1. HAVE PATIENCE
When photographing kids, they can sometimes be shy at first or play coy. Even children who know you well may decide they don’t want their picture taken, but with a bit of patience, they’ll usually come round and you’ll get a lovely shot.
2. BE READY
Be ready for anything with kids. Expect the unexpected, and be ready to capture it the moment it happens. Learn to anticipate what might occur and where you’ll need to be positioned to catch it. Have the right lens ready and make sure your settings are dialled in, staying prepared technically as well as being quick on your feet if something unexpected happens.
3. USE NATURAL LIGHT AND FLASH
“When should I use flash?” is a common question:
- If there isn’t enough light, add flash.
- If the light isn’t “good” quality.
4.CHOOSE YOUR FOCUS MODE
Capturing subjects on the move, of any kind, takes the right camera settings, along with practice and a fair bit of trial and error. Most cameras offer different focus modes, so check your manual to find out more, and select the one for continuous or tracking focus. This means the camera won’t lock focus the moment you press the shutter button halfway. Instead, it “tracks” moving subjects as they move closer or further away. Hold the shutter button down and the camera keeps hunting for focus, and if the subject is moving towards you, some cameras will even anticipate their speed and focus slightly ahead of them, so that when you fully press the shutter, your shot comes out sharp.