publication date: Apr 28, 2011
|
author/source: Helen Webb
If you
consistently follow
ten super-simple rules and these ten super-simple
rules only, your
pictures – and baby – will
stand out from the crowd:
- De-clutter your shots – a camera won't filter out irrelevant detail
as your brain does. Watch out especially for washing, dirty plates or
anything behind your baby's head. Move yourself, the baby or the mess
until your shot is clutter-free.
- Take a step closer – rr crop the shot later.
Remember, there's no pavement in the Mona Lisa. As a simple rule, try to fill
two thirds of the shot with your subject.
- Bin most of your
pictures – to improve your
photography instantly, simply delete the bad ones! No professional will
show you everything they took.
- Know your camera – those buttons are there for a reason. Read the manual, then venture
beyond the fully automatic (usually green) setting. For each shot, take
one on fully automatic and one with the new setting, then spot the
difference.
- Personality shots – all babies smile and all smiling babies are
gorgeous. But don't forget to capture the serious, sad, cross and tired
looks - to help you remember all those quirky little mannerisms.
- Consider the light – in a photo this is as important as the
subject. Look for the direction and quality of your light source and use
natural light (not flash) whenever possible.
- Landscape or portrait – don't be afraid to turn the camera around
into the upright (portrait) position. It's surprisingly good for ...
portraits.
- Experiment – take shots from different angles (above,
below, at a level), at different times of day and on different settings.
Try to remember or record what you did when, so you can repeat the shots
you like.
- Have a laugh – relax and your baby will too. Say something
stupid or unexpected. Blow a raspberry. Encourage silly behaviour. Smile a
lot - it's infectious.
- Print or upload your photos – is your computer a photo graveyard? Share your best shots with family
and friends by uploading or printing your pictures. There are many great photo sharing
sites but remember that some people still love the sort that go in a
frame on top of the TV.
Published by Vero Press,
Shoot the Baby: Great Baby Photos and How to Take Them 
is availalbe from Amazon.
For more photographic tips visit www.shootthebaby.co.uk
