Childhood is fleeting, even though the individual days can seem long, the years are going to fly by.  While I absolutely believe that you should try to hire a professional Pittsburgh child photographer  periodically while your children grow, it’s also extremely important to remember to capture the everyday.  

No one wants to forget that little face looking up with those big brown eyes, their first steps in the sand at the beach, or the first time the training wheels come off. 




I’ve compiled a list of quick and easy tips that will take your family snapshots to a whole new level.

1. Change your perspective:  This may make the largest impact on your images, and it’s incredibly easy.  Instead just standing or bending over to take a picture of your child playing on the ground, lay down on the ground yourself or set the camera on the ground to take the picture.  You’ll be amazed at what a difference a little perspective can make.  
2. Be silly:  Somehow all children are conditioned to give you a big fake cheese smile when you point the camera towards them.  While I do still love that face and want to document one of those silly smiles, the best images are the ones in which you catch a glimpse of the real smiles or even the downright giggles.  Keep engaging your child to get past the fake smile.  Tickle, joke, ask them who has the smelliest feet in the house. 
3. It’s not all about the smiles:  While we do love a laughing happy smiling photograph, don’t discount capturing some of the 200 different emotions that may visit your household daily.  Some of my favorite images are the ones in which the child is looking intently at the camera, it’s like a window to the soul.  Don’t forget to capture that pouty face too.  While it seems like you will never forget it, once they outgrow that stage you may!
4. Flash=Evil:  If at all possible turn that on camera flash off!  In addition to washing out your children and making them appear ghostly, the on camera flash is also responsible for alien eyes.  A wonderful alternative is to photograph your child near a window.  Place yourself between them and the window with your child looking out of the window and you will find lovely light that even creates those wonderful catch lights in their eyes.

If you would like to continue to learn more about photographing your children, follow the Point and Shoot Challenge  on the Nicole Begley Photography blog.  The challenge is that all images shared in those posts and tips given are for shooting on full automatic mode with a point and shoot camera.  I love giving moms the inspiration to try new ways of documenting their family.

 

I have also created a 2 ½ hour hands-on class for anyone interested in taking their photography skills to a new level.  By the end of this class you will have the tools to start shooting in Manual mode and learn how to find the best light for any situation.  Learn more about the Take Control! class here.   The next class will be held on thursday, July 12, from 7 to 9:30pm, with new classes being added regularly.

Nicole Begley is a lifestyle photographer specializing in children, family, and newborn photography in the Greater Pittsburgh region.  Nicole specializes in creating custom home décor and fine-art albums with images of those that you cherish most.  Learn more about Nicole on her website, or follow Nicole Begley Photography on Facebook. 

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