Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.- Pablo Picasso
Last October I was fortunate to shoot with my friend Brad for his child's school fund raising. This time the subject was kids!
I was a bit apprehensive at first, since I haven't taken photos of kids professionally before, just for friends and family, but I was excited at the prospect of this new aspect of photography that will open up to me. So I did as much research as I could regarding my subject and absorbed photos, tips and inspiration before the shoot. One can say that fear can only be tempered by understanding.
It was a two day shoot, an hour for each family at Riverside park in New York on a chilly October morning, and slowly they came... one by one, shy and leery at you at first. I was like, ok how do I get them to like me? I did not know what to do. I had to adapt fast and the best way is to be like them, to see the world through their eyes.
I had to be six again and still keep my wits about me, and you know what, it worked. In a couple of minutes we were running along the park, laughing and tossing leaves at each other. It was fun and they were full of energy and joy. I did not have to pose them, I just let them play, and I acting as a photojournalist just sat back and captured the moment. Here are some of the pics that day.
Enjoy!
Tip:To take pictures of children, you need a camera that focuses fast and can do multiple shots. Keep your eye on the viewfinder and anticipate their reaction. It could be a fleeting smile or a serious look. Go low as much as possible and be at the same eye level as them. Shot with Canon 135 f2.
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