Can you imagine a world without photos? Pictures record history and serve as a valuable keepsake from loved ones. For some people, photos are treasures—freezing memorable moments in our lives. On World Photography Day on August 19, edamama offers some tips to parents who would like to take better photos of their growing-too-fast little ones.
1. Rule of thirds
This is a rule that most photographers follow. It is a composition requirement, where your photo subject should not be at the center of the image. Most phone and digital cameras these days have a grid you can use as a guide.
In this shot, the subject is not at the center of the frame. The unequal space on the side gives a different perspective.
You may also try a full frame, where there are multiple focal points. It can be that the center of the image is nearly empty, giving visual balance to the whole portrait.
2. Change the perspective
While it is comfortable to take pictures while holding out your phone camera nearby your chest, changing the angles can vastly improve your photo.
This is the bird’s eye view, or when the subject is looking up the lens. You may also use this perspective while your kids are happily lounging on the bed. Milestone shots are best with this angle too. Find the perfect backdrop (a nice bed sheet or colorful mat) and make funny faces to elicit those heart-metling smiles. You can choose printed, non-slip mats here and add fun props like this colorful cloud.
Meanwhile, this is the worm’s eye view, where the perspective is set from below the subject. Perhaps you can put the camera on the floor (when it’s safe of course), set it upward, and set the timer. A worm’s eye view usually makes the subject appear taller or bigger. 3. Lighting is everything
We’ve said it before and we are saying it again: DIY photoshoots heavily rely on light. Take pictures where there is natural light: outdoors, by the window, well-lit rooms. While some camera filters can increase brightness, natural light is always better.
Try taking photos during the golden hour, or the hour before sunset, for dramatic silhouettes. At night, take advantage of the night mode setting in modern cameras and hold your gadget steady for a better shot.
4. Foreground and other styles to emulate
If you have a portrait setting in your mobile phone, you’d see a blurred background or foreground, depending on where you set the camera’s focus. Or use the power of reflection. Find glass windows for that dramatic angle.
You may also dwell on details, like this one baby-parent hand shot. It won’t be long before their hands are bigger than yours! So we say yes to immortalizing those cute fingers through a snapshot.
You may also use props. These birthday balloons can double as party decor and birthday shoot backdrop, and this bubble machine gun will make for a perfect toy and photoshoot add-on.
5. Properly store your memories
While the world has gone mostly digital, it still feels nice to print those photos you have captured. Have those pictures printed and store it in a dust-free box organizer. It’s also nice to have those milestone shots compiled in a book, like this Photobook Manila album. Keep your travel, Christmas, and other photos organized using the easy app.
6. Practice, practice, practice
Keep taking those photos! You can also bring your kids to “photowalks” as a bonding activity—there’s always something to shoot in a nearby park, outdoor playgrounds, etc. Raise budding photographers with MyFirst Camera, a real, made-for-toddlers digital camera. You’d be surprised at your kid’s fresh perspective.
Photography enthusiast dads and moms must also carry their gadgets properly. This compact camera case would be a wise investment.
Overall, being in the moment will help you take better photos. The late US photographer Aaron Siskind was right when he said, “Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever… It remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.”
