I am a little behind on tip Tuesday, but thought I would post this anyway.  I have recently been asked questions about how to take better photos for those who are starting to learn on their DSLRs.  Here are a few tips to get you started.

1. Get down to their level and get close

Often, when you first go out and take pictures of your children, you start by standing and watching them play, and photographing them doing what they do best.  This is a great start, but if you try getting down to their level, you will have a better perspective on their world. Lay down on the grass.  Sit with your child. Then practice getting close.  Sometimes, the best photos are a close up of a face… or a hand, or foot.  I love photos of faces with the focus on the eyelashes… play around and see what you like.

2. Think about the rule of thirds

Often, the best composition for a photograph is not one that is centered.  Try dividing the photo into thirds, both horizontally and vertically (think of it like a grid), and then trying to have your child on a third.  Even if you want to center your child horizontally, you can always make sure your child’s eyes are in the top third.  This still presents a pleasing composition.

3. Be aware of the light

Watch for harsh sunlight (this often will blow the details out of an outfit, or your child’s skin), or dappled light (spots of light that cover the subject).  The best light for photographs is either a cloudy, overcast day, early in the morning or late at night, or  open shade on a sunny day.  Look for light in your child’s eyes.  Sometimes, it helps to have your child look up slightly to get that light in their eyes.

4.  Pay attention to the background

Something that can often ruin a great photograph is a distracting or busy background.  When you are taking photos of your children, look at what is behind them.  Make sure there is not a pole or tree sticking out of their head, or some other part of their body.  If you are setting up a photo, look for a consistent background… it could be a bush, a fun wall, or a hill of grass.  Watch out for garbage cans, lots of people, or anything else unattractive or distracting.

5. Experiment with different angles

Besides getting down to your child’s level, you can also work on finding different angles.  Try getting above your child and looking straight down on them. If they are laying down, experiment with taking a photo with their feet closer to you.  Think about what you may be trying to accomplish, and then play around.

6.  Connection with the subject

This can either be a connection between you (the photographer) and your child, or a connection between the child and something else in the photograph.  I often see a lot of photos with children looking at someone else outside the frame of the photo (a parent, another child, etc.).  A more compelling picture would show interaction with you, or with a toy, a flower, or another object (just make sure it makes sense… that it tells a story).