While they are little (and still cute) it's an excellent time to get some great shots of your kids and capture the special moments in life. Taking a good photo can be a bit hit and miss - what you see can sometimes be nothing like what comes out on film (or these days, on screen). Here are some tips to taking a better snap:
- Avoid harsh lighting: this is true for any digital shot. Put yourself between your child and the sun to avoid a dark picture, and have them either fully in the sun, or completely in the shade - it is not easy to take a good picture with a mixture of lighting.
- Use your flash: even in the daylight. It will help brighten dark shadows under the eyes and nose.
- Get close: while the body shot will give you a "whole picture" focussing on just a part of your child will give you more depth to the shot.
- Focus on the eyes: almost all of the great shots of people or animals have just one thing in common - their eyes are in focus.
- Get on their level: You are taller than your child, so you will be shooting a bird's eye view - seeing things from their height is a great new perspective.
- Don't say cheese: ever. This will force a really unnatural smile.
The best tip ever is to have fun with it. Play, talk and engage with your kids while taking pictures.