How to Take and Display the Best Photos of Your Children

Throughout your child’s lifetime you will probably take hundreds, if not thousands, of pictures. Desktops, tabletops and walls may be filled with picture frames showing off a special time in your child’s life. It can be challenging to take a photo of your child that captures their emotions and expressions and the light in their eye – all important aspects of an heirloom quality photo that shows who they are at that stage of their life. These irreplaceable shots may be easier than you imagine when you follow these simple suggestions:

•Staged photographs will take pre-planning and set up before the photo shoot. You will need to decide on the best location for the photo session and determine the available lighting. Be sure you choose a location that will provide a simple, eye pleasing background for your photo. If possible, have your equipment set up before the child arrives. To keep the photos moving smoothly without any interruptions be sure you are using a fresh battery and have an extra charged battery just in case.

•Natural lighting is usually the best option, so whenever possible go natural. Early morning, late evening and overcast days are the favored times for the best natural lighting. Avoid taking photos between 10am and 2pm because that is when the sun is directly overhead, which can cause shadows on your child’s face. If you are shooting in bright sunlight, keep the sun to one side and behind you.

•Select a camera with a zoom lens. Capturing great shots of your child playing, running and interacting with others is easier to do if you have a zoom lens. You can get a close up of the fun without being a distraction or having to run to catch up to your active child.

•When you want a staged photo of your child, keep the photo session happy. This is a time to act silly and make funny faces to put your child at ease. If your child is shy in front of the camera, the more at ease and less pressured they feel the better chance you have of capturing a truly memorable shot. A shutter cable release cord and a tripod will allow you to step away from the camera to direct your child’s glance, using your playful antics to keep their attention.

Display Your Child’s Photographs

When you have captured the best possible shots of your children, you will want to display them as artistically and creatively as possible. Many parents create a memory wall of photos of their children at different ages. When you choose the very best photos and select very nice picture frames you are on your way to sharing special memories. There are a number of options for displaying these special photos. You can frame individual pictures using a single mat or a double mat and hang the picture on the wall. Or, you can frame several photos in a themed collage picture frame capturing different stages in your child’s life, like a school year picture for each grade - kindergarten to senior year in high school.

Memories of your child only grow more precious as your once young child grows into an adult. You can capture and preserve those childhood memories through your staged photos and special candid shots. It is a wise idea to protect each picture in an archival picture frame that will keep those memories alive and in tip-top shape for generations.