Beginner Tips for the "mamarazzi" or "paparazzi" in you: Capturing better pictures of your little one

Tip#1 Stooping to their level!

When photographing children getting down to their eye level makes your photos appear more warm and inviting.

* It can be great to change angels for a more creative approach. Zooming in and out can add a variation of compositions.

Tip #2 What that in my eye?!

Ever took photos of your child and their eyes looked red? Well red eye is normally caused by improper lighting in the room.  To reduce red eye in photos try to turn on more lights in the room. If there is no additional lighting, you may want to opt for taking your photo outdoors.

* You can also reduce red eye by not having your child look directly into the camera.

Tip #3 My flash is 2 faced!! (friend or foe?)

Well this can go either way. Most camera flashes range from about 8-10ft. So this means if you are too far from your subject your photo will appear dark. If you are too close to your subject then the flash will cause your photo to be too bright. Flash can cause harsh light and shadows on your subject. A fair neutral would be to step back from your subject and then opt for zooming in. That way the flash will be distant but you will still have the close up shot you want.

Tip #4 It’s a bird, it’s a plane, no it’s the freaking sun in my eye!

There is nothing worse  than trying to get out in  midday to do photos. Like the flash the sun will cause harsh light and have everyone in the photos eyes squinted. If you have to shoot in sunlight you should either have the sun to the back side of your subject with the sun to the side of the camera. You can also find a shaded area and turn your flash on for a fill flash.

Tip #5 Feeling a little Under the Weather is a good thing!

Cloudy days may wreck havoc on your afternoon plans but are a great opportunity for some really unique photos. The sunlight is diffused and this will help your colors look more vivid. It will also add interestingness to your photos.

* Rain can also make fun portraits with kids. Just be sure to cover your camera (you can wrap it in a plastic bag and make a whole for the lens).

Tip #6 Get out of my background!

Backgrounds can play a huge part of some photos. It is best to move distracting items out of the your portrait background. When shooting outdoors try to find an attractive area with few distractions.

* Remember to look out for items that seem to be sticking out of people's heads. Phone polls, trees, buildings etc.

Tip #7  Where You at?!

Sometimes placing a subject off center is a more pleasing approach. Think of your view finder as a tic-tac-toe board divided into thirds. Try placing your subject on one of the intersecting lines. If for some reason you cannot get a pleasing shot like this, you may be able to crop it later.

Tip #8 This is Child's Play

The best way to get unique or nontraditional photos of your child is by catching them while they are busy. This could be playing outdoors, engaging in their favorite pass times, or running around at the beach.

Tip #9 Just be yourself

So when we're about to go on an job interview or first date, what's the most common advice  parents give?.. Just be yourself and you will be fine. Why does this advice go out the window at photo time? Children have short attention spans and will not stay posed for long. The one thing that drives me bonkers during my shoots is a parent who gets frustrated  because their child will not stand there and smile. The child gets in a bad mood ( hate me for being there) and views picture taking as a dreaded task. Their smiles come across fake (because they are), if you even get one at all.

* The best tip for this is to allow your child to take some silly photos tongue out, cheek filled with air, sing, dance whatever floats their boat! Then sneak in a few pleasing shots along the way.

Tip #10 Ugh Mom not Again!

So honestly, no one in my house likes to take photos anymore. Therefore I have to venture out for new subjects every day. Seriously the best way to have more great photos is to take more photos. With digital cameras today there is no excuses. All you have to do is press delete and try again. Don't just wait for special occasions. You can't get good at something you only do a few times a year.  If you find yourself at the point I am with my camera, you will drive your kids crazy. Just consider it being a good role model for the saying: "persistence is the key to success".

Hope you enjoyed these tips and good luck with your photos. Check back regularly for more tips for better photos!