The Canon Magazine 35
CAMERA SKILLS
18
Play with the
rule of thirdsA classic composition rule is to
divide a scene into thirds, and
then place your subject along one
of those imaginary lines. This can
make for more creative and
visually pleasing results. Try
looking for backgrounds that will
be interesting in thirds and then
wait for the perfect moment to
photograph when the child
passes that point. Try and work
with older children – you may be
able to tell them where you’d like
them to jump (or in this case, to
land). Point out a specific marking
on the ground to help them judge
where to jump. It’s all about
experimenting and having fun,
but remember to always
communicate with your subjects
for the best results.
19
Head outdoors
Older children can get bored if
they’re constantly being cooped up at
home for a shoot. A trip to the park can
really re-energize them and add some
variety to your shots, so getting out is a
win-win situation. Look for areas that
offer up some gentle shade for flattering
lighting, and bright foliage to add some
vibrancy to your photographs. Try to
avoid top light when outside however, as it
can be very unflattering for faces and will
create some rather harsh shadows,
potentially resulting in some squinting- this is where overcast cloudy days can
work better for portraits than bright
sunshine overhead!
20
Experiment with flash
You may like to experiment
with using flash for older children.
If a child is in their bedroom playing
computer games, for example, the
lighting may be low and difficult to
work with. Using a flash here could
be a great option, especially if your
camera doesn’t allow high ISOs.
Use a diffuser or softbox over the
flashgun to soften the lighting for a
more flattering effect.Taking your energetic subjects outside can help inject some more variety and fun into your photo
shoots with older children. Don’t be afraid to let children have fun as you snap continuously away
Classic composition
techniques are, more often
than not, classic for a reason