Садржај
We don’t move anymore!
The secret to the portraits of the pros is the foot on which they fix the camera to be sure not to move. If you don’t have a foot, find a support, then lock your arms and hands, and hold your breath when you press the button.
Cadrez
It is the framing that will enhance your child. To achieve a close-up, keep a distance of about two meters: the face must fill the image without being transformed or puffy.
Хидрат
Against sores, dryness or redness of the skin, here is the pro tip: apply a moisturizer and wait until the skin has absorbed it well before shooting.
A sa hauteur
The position of the photographer is very important: get down to his height, on your knees, on all fours or lying down to photograph him face down because if you remain standing, you risk ‘crushing’ him. If, on the other hand, you bend down to try a low angle shot, your child will appear taller but his face may be in the shade.
Questions of light
Where does the light come from? Are there enough? Does your baby have the sun in his eye? Ask yourself these questions before you press the shutter button. In general, in summer, take your photos in the morning and evening to obtain a softer light: at noon, the sun “burns out” everything and produces hard shadows when it is at its zenith. If there is a lot of sun in the background, place your baby in the shade instead. Tip number 1: never direct light on the face, which would make him blink and bar his features with big shadows. The ideal? A side light which gives more volume to the photographed subject.
Good use of flash
This precious ally is not only useful indoors. For example, it can replace a white panel to reduce the shadow / light contrasts on your little one’s face and at the beach, avoid the shade of the wide-brimmed hat. It allows, both outside and inside, to rebalance the backlight. Finally, if there is water in the area, it compensates for reflections and reverberation.
The advice of Laurent Alvarez, photographer for Parents magazine: “As far as possible, work at high speed, because children move a lot. Do not hesitate to use the flash, which, even in broad daylight, can give very good results. Finally, the most important thing is to photograph them as you like them! “
Against red eyes
Yes, flash is good, but beware of unpleasant surprises in the draw! The best prevention against red eyes: stick a piece of tape on the flash to reduce its intensity. Also be careful not to have a mirror in your field of vision.
Lighten up the decor
Eliminate cumbersome details, prefer a plain background and favor contrasts: a dark background will bring out the fair complexion of your child and dressed in light clothes, it will emerge better in his daddy’s arms. In terms of colors, try to avoid the parrot effect, and at the limit, play with opposing colors that go well together (light pink / dark green, chick yellow / sky blue) or complementary colors (yellow / purple, orange / turquoise). One exception: do not photograph him dressed in green! It absorbs light and gives a bad look.
Pick the right time
The best advice will not help if your baby is in a bad mood, so find out when he is relaxed, when he feels good, etc. To encourage them to look at the lens, pair up: the other person stands right behind you and waves a rattle, smiling at the child and calling him. If you’re alone, shift your face away from the camera and try a face! Effective with a newborn: tickle his hands or chin.
The advice of Marc Plantec, photographer at the magazine: “I attract the attention of children physically. I do unusual things, for example I suddenly turn into a monkey. What matters is the element of surprise. So to make the children look surprised, I often take pictures while jumping like a monkey! “
Patience and speed
Take the time to move discreetly around your child to find the best viewing angle. At this point, you have to be quick to favor the most natural “live” photo. To get your little one’s attention just before taking the picture, trigger the empty flash so that he looks towards you.
Advice from Govin-Sorel, photographer for Parents magazine: “The main thing with children is spontaneity. You should never force them. The child always remains master of the game: to succeed in your photos, you need two qualities, patience and speed. And if the little one doesn’t want to, no chance! “