Top tips for taking candid photos of children

When it comes to taking beautiful but candid shots of your kids, who better to ask for top tips than one of the amazing photographers that works on GLTC's photo shoots, Jen Balcombe. While we hire child models, they're still only very young and have quite limited attention spans so Jen needs an arsenal of tricks up her sleeve to get the very best out of them and the perfect pictures for our website and catalogues.

If you've found yourself pointing your camera at your little one and saying 'smile' one time too many only to see an unenthusiastic grimace looking back at you, here are Jen's top tips for taking candid photos of your kids.

BE SILLY

Don't be afraid to let go and be a bit silly. Kids love funny noises / saying silly things and this is guaranteed to get a natural laugh from them rather than a forced smile.

Top tips for taking candid photos of children

LET THEM BE PART OF THE PROCESS

Let your child get comfortable with the camera. You could start by asking them to take pictures of you or their siblings and friends. Let them press the buttons and make them part of the process. You never know, they might discover a new hobby.

Top tips for taking candid photos of children

IT'S OKAY NOT TO SMILE

Don't tell your child to smile. There's nothing worse than trying to force it. You don't always have to have a smile to make a beautiful photo. Capture the moments where they're concentrating on something else - drawing a picture, reading a book, playing in the garden. Those shots will be equally as lovely to look back on as the photos of them smiling.

Top tips for taking candid photos of children

ASK QUESTIONS

Rather than telling your child to pose or smile, ask them questions. 'What's over there?' or 'What can you see?' Get ready with your camera and photograph them as they explore and talk to you. Try different angles, too. Photograph them from above and down on their level.

Top tips for taking candid photos of children

REALX

Perhaps an obvious one, but relax. The more calm and comfortable you are, the more the kids will be. Don't strive for perfection: the memory of certain moments and milestones in your child's life is so much more important than a perfect image.

Top tips for taking candid photos of children

See more of Jen's work on JenniferBalcombe.com. And if you use any of the tips to take photos of your children over the summer holidays, why not tag us - @great_little_trading_co - on Instagram. You could be in with a chance of winning £100 to spend at GLTC as part of our monthly competition.


Related posts

5 Toy Storage Ideas for Small Spaces

5 Toy Storage Ideas for Small Spaces

5 Adorable Storage Ideas for Children’s Small Toys

5 Adorable Storage Ideas for Children’s Small Toys

5 Fun Summer Crafts & Art Activities for Preschoolers

5 Fun Summer Crafts & Art Activities for Preschoolers




Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


Please note, comments must be approved before they are published


BASKET