5 tips for photographing children in flowers
It’s that time of year that everywhere I look, signs of spring are starting to emerge. Snowdrops give way to daffodils, which give way to bluebells, which give way to tulips and wildflower.
I am always on the lookout when the next flower comes into bloom, as not only do the make for beautiful pictures on their own, but they can provide stunning backdrops for spring portraits for little ones. Everything has the potential to provide a beautiful setting, even cow parsley!
So, here are my tips for photographing children in flowers.
BE CAREFUL
Number 1 is to please be careful. While it is very tempting to head straight into a field of bluebells when you see them, please don’t. These delicate flowers are very sensitive and will struggle to grow back if their leaves are damaged. It can take years to recover from the damaged caused by a single footstep.
So, whatever the flower, please ensure that you keep to paths, bare spots and always watch where you step. Which brings me on to tip number 2:
GET DOWN LOW
This is my number one tip when photographing children and that is to get down low. As a minimum get down to their eye level, but if you are shooting small flowers such as bluebells or snowdrops, don’t be afraid to get down even lower.
Angle your camera upwards through small blooms to create a beautiful frame. Keeping low and shooting through blooms also allows you to create the illusion of standing in an abundance of flowers, whereas in reality your little ones are stood on a path or in a lovely patch which is free of flowers.
If there is space to do so without damaging any blooms, why not let them explore? Sitting in the middle of a crop of flowers can give your images a beautiful frame. For example, the gap that The Bear is sat in below is 2ft wide circle, but you wouldn’t think it.
And this picture of all my Bears looks like they are standing in a massive cluster of snowdrops, whereas in reality they are on a lovely wide path in between two large patches of flowers. It’s all about perspective which can create a lovely illusion.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO SHOOT THROUGH FLOWERS
Only have a few flowers? Then don’t worry as it’s amazing what you can achieve with a little creativity. With a little clever positioning, you can get a real floral feel without the use of an entire field.
I find that the technique of looking down from above through flowers or blossom works really well.
THINK ABOUT WHAT THEY’RE WEARING
I don’t mean dressing children in their Sunday best every time, but it is worth considering what they are wearing when planning a family shoot. Comfort is key – as comfortable children make for the best subjects – but also consider colour too. For example, if you are photographing in a sea of yellow daffodils, it is best to avoid a yellow summer dress.
It is also best to avoid branded clothes and anything with a slogan or writing. Simple and plain is best for a classic look and to stop clothes distracting from the subject.
TAKE A LOT OF PICTURES
Finally, take plenty of pictures. You will very rarely be able to get a perfect picture at first click so just get shooting. Encourage them to smile, cuddle, make them laugh, point at things around them, sit down, jump, let them play and have fun with it.
In fact, if there is space then why not let them run?
You’ll find that after a few minutes, they start to relax and have a little bit of fun with it themselves if you give them a little freedom to play. Sometimes the best pictures come from moments you wouldn’t expect and come from simply playing rather than posing and looking at the camera. Just take your time and have fun. It makes it more enjoyable for everyone.
The best thing about digital photography is the number of images you can take. You can always delete any duplicates or any you simply don’t like in your editing process.
I could go on and on and talk about this all day but follow these 5 simple beginner tips and you can take your family pictures to the next level and capture some beautiful memories to treasure for years to come.
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