Ask the Expert

Photography Tips from Fairfield Photography

Erin Kelley-Gediischk is the nouvelle mama resident photographer. She gave a talk at a Mixer that included ten tips on improving your photo-taking skills. Here is the series of 6 tips that she supplied for the nouvelle mama newsletter through 2008.

Tip Number 1: look before you click.

"Think about what the background says about the photo. Do the surroundings distract or add to the photo? Sometimes taking a step to the left or right can eliminate busy backgrounds that can draw attention away from your family member's face. Another option is to move closer to your subject to reduce diversions.

Tip Number 2: Look for the little details
Sandy beach toes. Scuffed knees. Pursed lips making a choo-choo sound. Your toddler's pudgy fingers carefully placing a scoop of ice-cream onto a cone.
The details often tell a more interesting story than the whole picture.
Getting close - really close - and capturing the little details tells the real-life story about your child.
*Tech tip: Use the macro option on your camera for detail shots

Tip Number 3: Get Down

Get down on the floor for a fresh perspective. From here you will see the world through your baby's eyes and capture what their world is all about.
As adults we are used to looking at the world at eye-level. To create an image that is more catching to the eye, move your camera higher or lower than usual.

Tip Number 4: Remember both life's ups and downs
Tears and tantrums are a part of life.
A photo album filled with your smiling, perfect angel will reflect only a small fraction of reality with children.
Pouty lips, stubborn stances or a comforting cuddle make photos that reflect the real life with kids.

Tip Number 5: Watch for the unscripted moments

We've all tried it. We dress our kids in that adorable outfit with far too many teeny buttons. We comb their hair just perfect.

Then once we've corralled the family, one child bolts, another has a meltdown and your husband suddenly has to send an e-mail.

While group and posed portraits mark the changes in your family, don't forget about capturing the family doing what they love to do. Candid photos tell your family's true story.

 

 

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