How to take better photographs of your children

One of the perks of being in the digital age is that we, as parents, can take countless photos of our children every day. It doesn't matter what camera you use; be it your iPhone, a compact camera or a DSLR, you can still get great shots of your kids!

• Children are FAST! So my first tip is to make sure there's a fair amount of natural light; without getting technical, your camera will shoot faster the more light there is. Artificial light (such as lamps) isn't quite as effective but will still do the job! Try to avoid using the built in flash on your camera, it 'flattens' the subject and creates harsh shadows. 

• My next tip is to capture them playing or doing their favourite things. There's nothing more natural than the smiles on their faces as they do what they love. My little boy, Charlie LOVES trains! So to persuade him to be the subject of my blog and have photographs taken, I got his trains out. Instantly he forgot I was there with my camera (which is a feat, as it's not the most subtle of cameras) and I could snap away and catch the looks of pure joy on his face. By photographing your children at play, you're freezing them in time, creating memories to treasure forever.

• Another tip - be aware of your composition; what's in the background, are you cutting off a limb or the top of someone's head? For example, the image above - I didn't consider the bin I'd left at the top of the garden earlier in the day, which can be seen in the background. Not something I particularly want on my walls! And if I'm getting really picky (which I really am, I'm such a perfectionist!!) I see I've cut my son's knee off! So keep in mind what's behind your subject, obviously not everything can be moved and if the kids are playing nicely you don't want to interrupt them to move them, but if you can change your camera angle, then go with it.
  

• Last but not least; be patient! Toddlers especially are rather unpredictable. If you get your camera out to be met with sighs and protests, it's ok. Try again later! Maybe let them become engrossed in whatever they're doing and bring it out again. If not, give it a go on another day. 

​Please share some of your images in the comments below, I'd love to see them!

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