Making Better Photographs of Your Kids
by Stan Cox II

I've heard this more than once, "When you get to the point as an amateur photographer where you are thinking like a pro, you loose the ability to make ‘snapshots." To that I say, "GOOD!!"

I received an email from a former apprentice of mine saying she was still confused. She had apprenticed with me for over a year, and in all that time I somehow neglected to teach her a few principals that I, as a long time professional, just take for granted.

So, I must say that when it comes to teaching, it is good to be in the mind of the beginner. That way you can convey some essentials that might otherwise be missed . . . and then turn out to be critical at a time un-anticipated.

For example: At what shutter speed can you be fairly sure that motion will not be an issue in getting a sharp exposure?

You see now that this monograph really is directed to you, the advanced amateur photographer who has a digital, (or film), SLR . . . and knows what ‘SLR' stands for. (Or, if you're really ""old school"", you might even have a ‘TLR' !)

So, just for a really short, but comprehensive checklist of things to keep in mind when making photographs of your, or anyone else's kids, Here ya go.

If the kids are under 4 feet tall, and especially if they are sitting on the ground, get down to their level. I often get on my stomach with my camera to be on the level of my subjects.

Light, of course, is the very substance of photography. Artistic values are individual. In every case you must take into account the background exposure and the exposure of the subject's face. Based on the outcome you wish to achieve, you must meter both, and decide on the correct exposure to set for the image. If you are not completely sure, BRACKET. And, add light.

In my case, I'm in love with the old masters style lighting for portraits. Not that it's appropriate for everything, but that's my personal tendency. I always want to be in control of the shadows and highlights, so I bring lights.

You're best bet when photographing kids on "the fly" is, generally, to set your shutter speed to 1/500th or 1/1000th second, and adjust the aperture appropriately. 1/1000th is better, especially if you are using a zoom lens, say in the 35 to 150MM range, which is the preferred lens to use in this type of photography. Remember about the background exposure, and add light if you want or need to.

I can't say enough about ‘anticipation"". If you're the subject's parent, you probably have a pretty good idea how your child will react to what's going on and what you're doing. If you‘re not, then either imagine you are, or better yet, get on the subject's level, and establish a friendship with them. Play! Have fun! Make it a good time for everyone! You enjoying the whole process, in a positive way, transmits to the subject, and a positive connection is made.

Silly as this may seem, ""peek a boo"" works really well in most cases, with very young kids, if you're playful. Sometimes with older ‘kids' as well. Feel your intuition, and use your judgment. Main thing is, natural expressions are best. And they don't have to be looking into the camera for it to be a good portrait type photograph! A lot of times, a person caught ""off guard"" so-to-speak, involved in something, conveys the person better than a direct on shot.

As long as you can control your camera, and keep these simple pointers in mind, you will amaze yourself and your family and friends with the images you make of your kids and theirs!

About the author: Stan P. Cox II runs a Portrait and Commercial photography studio in Honolulu, Hawaii, and has been a professional Hawaii photographer for 31 years. His web address is: http://www.ParamountPhotography.com. Stan Cox II may be contacted at http://www.paramountphotography.com