Taking Candid Pictures of Your Children

As parents of singles, multiples, or a combination of these, we all have struggled with taking photos.  I've asked Shuva Rahim to share some of her tips for getting the best results.  I would be better off just calling Shuva than trying to tackle photos myself!  Enjoy!  ~Jenny

Guest Post by Lifestyle Photographer Shuva Rahim:

Taking Candid Pictures of Your Children

What makes your children so special? Well, they’re yours of course. Isn’t that reason enough? Absolutely! So when it comes to really capturing your children in their natural element, (and by that I mean, no posing and no fake smiles) - there are some key things you can do to capture their true essence.

1.      Go down to their level. Children are always looking up. But meeting them at eye level will allow you to see the world from their perspective through a lens. And wow! What a world it is!

 © Shuva Rahim, Accent Photographics

2.      This is a big one... Ready? Have genuine conversations with your children when behind the camera. Translation: DON’T DON’T DON’T tell them to “SMILE.” Seriously, if you’re going for candid, natural, and un-posed this is the worst possible thing you can tell your child. The more your children hears the parent say “Smile” in front of the camera, the result will be year after year after year of fake, forced smiles which makes you wonder if they were in front of a photographer or a dentist. Instead, ask about what they did at school, play silly games with them, ask them to make up a funny food recipe or tell them to sing you a song. All these conversational pieces will gradually allow them to open up and reveal their personalities. And that’s exactly your photos will reflect.

 © Shuva Rahim, Accent Photographics

3.      Capture your child when least expected. Oftentimes we get the camera out only when children are very young or celebrating important milestones, such as a birthday or holiday. But moments of solitude can be equally as compelling. Take a photo of your child sleeping, reading a book, or looking out the window. These small innocent moments may not seem as interesting, but they represent your children’s sense of wonder and growing curiosity.

                           

                © Shuva Rahim, Accent Photographics

 Shuva Rahim is a nationally published, on-location photographer specializing in children, families, couples and business portraits in the Quad Cities and Iowa City. Her most recent posts about her art and life can be viewed at www.shuvarahim.com.  She is the owner of Accent Photographics – www.accentphotographics.com.