7 Tips for Taking Pictures of Babies and Toddlers

I usually advise parents that is it is safe to go camping with their young offspring. Babies and toddlers do well outside and they really enjoy the experience. As a mother, I know I would like to capture every happy moment on a picture, but it is not so easy to take a great photo of a run-away object (like your toddler) or a tiny little baby.

Here are some tips from professional photographers:

1. Get on their level.

Do not try to capture that special moment standing right above them. Get lower and capture their expression from the same level.

2. Stop the toddlers from escaping.

Sometimes it is necessary to corner them in a place, where they can’t escape, like a spot between your tent and a picnic table, or a corner of a screen-house.

3. Shout their name

If they are on the run already shout their name and wait till they turn around. Note: this will only work once so you need to act quickly.

4. Capture the moment when they are busy.

Toddlers are busybodies and you can take great photos when they are engaged in their own activity, like playing in the mud or catching frogs.

5. Photographing babies is a totally different story. They are so tiny that it may be hard to get to their level. If they show face expressions like laughter or tears, capture those. Not all pictures have to have smiling faces on them. Kids cry a lot so capture that. It makes for some of the best shots.

6. As to photographing newborns, it is hard, since they do not show a lot of emotion. Try zooming in baby parts like tiny hands and feet. Show how tiny their faces and hands are in comparison to the adult size by photographing them together with their parents for a great contrast.

7. Pregnancy shots.

If you and your partner are expecting a child then it is time for a pregnancy photo session. As I am expecting a baby myself, I learned that nature is the best background for this type of photography. Positioning the belly against the background of blue water or greenery adds a special touch. It brings things into perspective-aren’t we just a part of nature?

Try it yourself.