bouncing a STROBE for "natural" light photography

Hey there, photography enthusiasts! If you've ever struggled to capture those perfect moments with kids or wondered how to achieve that coveted "natural" light look in your photos, you've come to the right place. In this blog, I'm excited to share some of my secret techniques to make kids cooperate and smile effortlessly. But first, if you enjoy these tips and want more photography insights, don't forget to hit that subscribe button. I have a treasure trove of videos on my channel, covering everything from natural lighting and flash photography to posing and running a photography business.

In today's blog, I'll walk you through the process of photographing kids in a way that brings out their most genuine expressions. Additionally, I'll reveal some mind-blowing post-processing techniques that will make your subjects look incredible. So, let's dive right in!

The Art of Kid-Friendly Photography:

I believe that photographing kids should be an enjoyable experience for both the little ones and the photographer. After all, who wants forced smiles and tantrums in their pictures? Here's a sneak peek into my methods for getting those beautiful, natural shots.

1. Start with a Game:

The key to capturing genuine smiles and expressions is to engage kids in a fun game or activity. In my video, you'll see me encouraging the kids to mimic certain actions or playfully interact with each other. It's all about creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for them.

2. Be Patient:

Patience is a virtue when working with children. Sometimes, you may need to ask them to close their eyes, count to three, and open them, creating a charming moment filled with surprise.

3. Encourage Interaction:

Kids love to be kids. I often ask them to poke each other or playfully fight. It's in those candid moments that you capture genuine expressions of joy and connection.

4. Group Poses:

To photograph kids and adults together, arrange them in a pleasing composition. Have the children sit or kneel, and ensure everyone is visible. The key is to create a sense of togetherness and connection.

5. The Magic Word:

Want to see genuine smiles? Just say a funny word! In my video, I use a surprising word like "poop" to get those natural reactions. You can use this trick or find something equally unexpected to make the kids burst into laughter.

Capturing Those Precious Moments:

Now that you've seen how I set the stage for natural and joyful photographs, let's move on to some practical tips for photographing kids.

Lighting is Key:

As a photographer, I always seek the best possible light. In natural light photography, the quality of light is everything. Bouncing a strobe or flash off a wall or reflector can help you achieve that soft, flattering light that makes your subjects shine. Experiment with the angles to create the perfect illumination.

Playing with Angles:

When photographing kids, try different angles and compositions to capture their unique personalities. Don't be afraid to get down to their level or try unconventional angles to make your shots more interesting.

Creating the Perfect Mess:

One of the most enjoyable parts of photographing kids is creating controlled chaos. In my video, you'll see how I guide the kids through a fun, messy activity involving cookies. It's these candid moments that often result in the most genuine smiles and interactions.

The Power of Post-Processing:

In the digital age, post-processing is a powerful tool for enhancing your photos. With advanced editing software, you can refine your images, making them even more captivating.

Selective Retouching:

My favorite feature in my editing software is the ability to selectively retouch faces. This means you can enhance individual portraits while leaving group shots natural and unaltered. It's a game-changer for photographers who work with various subjects in the same frame.

Skin Retouching:

Subtle skin retouching can make your subjects look their best without going overboard. Smooth out imperfections, reduce wrinkles, and enhance the overall quality of the skin in your photographs.

Eyes and Teeth Enhancement:

Eyes and teeth are key focal points in portraits. Brighten the eyes and retouch the teeth to give your subjects that extra sparkle and charm.

Exporting and Sharing:

Once your images are retouched to perfection, it's time to export and share your work with the world. Make sure your photos are saved in the right format and resolution for your intended use.

I hope you've enjoyed this glimpse into my world of kid-friendly photography and the techniques I use to capture those precious moments. Remember, photography is all about making memories, and it's the little details that make your shots truly magical. So, get out there, grab your camera, and create some beautiful memories.

If you found this blog helpful, make sure to subscribe for more photography tips, tricks, and inspiration. Until next time, happy shooting! 📸✨