hrough my portrait work with families and children, I've been asked a number of times how to get great photos of kids. It can be hard! They're always moving, or they're not into it, or...who knows! Even when it's not easy, I still make sure to get fun shots that truly reflect their personality. I love working with families and getting to see how their dynamic works, what they value, and where they call home.  
 
But over and over, I hear frustrated parents say they just can't get a good shot! If you've tried and are at a loss, here are a few tips that might help:

1. Don't worry too much about posing. Candids often reflect your kid's true self anyway! It can also be hard to direct a small child, so I just let them be themselves and see where it goes. 
 
2. Get outside. If weather permits, always try to go outside! Natural light is best - just avoid harsh midday sun. 
 
3. Find your home's best spot. (When shooting indoors, try to scope out where the best light is. Chances are it's by a window - don't worry about what your background is too much, as good light and composition trump background any day. 

4. If you ARE concerned about backgrounds, simple is best. Try to avoid any cluttered area, and opt for a simple, clean background (on a bed with the headboard as the background, on the couch where the background is wall/more furniture, etc.) 
 
5. Always remember, have fun!! Try not to make "photo time" a stressful time. Make light of it, and your kids will enjoy themselves and forget the camera's on them. It shouldn't feel like a chore to them to pose for the camera.

6. Cloudy days can be your best friend. Aside from avoiding shooting in harsh midday sunlight, getting some photos of your kids on cloudy days can also help out a ton! Please, stay inside if it's raining - but a few clouds (even ALL clouds) offer soft, naturally diffused light. Give it a try! 
 
7. Work around their schedules. This may sound obvious, but trying to get photos of your kids if they're tired, hungry, or bored will probably not be very easy! If you're really trying to get some great photos, opt to photograph after a snack, after waking up from a nap, or while playing their favorite game.

Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by. For the most part, this blog is a collection of my work, ideas, inspirations and things I've learned. If you're a bride & groom: sit back, relax and soak it all in... until your fingers get pruny! If you're a photographer: I hope you can take away something insightful from what I've learned about turning my passion for photography and cinematography into a career. You can also explore more about the world of BINITA PATEL by clicking below. Until we meet... have FUN, be STYLISH.