Every parent wants to capture those special moments throughout their child’s life. From their first steps to the first day of school, to playtime and sports; parents always have their cameras ready to catch a perfect moment. However, with children, capturing an action photo can be easier said than done, in most cases. If you use flash often, it may take more time to photograph your child if they squint or grimace as soon as they see the light. Whether you are a new photographer or have plenty of experience, here are some tips for photographing your child without flash.
Why you should photograph without flash
Sometimes kids will just have too much energy and move before you can take a photo, especially if they are in sports. For sports with constant movement such as swimming, gymnastics, and running; it can be very difficult to get a good shot of your child. For fast-paced sports especially, you should avoid using flash. Not only because it distracts the child while they are competing, but also because the flash could reflect off of the uniform. Take competitive leotards for example. If there is shiny print on the design, then you could end up with a photo of a kid with a bright, shiny blotch on their front as they perform a cartwheel. If you take a photo without a flash, then you can capture a good photo of your child in their leotard or other sports uniform.
How to take photographs without flash
Use natural lighting instead of fluorescent lighting as a method to avoid using the flash option when taking photos of your child. If you take a photo outside, try to take it either fully in the shade or in the sun. If you take a photo outside with mixed lighting, it can turn out harsh and be distracting from the child in the picture.
If you are indoors, try to take a picture in a room with large windows for natural light instead of fluorescent. You can still add light to the room; just try to make it appear natural instead of fake for your best photo. If you still want to use a flash while taking the photo, consider modifying the pop-up. You can buy a pop-up that disperses light rather than flashes it into the person’s eyes or at them.
Now get out there and try a couple of different photos with your child. When it comes to photography, it’s all about playing with different angles, poses, and of course lighting.
