Impromptu photoshoots are a staple in most homes with kids. You might have your kids modeling different clothes, in different poses, all for fun and to create bonding moments. You will have these pictures for a lifetime, so why not make them the best photos possible? Not everyone has a photographer in the family or can afford professionally shot photos. However, if you put your mind to it, you can take perfect pictures of your kids from the comfort of your own home! Here are our tips for photography ideas at home for your kids.
The most common phrase to ever be said while taking pictures is “Say Cheese!”. This will instantly take your professional looking photo and turn it into a basic group photo that anybody could take. While smiling is encouraged, the most beautiful shots sometimes show other emotions. Have them simply make whatever face they want, maybe they’ll surprise you with their range of emotion.
This might be the hardest part. When you’re trying to direct your kids modeling, they might get fussy and not listen. Simply stay calm and gently tell them what you need them to do. The more you get worked up, the worse they will act and possibly get more rowdy. Make sure they understand why you are taking these photos and surely they will match your calm energy.
It may be very tempting to turn on the flash if the lighting isn’t perfect. You should not. Wait for the sun to hit the right spot, or the shade to pass. When you add the flash, all it does is wash out the natural color that would normally show in the photo. This is also why you should try and take photos during the day, when the sun is soft and bright.
This is a great rule to know for child photography, and photography in general. Imagine the image broken up into three sections, both horizontally and vertically. Try to place the subject (your child) outside of the center quadrant. This will allow for the image to be much more stimulating and interesting to the eye.
We know it’s been a while since you were a kid but try showing the world their point of view. Get low to their eye level and take photos from that position. It will make it fun for them and also you’ll be showing a different perspective than the normal photo taken from your height. You can show so many different aspects of their life at home this way.
Not much is better than a candid photo. Make sure you always have your camera near you when at home, especially during any events. You never know what your kids might do and you’ll want to be prepared to capture it if necessary. This will give you some funny photos and some stunning ones as well.
When getting started it can be fun to have your kids practice poses as if they are models on the runway. The truth is, the best photos are the most natural looking ones, and when we pose we instantly look unnatural. Tell them to move their bodies freely as they wish and capture all of it. You’ll be surprised with how amazing those photos come out when they are just being themselves.
The most important tip of course! Make sure it’s a fun environment, you don’t want your child to feel forced into this because then it’ll just make it so much more difficult. Do your best to have it be a fun activity that you all do together as a family. You can even let your kids take photos of you so they can feel even more a part of the process. And the more fun they have — the better the pictures will turn out.
Taking photos of your kids modeling can be an incredible bonding moment and also a way to discover if they have natural talent, meaning that you may discover they love being in front of the camera. If so, we at Bensimon Models & Talent are always on the lookout for new and exciting models to work with, so get in touch!
