Get Better Photos of Your Children While Social Distancing
Two weeks ago I did not even know the term 'social distancing' existed and here we are, living it for the next, quite a few, weeks to come. This new routine dictated by isolation is hard and honestly a part of me is still in a strong opposition to what is happening but then the other part tells me to take a deep breath and make the best of it. So yesterday I took my daughter out with her bike into the vineyards outside the house (walks outside are still allowed here as long as you are able to keep the distance) and I took my camera. For this moment I totally forgot about the virus and I just enjoyed photographing her.
After getting back home I got this idea of writing the post that would help other mums to take better photos of their kids and maybe, through this little challenge, forget for a bit about what is happening around. Please note that it is not, and not supposed to be, a comprehensive technical guide, but just few pointers you can have in mind during a single trip outside.
Few Words About Styling
Before each professional session with my clients I talk a lot about the styling. The clothes, their colour and type, are important because they have an impact on the final visual result. And it does not matter if that is a professional session or just few family clicks with your camera - the principle is the same. Saying that, if it comes to a quick walk we are talking about, it is really about few tweaks in choices without overthinking the whole thing. In my case I only asked my daughter to change a jumper as she chose herself a madly-neon-pink one and that would not go too well in what I had in mind.
Try a Different Angle
In most cases we photograph our children from the same straight on angle with the face directed towards the camera but we can do so much more! We should move around, it is good for our health and it is good for our pictures! We can squat and get this lower angle, we can use a hill or our tip-toes to get the shot from above. You might look a little bit crazy but who cares?
Move Away from the Center
You can find many articles on the internet about the composition and the rule of thirds is probably the most known one. It is a type of composition in which an image is divided evenly into thirds, both horizontally and vertically, and the subject of the image is placed at the intersection of those dividing lines, or along one of the lines itself. It is easy, right? And you can do it anywhere outside or indoors.
Take On The Composition Challenge
If you are ready for a bigger challenge (ha, I already sound like a teacher after just one week of homeschooling!) try a different type of composition. Read (lots of sources on the internet) about the leading lines, shooting through, framing or even about the triangles. Choose one or two favourites (more will be too overwhelming) and make it your assignment. You can see a few examples (not too great ones but who is perfect) from my walk below.
Look For a Connection
In my photography with clients the connection is what I value the most (well, right next to the light) so it would be not fair not to mention it. It can be as simple as a direct connection with you as a photographer or connection between your children. For the latter you can come up with some games like dancing, piggyback riding or holding hands while jumping (provided you have more than just one kid with you). As for us, well, we had a dog along!
Practice That Light
I did not mention that earlier but I am sure you already know that in photography the quality of light matters. And it it a way easier to capture beautiful pictures if the light is soft and directional than hard and from the top. This is precisely the reason why most photographers prefer to shoot outside in the afternoon or early in the morning. If you are lucky to be out and get this beautiful light try to observe how it works on your subject and how it affects your shot. And hey, you can do the same if you are at home using the light coming through your windows.
Details Are Big
Last but not least, get close and capture those details. It is much easier to do it photographing at home but you might have few chances outside too!
MY FINAL NOTES:
These photos were taken by Canon EOS RP (so not my professional camera) with a 35mm lens and you can get the same result with any DSLR
If you are using a phone camera, try to use a portrait mode for close ups to avoid distortion
I will write a similar post dedicated to home photography soon however you can easily use those tips at home too
If you have any questions or need help with those challenges feel free to contact me via social media or email, I would love to help :)
Stay healthy and sane! X