Professional tips to make this summer's photographs for our kids perfect

When we become parents, too we become photographers, and there are countless snapshots that we get to take our children during their first years of life. Summer is the perfect time to catch laughs by the sea and outdoor games loaded with naturalness and spontaneity.

If you love to photograph your kids but you can't find the perfect photo, we share the advice that Yolanda Romano has given us, a professional photographer specialized in children's and family photography.

Tips for photographing children outdoors

The Outdoor photos are definitely the best option when it comes to children. The fact that they can play freely, expressing the naturalness that characterizes them, leads us to get really wonderful photos.

Yolanda Romano, a professional photographer specializing in children, babies, pregnant women and families, encourages us to go outside if we want to take good pictures of the kids.

"It is important to let the children" do. "Do not give them orders or directions, do not tell them where they should stand or how they should look at us. We have to let move freely, let them play, run and jump and be us who go after them looking for that perfect photo "

Yolanda does not hesitate to lie on the ground, climb trees or make impossible pirouettes in order to capture the perfect image.

"We have to be the ones who do the impossible to photograph the perfect scene. The children are children and they just have to worry about playing, completely forgetting the objective"

However, and although we are willing to chase our kids with the camera wherever they go, the photographer advises us do not choose too open spaces, especially If we are going to photograph more than one child.

"In very open spaces such as in the middle of the field or the mountain, there is a risk that each child will run in a different direction and we will not be able to capture any specific moment, apart from the risk that some child may be left unattended while we are focused on photographing each other "

"Therefore I always recommend that we carry a ball or any other toy that allows them to play freely but at the same time keep them distracted in something concrete, so that we can take advantage of their game time to take our photos "

Delimited spaces such as wooded parks or recreational areas they can be a perfect option if several children are going to be photographed. If, on the contrary, we are only going to focus on a small one, then any field or mountain environment can be perfect to capture endless details.

In summerWith the high temperatures, we have to pay special attention when taking pictures outdoors to children. The photographer advises us follow these simple recommendations:

  • The best time to take photos outdoors is from seven or eight in the afternoon.

"Before that time the heat is unbearable and both the sun and high temperatures can be a danger to children. In addition, they probably do not feel like playing and are uncomfortable, and all this will be reflected in the photographs"

  • As it gets dark and the sun goes down, Yolanda advises us raise the ISO speed and open the shutter, in order to capture more light. However, we must know that depending on the camera we have, this practice could also lead to a greater "noise".

"Although it may be that in non-professional SLR cameras that we can have at home, this never happens because the ISO speed is not very high, it is a fact that must be taken into account if we have professional or semi-professional cameras: ISO speed, more blurred the photo will look "

Tips for photographing children on the beach

But without a doubt, the photos that are never missing in a family album are those thrown on the beach.

"Personally, I love these types of photographs. The light of the sunset, the glare of the sun in the sea and the raindrops splashing the scene are truly amazing effects that will turn a simple photo into a spectacular snapshot "- says Yolanda.

For photos on the beach, the photographer advises us use the evening light and let the child play on the shore or with the sand.

"Ask the child to play with the waves on the shore or to splash and kick in the water. And don't worry if playing, you stain your face with a little sand. Those close-ups with sand in the skunk are also beautiful"

As for the wardrobe that children should wear If we want to achieve this professional effect in our photographs, Yolanda offers us several alternatives, both for the beach and for outdoor spaces:

  • If we are on the beach we can opt for the swimsuit or combine it with other accessories such as pareos, sunglasses or hats

"Letting children play with these types of accessories results in very funny and spontaneous photographs"

  • If, on the contrary, we prefer photographs in which children are dressed, Yolanda advises two types of costumes:

"For children, I especially like bermuda or linen pants slightly rolled up below the knees, combined with a shirt or shirt in soft tones. This costumes are very summery and the photos we take will be great "

"For girls, I would particularly opt for Ibiza-cut dresses. A soft, natural and white knit dress is perfect for this scenario."

In any case, let's opt for the costumes we choose, Yolanda advises us to always use pastel tones, or combine a white top with jeans, and run away from flashy prints or t-shirts with children's motifs.

"For these types of reports, the more uniform the tones are, the more harmonious the scene will be when combined with natural landscapes. If we opt for family or sibling photographs, I would definitely recommend that everyone be dressed more or less the same."

Photograph in enclosed spaces, only rarely

Choose the interior of the house or other enclosed spaces for photography to children, it is not the best option as the photographer tells us. The light is not natural, children get bored before and closed spaces do not allow them freedom of movement.

"I only recommend indoor photography in specific moments, very short sessions or in the case of very small babies "

Photographing a baby requires a great technique but we can get very nice pictures using simple resources such as hats, muslin or small accessories. In addition, if we focus on details such as morritos or feet, the result can be totally professional.

  • Photographs One, two, three ... Photo (Yolanda Romano)