GREEN LAKES STATE PARK (FAYETTEVILLE, NY) FAMILY PHOTOS
While older siblings are typically much easier to "pose", prepare to be on the move capturing toddlers! Photographing toddlers means fast, often unpredictable movement. I recently had the opportunity to put my skills to the test with the beautiful Huther Family. We held our family / lifestyle photo shoot at Green Lakes State Park in Fayetteville, NY on a sunny October afternoon. Here's a couple pointers I would share to novice photographers wanting to take better photos of their own kids.
1. Use a fast shutter speed. You'll want to shoot in manual mode to make sure you capture their fast action. Or Shutter Priority mode works until you get more comfortable with your camera.
2. Temper your expectations. Arrive at the shoot with an ability to "just roll with it". Toddlers are often unpredictable and very often, the photo shoot is on THEIR terms! But that's what makes them fun. Your job is to capture this part of their personality. That's why they are one of my favorite subjects! While you want to deliver "posed" shots with everyone looking at the camera, know that those shots will take more work on your part, and likely require you to be in a continuous shooting mode on your camera.
3. Eyes on YOU. I often see parents and siblings trying to tell a toddler to "look at the camera" during a shoot. I say, tell the parents to focus on looking at you, because when the split second comes that kids are looking at the camera, you don't want parents looking down at them!
1. Use a fast shutter speed. You'll want to shoot in manual mode to make sure you capture their fast action. Or Shutter Priority mode works until you get more comfortable with your camera.
2. Temper your expectations. Arrive at the shoot with an ability to "just roll with it". Toddlers are often unpredictable and very often, the photo shoot is on THEIR terms! But that's what makes them fun. Your job is to capture this part of their personality. That's why they are one of my favorite subjects! While you want to deliver "posed" shots with everyone looking at the camera, know that those shots will take more work on your part, and likely require you to be in a continuous shooting mode on your camera.
3. Eyes on YOU. I often see parents and siblings trying to tell a toddler to "look at the camera" during a shoot. I say, tell the parents to focus on looking at you, because when the split second comes that kids are looking at the camera, you don't want parents looking down at them!
Be ready for the split second the toddlers are actually looking AT the camera!
4. Know your camera! Learning to get our of Auto mode takes time and patience! And oftentimes, years to get your desired results. Stay committed to improving. Manual mode gives you the most control and will ultimately lead to the photos you want to capture.
5. When in doubt, hire a professional. If you are in a crunch time for quality photos, seek help if you want them to look professional. Hire a qualified local photographer to capture your vision, such as Katie Becker Photography.
Hard to deny how CUTE toddlers are! I had SUCH a fun time with this photo shoot. Such a WONDERFUL family with such big hearts. It was an HONOR to capture them!
Don't focus so intently on "posed photographs" that you miss out on capturing the heartbeat of a toddler's character and personality! Parents will treasure these shots.
Katie Becker Photography is a Cazenovia, NY based family and lifestyle photographer serving Manlius, Chittenango, Fayetteville, Morrisville, and surrounding areas throughout Central New York. To schedule a session, please visit KatieBeckerPhotography.com.
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