How To Photograph Kids: The Candid Guide
Everything you need to capture primo-quality, unposed photos of your children that will last generations. Written by professional photographer Ian Taylor.
Table of Contents
1. Seeing & Mindset
Why candid photography is about seeing light and moments rather than buying expensive gear.
2. Camera Basics & The 4 Magic Numbers
Demystifying aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and exposure compensation for parents.
3. Aperture & Depth of Field
How to get blurry portrait backgrounds using Aperture Priority mode.
4. Freezing Action & Sports Mode
Selecting the right shutter speed to freeze active toddlers and sports motion.
5. Focusing & The Closest Eye Rule
Mastering single-shot AF, continuous focus tracking, and burst mode for sharp eyes.
6. Exposure & RAW vs. JPG
Metering modes, exposure compensation, white balance, and when to shoot RAW.
7. Prime Lenses for Family Photos
Why prime lenses outperform zooms, and comparing 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm.
8. The Nifty 50 & Telephoto Zooms
Why the $125 50mm lens is essential, and avoiding the #1 shutter speed mistake.
9. Finding & Using Open Shade
Locating soft natural lighting outdoors and getting lively catchlights in the eyes.
10. Light Tunnels, Overcast & Backlight
Working in doorway archways, high overcast skies, window light, and backlit mist.
11. Composition & Eye-Level Framing
Why sitting flat on the ground changes child portraits, plus varying distances.
12. Details, Backgrounds & Wide Angles
Documenting small details, background compression, and wide-angle environmental context.
13. Locations: Beach, Parks & Urban
Lighting strategies for sandy beaches, green park spaces, and city architecture.
14. Working With Kids (No Cheese!)
Why you should never say cheese, removing yourself, and wardrobe choices.
15. Activities, Groups & File Archiving
Shooting jumps, swings, running pets, stopping down for groups, and file naming.