TELL A STORY
If you are shooting multiple shots — which you should be when photographing young kids — you can create powerful story telling images by focusing on the details and transporting the viewer back to their childhood with the moment and the emotions that it evokes.
1/4000s | F2.8 | ISO 200
1/3200s | F2.8 | ISO 200
LOOK UP
We are so used to looking down at toddlers — looking up at them helps you imagine the fun and excitement they are having as they explore new things for the very first time.
USE A FAST SHUTTER SPEED
In this shot the OM-D E-M1 Mark II was being held in the water spray and a fast shutter speed was used to stop the child as well as the water.
1/3200s | F2.8 | ISO 200
1/4000s | F2.8 | ISO 200
WATCH THE BACKGROUND
Watch the background - the subject and the moment will always be the most important elements of your photos - but a clean background goes a long way to giving your subject the most impact and creating an attention grabbing image.
1/4000s | F2.8 | ISO 200
1/4000s | F2.8 | ISO 200
ZOOM IN
To avoid busy backgrounds use a long lens and zoom in. The more you can isolate your subject, the more the energy and personality show through.
ANTICIPATE THE ACTION
Baseball for five-year-olds is always an adventure. Some enjoy the competition, others enjoy nature. The key to shooting any sport is to understand the sport and to anticipate the action. The key to shooting T-Ball is to anticipate ANYTHING!
1/1000s | F4.2 | ISO 320
1/30s | F16 | ISO 200
PAN TO CAPTURE MOTION
A slow shutter speed, some simple panning and an long lens combined with a simple background make for a fun shot of a toddler on a backyard roller coaster.
BONUS TIP
Don't be afraid of backlit situations. At mid day and early afternoon, you'll be surprised how much light even grass reflects. Expose for the shadows and have fun!
ABOUT JOE EDELMAN
Olympus Visionary Joe Edelman is an award-winning photographer and educator. He is well known for his channel on YouTube. With a career spanning more than four decades, his photographs have been published internationally in magazines like Maxim, Cosmopolitan, Get Fit, and Shape. Joe has earned a reputation as a lively and popular instructor at camera clubs, photography conferences and workshops across the country. He lives in Allentown, PA with his wife and their two four legged children.