Children

[BEGM83]

Any pointers on how to photograph children?

My usual method is get down on their level and play with them - which is fine with my own or my friends but not so fine with colleagues or strangers!!

So any ideas for less hands on approaches to getting good candid shots (which is my prefered style over posed portraits)?

Thanks.

[naeno]

That is actually the exact advice I would give! Trying to be stiff and formal with kids just because their parents are there won't give you good, natural smiles. Get down, play, sing, jump, have fun! The parents will appreciate you relating to the kids too, trust me.

[candleman]

just have fun with them.
i often play "peekaboo" from behind the camera. (that way you dont have to touch them)
works like a charm on the under 3's

you may want to ask before tickling a strangers kid, or ask the parent what the kid responds to and use that.

i normally tell the parent not to try get the kids attention.. i want the kid looking at me.. not out of the frame at mommy.

[SusanH1970]

Here's a wonderful post from the DPS blog that was of great help to me when I first started out: How to Photograph Children

[BEGM83]

Thanks for the help guys!! Very useful (as always )

Just bumping up for the other poster who wants to know similar things