial to the smallest number (it can range from F 1.4, to F 4), I usually like to use F 1.8,” The larger aperture (Technically small number means larger aperture, I know it's a little confusing ) can separate your subject and the background. If you have enough space between your children and the background, it can make your subject pop and produce a dreamy effect.
  5. Let the kids be themself! For the little kids, it's hard to ask them to be still and smile for you. I usually just let them do whatever they are doing and wait for the good timing to press my button. Don't get discouraged if the photos are blurry. Simply, it's just because the kids can't be still. I have to say I usually get 1 or 2 out of 10 or 15 for good shots.
  6. Shooting in golden hour! Have you heard this term and wonder what it means? Golden hour means the period of daytime shortly after sunrise or before sunset. It is the time the light is softer compared to the sun is higher in the sky. For my portrait sessions, I usually like to schedule the session 90 minutes or 1 hour before the sunset. For the weddings, it depends on their timeline. If schedule allows, I like to ask the bride and groom to give me 20-30 minutes for photographing during golden hours.
  7. Don't forget yourself! I am serious. Look at your phone or camera. How many pictures do you have for your children but you are not in the pictures with them? You can hire a pro. If you can't, you can set your phone or camera on a table, TV stand, or whereever then set a timer.

Hope these tips are helpful! Have any questions? Please comment in below.

From Mandy- A St Louis & Southern Illinois Wedding/ Portraits Photographer.