Every moment of childhood would be wonderful to capture on film. That isn’t how life goes of course, and the opportunities to truly capture our children are not always made available. However, taking an up close and personal look, through the eyes of your camera (the lens) can capture much more than you realize.
Often, when baby is being photographed, we stand to far away, getting clutter, and other background objects that we don’t need. They can be distracting. Instead, get close up. Even if your camera doesn’t have a zoom lens, you can still get close up to your child and capture plenty.
Those incredible eyes, that sweet baby ear or nose, those eyelashes, that little ringlet on the side, those tiny fingers and toes. All of these things are wonderfully captured in a close up. And when I say close up, I mean, close up. Not where you are simple framing baby in the view finder. That will work great too, but I mean getting right up there.
If baby has cut their first tooth, get up close. Make that mouth the entire photograph. The point is to keep the distractions minimal, and the focus on what you are trying to capture. The last thing you need, is distracting objects in the way of viewing those gorgeous baby blues.
Next week I will begin actually showing you some of the things you can try with your camera. While I will label them photo assignments, they are nothing more than an optional exercise you can try for yourself. If I mention a baby, and you want to do it with a pet – go for it. If you are trying to get this amazing photograph of a flower in your garden, again, just mimic the techniques but put what you want in the viewfinder of your camera.
More articles on photographing babies, next week. Come join us as we begin to try different techniques and see the results. Also be sure and read the photography blog for more great articles.