Continuing on with tips for photographing children and pets, we’re on to children eighteen months to two years old. He loves to pull apart clay and tear up newspapers and old books. Show the child what you want them to do, by doing it yourself. He may not play well with others at this age, so more than one in a photo is not easy (like the one you have is easy LOL).
Between the ages of two and three, she is either very shy or very social, and beginning to assert herself. Play games to make her forget about the camera. If she is shy, just ignore her and she will warm up to you eventually.
At three years old, he knows words and likes to listen to adults. He can talk and act phrases out. He also loves secrets whispered in his ear, and word games, guessing games and color games.
At four years old, she is not as agreeable, and you can’t fool her. Use bribery if needed. At five years old, he is not shy, and the best way to get a good shot is to keep up a conversation with him, and keep shooting. Six to ten year olds are beginning to feel like grown-ups. She may be a bit self-conscious, but she will talk more like an adult with you. Boys at this age may have pockets full of junk. He’ll warm up to you if you do too. Girls at this age are very aware of their looks.
When shooting groups of children or family members, keep in mind that it is okay, and in fact better, to turn the camera in a vertical position. Many beginning photographers are not aware that cameras don’t always have to be horizontal. Turn the camera so that you see the head and shoulders of your subject, and get in close.
For pictures of your pets, get down to the eye level of your cat or dog or bird. A zoom lens may be helpful, so that you can stay away far enough that they don’t feel uncomfortable. I know with my girls that they hate to have their pictures taken, and will actually move toward me to thwart any such attempts. If using flash, try to have it higher than the camera lens, so that you don’t get red-eye or that weird yellow eye with your pet photos. All the rules that apply to photographing children apply to pets, such as using noisy toys and other distractions to get them to look at the camera. And don’t forget the patience.