Family Photographer: Pre-School Age Children
Photographing small (pre- school age) children is a challenge and a joy in itself. I have done a fair bit over the years – in my own family, and paid shoots for toddler groups and families. I am very much aware that there are steps that any photographer can take which will immediately improve their work with children – here are a few – all to do with height, really.
My own shots shown here are either from my own family (three generations!) or from one shoot for a Playgroup some 13 years ago. Other images have been garnered from Pexels for illustration.
Nikon D700 Nikkor 24-70 2.8 @70mm and 2.8
The single most helpful thing you can do when photographing children is to get low
The single most helpful thing you can do when photographing children is to get low. For some reason this is easier to do with your children than with your grand or great-grandchildren! Whatever their age, and yours, a low angle of view will enhance a large proportion of your photos of children.
In the shot of me at left, I was about 3 going on 4. Taken on Clapham Common. Dad has his new Russian Cosmic 35 camera, and I think he has read a book which has urged him to get down low. Although he has unfortunately clipped my wheels, the result is a great shot, which brings me huge pleasure as I remember my earliest days in South London.
Camera details unknown
Camera details unknown
Nikon D750 50mm 1.8
In these three images, from Pexels, you can see the effect of slight changes of viewing angle on similarly themed images. The two shots of the child in the yellow coat are by Yan Krukov, and unmistakeably have an adult’s eye view of the little boy. The third, by Vladislav Vasnetsov clearly drops us into the same level as the child on the bike.
Canon EOS 5D Mark III 50mm f2.0
Canon EOS 5D Mark III 50mm f2.0
Motorola phone G (4)
Again, the first shot is a very typical photo of a small child on a bike by Tatiana Syrikova. The child is viewed from adult height. But see how different her second shot is – she drops down, and we are with the little girl, getting absorbed into her world as we look at the photo.
The third picture, by Swapnil Shrma, is a stunning example of an atmospheric shot at dusk with an older child, still using the low viewpoint. All on the phone!
Here is a personal favourite in terms of low viewpoint shots of children. The way the too-big helmet is flopping over the eyes is only really seen by being down at his level. The sheer glee might also be missed from higher up. I dread to think what he will do with a driver’s licence!
Nikon D700 Nikkor 24-70mm @ 38mm f2.8
Here are three of my daughter, shot on film, at Hampton Court. I include them, not because they are especially great technically, but because they show how a low viewpoint helps you to enter the child’s world. Picking annoying gravel out of our sandals, using the potty, or being fascinated by the contents of litter bins – this is the real stuff of childhood. Get low – and watch what they do!
Pentax ME Super – Pentax 50mm f2 and a rather poor zoom lens whose details I forget!
A slide show of one toddler group shoot. Notice that smiles are not essential! Capturing children at play is capturing them in their work – do people smile all day in the office?! Images of concentration, experimentation, learning, even of frustration – these are the reality of childhood. Of course, there is also frank curiosity at the camera – what are you doing in my world?
All shots Nikon D700, 24-70 f2.8 lens
An exaggeratedly low viewpoint makes an adult of my two year old granddaughter – her innate seriousness and business-like qualities shine through.
Nikon D700 Nikkor 50mm 1.4G
Get down – and focus on the nearer eye – in the case of this young firefighter, the only eye visible.
Nikon D700 Nikkor 24-70 2.8 @70mm and 2.8
Please note: I am not saying that ALL images of children need to be taken from down low! From the same Playgroup shoot referenced earlier, here are two favourites: the little boy, somehow fiercely protective of his baby sister; the other caught in a moment of thought in one of those typical, childish “I can sit any way that I like” poses.
Both shots Nikon D700 with 24-70 f2.8
Nikon D700 Nikkor 50mm 1.4 f2.2
I offer family photography – I can take natural photos of your children at play, capturing the way they really are. But I can also help you take better photos yourself. A combined photo session and lesson is a possible – I take photos, but also help you to take photos. After all, no family has (or wants!) a professional photographer hanging around the whole time – it is you, the parents, who have the real opportunities to take memorable pictures of your children growing up.
Why not contact me either for photos – or for a photo lesson!
