#SnapCoast 2017: How to take better pictures of your kids
IN AN era when technology means children have never been photographed more — there are still simple things you can do to get better results.
Central Coast
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CENTRAL Coast portrait photographer Kendell Tyne has learned to expect the unexpected in her quest for that magic image that captures the essence of the person.
“People ask me for tips on landscape photography but I definitely prefer dealing with people and there’s not one shoot that you ever do the same,” Kendell said.
“It doesn’t matter what plans you arrive with they are usually out the door as soon as you start working with people — particularly children.
“With children, it’s not a shoot without a meltdown to be honest.”
Kendell Tyne, 31, has lived on the Central Coast for the 20 years, following her photography passion as a full time business.
She’s very aware of the privilege of being allowed to photograph special moments in people’s lives — weddings birthdays, families, children.
“With family photography — I do a lot of sessions in peoples houses when they have just had a baby and they are very vulnerable — it gives me goosebumps just talking about it because it's a big deal letting your guard down and being yourself for a photo shoot,” she said.
Kendall shoots with a Canon 5D mark III.
“I do love Canon — it sits well with me — it feels like an extension of my hand — really comfortable,” she said.
“I’m Canon all the way.
Taking a portrait can be challenging but Kendall says it’s important to get people to be natural.
“I let people do what they do normally and capture that rather than sitting them in a nice park and taking pretty pictures — the images would be pretty but might not have any relation to their character,” she said.
It’s good advice ahead of #SnapCoast on November 22 which is a photographic celebration of everything and everyone we love about the Central Coast.
FIVE TIPS FOR TAKING BETTER PORTRAITS
Kendell offered these tips to help you improve your photos of family and friends.
1. CUT THE CHEESE
For the love of God cut the cheese.
As soon as you say “say cheese” the kid puts on that fake smile — their eyes go small — they look like they are about to go to the dentist — it’s totally forced.
Technically they are smiling but you know you have tortured that smile out of the child.
Try and coax a natural response to a situation.
Even if it’s not the perfect smile try to imagine what the photo will represent in the future — them in their element is going to mean a lot more to you in 50 years than forcing a cheesy smile.
If you want the smile spend some time talking to them.
2. TRY TO GET DOWN TO THEIR LEVEL
From a technical standpoint if they are sitting down and you are above they can get lost in he landscape.
If you are photographing a young child sit down on the floor with them.
Consider the angle.
If they are sitting at a table playing with blocks — shoot through the blocks — its going to create a more interesting photograph.
3. KNOW YOUR EQUIPMENT
Phones are pretty amazing objects these days and you can do a lot more with than what people fully take advantage of.
Look into how the camera works on your phone — a lot of them have sports modes.
Children can be fast little buggers — so many people struggle with the blur factor.
Using the sports mode will help with that.
Learn your device — whatever it is.
You might be missing out on a lot of memories you could be capturing because kids are often at their best when they are moving.
4. FIND THE BEST LIGHT
Move around the subject and look at how the light falls because often they might have shadows on their face.
A lot of people have trouble with backlighting where the light is really behind the subject and you end up with a silhouette.
People want to photograph with the view behind them but it never works.
Also consider what is in the background — an uncluttered background might work better.
You have to balance the need for light against the setting.
5. ENJOY THE MOMENT
Don’t get so obsessed with the photo that you forget to enjoy the experience.
It’s an epidemic.
People can’t just enjoy the bride walking down the isle any more — they have to photograph it on their phone.
There’s nothing more important than enjoying the present moment and its not going to come around again.
Obviously documenting is important but enjoying it is the most important.
■ You can see Kendell Tyne’s work her website on her Facebook page and on Instagram
■ Thank you to our national partners Canon Australia and Harvey Norman Photo Centre
Do you have any stunning pictures of the Central Coast? Share them with us as a part of the photographic celebration of our region on November 22 by using the hashtag #SnapCoast
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
■ Instagram: Post your picture using the hashtag #SnapCoast and you can also tag @expressadvocatepics.
■ Facebook: Post a picture with the hashtag #SnapCoast and tag us @CCexpressadovocate, so we can find your picture (you will need to ensure you have your profile public, so we can see the images).
■ Twitter: Tweet your picture with #SnapCoast and mention @ccexpressadvoc.
■ Email: If you’re not on social media but would like to take part - send you image to editor@expressadvocate.com.au The image should be at least 1mb in size in jpeg format.