8 Ways to Take Better Photos of your Children

1. Don't let them say "CHEESE" ever. I'm not even kidding, get this word out of your life (except when you're making sandwiches on whole wheat to serve with tomato soup and maybe some goldfish). I have no idea who thought this was a good word for kids to say, or why, but don't ever use it... Silly words work great, I'm a fan of 'pickles', I know, who'd of thunk? but it's other, and it makes them stop thinking about trying to smile... A friend of mine used 'fuzzy pickles' but that's a little disturbing to me, makes me think they're moldy! We all have silly sayings and inside jokes in our families that work fabulously, you can even say the same thing every time (although I think it's better to change), make something up, take something from Dr. Seuss, a line from a movie, Shel Silverstein...

2. Get closer. Those beautiful faces, those gorgeous eyes, they should fill the frame once in a while, more often than not even... My favorite photos of both my daughter, and my dog, are ones where there is no background at all, just those sweet faces...

3. Let them be themselves. When my daughter was really little she had these great froggy boots, and she never wanted to take them off, not even for the bath! We'd dress her in these darling little outfits, and she'd go get the crazy boots. It's who she was. I, as an artist, embraced that, and have such fun images of her in that stage. Often, as parents, we think they should be dressed a certain way, or look or act a certain way, but let them be themselves and your portraits will shine.

4. Let them play. Don't make it all hard work. I know sometimes we want a perfect photo to send to grandparents, or for a special occasion, but often, if you let them play and be silly, dance around, dress up, twirl, play with a hula hoop, you get the photos you want during, or after the silliness... Last summer I had a few of the neighborhood kids in my yard, I took photos of them squirting me with those super-soaker water guns while I was behind my storm door (yes, there is value to being slow to change your storm doors!). The photos are such fun, and the expressions on the kids are amazing...

5. which continues into... Let them make faces. I don't think I've ever met a child who can make lots of different goofy faces and not burst into peals of laughter at some point. So you get the great smile, and all of those fun silly faces to create a super panel picture out of, or cards to send to cheer a friend or relative up...

6. Use natural light. Indoors use the window or doorway, outdoors get into the shade, you'll get more natural photos if you use more natural lighting...

7. Don't just take one photo. They're kids, they move, they blink, they are quick... take a few images if you want to be sure you've got it... That's probably one of the greatest features of this digital age, you can capture a bunch of pictures, and just print the one you love, how great is that?

8. Surprise them. The element of surprise is the most important tool in my arsenal. Children don't expect adults to talk in funny voices, burst into a silly song, wear washed up horseshoe crab shells on their head, stick shells on their nose or wear just about anything as a hat... It's so easy to catch them by surprise, imagine if dad took off his shoe and put it on his ear, or mom started dancing a jig (yes, this is while they're young, and most likely in the privacy of your backyard, but imagine the possibilities...). They're only young once, keep all of those precious memories safe.

Sarah J. Thornington, photographer of life at The Studio by the Sea on Cape Cod

visit our website at: http://www.thestudiobythesea.com

Better Photo Tips - Fear Factor

By far the single biggest issue that keeps photographers from making a living at what they enjoy is a four letter word called fear. The words fear and self doubt go hand in hand. They feed on each other and support each other as negative traits.    Now, if your self doubt comes from the quality of your work, the solution is fairly simple. Learn more and practice, practice, practice.  If; on the other hand, the fear that keeps you from moving forward is people, that's a little more complicated.

Someone once said, "All fear is based on anticipation". The thing you need to ask yourself, is what you are anticipating true? Can you prove it? Let's take photography for example. What are some of the fears, or negative thoughts that keep you from selling your photos? They wouldn't like my work. They might say no. They won't like me. They probably already have plenty of pictures.

A) They won't like my work. Basic fact; no one can like or dislike something they have never seen. Let's say you shot pictures at a school play. After the play you see one of the actresses that you have a lot of pictures of. You see her being congratulated by her parents. Now is the time, give them a chance. Notice, I didn't say give yourself a chance. This isn't about you; give the parents and the subject a chance to see your work.

B) They might say no. Ok, I'll admit it is possible. It's also possible I could fall out of bed and break my arm tomorrow; does that mean I should never go to bed again? You have just as much chance they might say yes. If the parents were there, then that probably indicates this event was important to them. If the parents didn't have a camera with them, the odds have just increased in your favor. If they did, then you KNOW they are interested in saving memories and the odds are still in your favor if you take good quality work.

C) They won't like me. As already stated above, this isn't about you. You are providing a service. If you have managed to capture expressions or scenes from a different perspective, then you are offering a gift. You provide memories of experiences both the actor and the parents may never have again.

D) They probably have plenty of photos.   Having photos is one thing, having good quality professional looking photos is something else. Even if the parents think they have enough, the subject may want more especially if they make him or her look really good. The people who put on the event may also want some publicity photos for future events. Local newspapers may or may not have had a chance to cover everything going on that night. Sales of good quality photos do NOT have to be restricted to just one buyer.

A famous writer, Annie Dillard once said, "You've got to jump off cliffs all the time and just build your wings on the way down." To me this means, take a chance, and give your self the possibility of success. You can not climb to the top, if your feet never leave the ground. It is possible to make money in photography, but first you must give yourself a chance, and second you've got to give your viewer a chance.

Having the chance to touch the hearts and share memories of a lifetime is not something to fear. Every time you offer someone the chance to purchase your work, you offer them a part of yourself. You are telling them, "I think you, or your daughter, or son is pretty special. That's why I captured this memory." If you think of your services as a gift; you are more likely to succeed, and less likely to have to face the fear factor.

Award winning writer / photographer Tedric Garrison has 30 years experience in photography. As a Graphic Art Major, he has a unique perspective on the Elements of Design and how they relate to photography. His photo eBook; Finding Your Creative Edge in Photography, proves creativity CAN be taught. Tedric shares his wealth of knowledge with the world, at: Better Photo Tips.com