More times than not the trouble is not your camera, the pose, the composition, or the lighting (although that's public enemy #2). Public enemy #1 when it comes to photographing children is your eye level.
The world was not intended to always be viewed from 5 and 1/2 feet high; children are not flattered by that camera angle - looking down on top of their heads with their necks craned upward and their feet disproportionately small. It is much more natural and aesthetically pleasing to view your subject at his/her/their own eye level.
When you're photographing children, get down to their eye level.
It's really that simple.
When you drop the height of your body to shoot your subject(s) on his/her/their own eye level, you will be amazed at how drastically it affects the quality and attractiveness of your photograph. When the perspective changes, everything about the photograph changes. This is the single most significant change you can make to your photography of children.
More importantly, this helps you to enter their world rather than forcing them to enter into ours (which we ask of them constantly throughout their day). It helps you engage your young subjects on a personal level and in a way that communicates to them that they are important. It helps you relate to them on their level, in that moment, and you are able to better capture all of the emotion and spirit of that moment in a memorable photograph.
You know what the best part about this tip is? You can put it into practice immediately! You don't have to upgrade your camera or go to classes to improve your photography - just start with this. Get down on your knees, or for babies lie down on your tummy. However you do it, get into their world and get down to their level; you will notice instantaneous improvement in your photographs.
Try it out, and lets us know how it goes - post your ideas and success stories below!
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