Image by National Library of Scotland
British soldier building sandcastles with a little boy, in France, during World War I. This shows a ‘Tommy’ playing at building sandcastles with a little boy on a beach in northern France. The boy is dressed in the traditional sailors garb that appears so often in photographs of children from this era. In the middle ground, two French women and a group of British soldiers look on approvingly.

Excepting the stories concerning the atrocities that German troops were alleged to have committed at the start of the war, most of the history regarding ‘the war to end all wars’ focuses on the theatres of war, rather than exploring the civilian viewpoint. This is especially noticeable in the seemingly unexplored area of how the British troops and French civilians treated one another, and it would be interesting to learn what general attitudes existed within these two groups.

[Original reads: 'OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN ON THE BRITISH WESTERN FRONT IN FRANCE. On the coast in France. A snap at a seaside resort.']

Children Photographer

If you have a children’s photography studio or just want to take better photographs of your kids, I have a few tricks that will allow you to get that beautiful shot every time.

As a Children’s Portrait Studio owner, I have learned a few techniques that work really well. You should try different tips and tricks until you find one that works for you and the child you’re photographing.

Here’s a list of 5 tips you can use in your photography studio or at home as soon as Today!

Tip #1 – The Penny Trick

For a child that won’t sit, place a penny on the spot you want them to sit. The key is to make it a game. Tell them that you want them to hide the penny so nobody else can see it. They usually laugh and think it’s funny. You get them to smile naturally and sit wherever you want them. It works really well.

It doesn’t have to be a penny. It can be a flower for a girl or a small car for a boy. It just needs to be small enough to sit on.

Tip #2 – The Bubble Chair

Place a chair on your background or wherever you want your subject and tell them it’s a special bubble chair. Explain that you’re going to blow a bubble and you want them to catch it. But…it only works if they’re on the special bubble chair. Once again, make it a game and the kid’s will play along.

You’ll need a helper to blow the bubble or bubbles. Usually a parent will help with this.

Tip #3 – The Tape Trick

In our studio, we usually always take shots of children looking down and not directly at the camera. One example would be a 9 month old child in our antique washtub theme. It’s a great shot and parents always love it.

But…how do you get a difficult child to do this? It’s simple. You apply a small piece of scotch tape to their finger or toe and they will automatically look at it or try and pull it off. You only need a few seconds to get the shot.

Tip #4 – I can’t See You Trick

Sometimes you’ll have a child that doesn’t like their picture taken and won’t look at you or the camera. This is common and don’t force them… it won’t work. Once again…we make it a game.

If you don’t have a helper, look through your camera and pretend like you can’t see them. Actually move your camera around like you’re trying to find them. Say their name and then say…oh there you are. Then once again say…I can’t find you, are you there, I can’t see you. This has worked really well for us and the parents are usually amazed by this technique. They can’t believe it works.

Tip #5 – Say Anything But Cheese Trick

You will always get a parent that says the words “Say Cheese” and wonder why the smile is forced and looks unnatural.

Make it fun for the kid’s and use other words or sayings that get them to laugh. Then…wait for the smile to come down and take the shot. You always want to let the smile relax when they’re laughing. Instruct the parents not to say cheese or smile. Most of the time it looks fake.

So, there you have it. Some easy and very effective techniques we’ve learned over the years that should work for you.

One last tip is to “Be Patient” and you’ll get the shots. Never show the child you’re getting stressed or frustrated. They’ll sense it and it will show in your shots.

Always have fun and the kids will too.

Benipayo Photography

San Jose  | Studio | Photography | Children

Contact: Michael at michael@benipayo.com

408-717-3670  — 415-763-7643

Scott Voelker is the creator of NewPortraitBiz. He has taught 1,000′s of students how to start a photography business. To receive his Free video lessons visithttp://newportraitbiz.com

Visit Scott’s Blog at http://newportraitbiz.com/blog for even more up to date Free lessons.

***

Capturing the perfect picture of a baby can be a challenging but rewarding task. Baby photography is often lumped under the classification of children’s photography, but baby photography is an entirely different animal altogether. Children are generally easier to work with as they can be instructed, but a small baby (which for purposes of this article we will define as under one year old) has a mind of its own.

As with children’s photography, it is important to understand the development stage the baby is at in order to get the best smiles. The following are some tips for taking great pictures of babies at varies stages of development.

Up to Ten Weeks: At this stage there isn’t a whole lot the baby can do but lie in a prone position. Compared to later stages, the baby is not too active at this point, so as long as the baby isn’t fussy, pictures are fairly easy. Try laying the baby on its back and focusing the camera at the baby’s head.

Four to Six Months: Now the baby can hold her head up, lie on her tummy, and prop her head up. The baby will watch and follow objects, reach for objects and grab. At this stage try placing the baby on her tummy, drag a toy in front of her to catch her attention, and pull it back to the camera. The baby’s eyes should follow it and she will be looking straight at the camera when you snap the picture. The baby’s lips are very sensitive and you can sometimes induce a smile by tickling the baby’s lips with a small soft toy or tissue.

Six to Nine Months: Baby is now very alert and notices everything around her. She can typically sit up, craw and even pull herself up to a standing position holding on to objects such as a chair. At this stage the baby may respond to a gentle tickle which can be used to product a quick smile. However, you need to be fast because the laugh will be very short lived. You also need to be quick with the entire photo session as the baby’s mood can change rapidly. A six to nine month old can be happy one minute and crying the next.

Nine Months to a Year: At this stage the baby responds very well to just about everything. However, with teeth coming in she can have periods of irritability that can’t be resolved. She will also demand constant attention and the need to be entertained every waking minute. This entertainment can come from you or from a toy. Try playing peek-a-boo around the camera. Imitate the child’s vocal sounds. Give her a prop to hold or play with. At least one of these methods is more likely than not to product a joyful smile.

One year to Eighteen Months: At this stage the line between baby photography and children’s photography starts to blur. The baby will easily play with you at this stage. This means throwing ball, swinging an object, climbing on just about everything. At this stage some babies will also be shy with strangers so you may need the mothers help more at this stage than any other. Give her a toy to play with and then ask for it back. Try throwing a ball back and forth with the parent. Use a long feather duster to tickle the child and pull it back directly toward the camera.

***

San Jose Photographer – Benipayo Photography

Contact: Michael at michael@benipayo.com, if you want a portrait session.

408-717-3670     415-763-7643

Author:  For more information on children’s photography visit Mary Kim Photography at http://www.marykimphotography.com.

When Hiring a Photographer

***

A family portrait is more than a photograph, it is a veritable heirloom that will be passed down from generation to generation, a rich artifact of family tradition that will speak to your kids and grand-kids of their past, and where they come from. Not any random photographer can fulfill the needs of a family portrait. To capture the essence of your family, you need to invest in a professional portrait photographer.

Although you might think of a professional portrait photographer as a frivolous expense, when you consider the fact that your family portrait is more like an investment that will last for generations, the expense seems quite justified. Not only will it give joy and comfort to your kids and grand-kids, when your own children have left your house for college or jobs, you will be able to look back at your family portrait and derive immense joy from it.

Before you set off on your search for a portrait photographer, you have to consider three things: your budget, the kind of photograph you want to get captured, and what you plan to do with it.

Your budget will dictate your choice of photo studio. Most photo studio charge their clients a low fee per session. A busy photographer might have several such sessions throughout the day. The photographs are captured in a studio setting, and you can request anything from formal portraits to high key photographs against a white background, to even ‘action’ shots. A good photographer should be able to work with you to achieve the exact kind of portrait you desire. A quality studio will also be able to supply you with the entire spectrum of after shoot services such as prints and frames.

Next, you must consult your family about the kind of family portrait photograph they want to get captured. You can choose a high key portrait with a white background, a more demure, sober low-key photograph with moody lighting and dull colors, or even an outdoor photograph that captures your family together in the midst of an activity. A quick look at his portfolio will give you an idea at the kind of work your photographer is good at.

Finally, you must decide what you plan to do with the portrait after they have been captured. Do you want a large framed print that you can hang on the wall, or a series of photographs that capture different moments in the family? Would you prefer a printed canvas, or perhaps you want to go a bit trendy with a printed coffee table book? The quality and style of the portrait will vary with its intended use. A quality portrait photographer will be able to recognize what you want, and capture photographs accordingly.

***

If you want  your portrait taken, please call Michael at 408-717-3670 or 415-763-7643

San Jose Photographer - Benipayo Photography

Contact: Michael  at michael@benipayo.com or call

408-717-3670

415-763-7643

***

About the Author: Shaun Edwards is a portrait and wedding photographer specializing in modern and informal photography. If you want to know more about choosing a family portrait photographer then visit http://www.shaunedwards.com.

If you have a children’s photography studio or just want to take better photographs of your kids, I have a few tricks that will allow you to get that beautiful shot every time.

As a Children’s Portrait Studio owner, I have learned a few techniques that work really well. You should try different tips and tricks until you find one that works for you and the child you’re photographing.

Here’s a list of 5 tips you can use in your photography studio or at home as soon as Today!

Tip #1 – The Penny Trick

For a child that won’t sit, place a penny on the spot you want them to sit. The key is to make it a game. Tell them that you want them to hide the penny so nobody else can see it. They usually laugh and think it’s funny. You get them to smile naturally and sit wherever you want them. It works really well.

It doesn’t have to be a penny. It can be a flower for a girl or a small car for a boy. It just needs to be small enough to sit on.

Tip #2 – The Bubble Chair

Place a chair on your background or wherever you want your subject and tell them it’s a special bubble chair. Explain that you’re going to blow a bubble and you want them to catch it. But…it only works if they’re on the special bubble chair. Once again, make it a game and the kid’s will play along.

You’ll need a helper to blow the bubble or bubbles. Usually a parent will help with this.

Tip #3 – The Tape Trick

In our studio, we usually always take shots of children looking down and not directly at the camera. One example would be a 9 month old child in our antique washtub theme. It’s a great shot and parents always love it.

But…how do you get a difficult child to do this? It’s simple. You apply a small piece of scotch tape to their finger or toe and they will automatically look at it or try and pull it off. You only need a few seconds to get the shot.

Tip #4 – I can’t See You Trick

Sometimes you’ll have a child that doesn’t like their picture taken and won’t look at you or the camera. This is common and don’t force them… it won’t work. Once again…we make it a game.

If you don’t have a helper, look through your camera and pretend like you can’t see them. Actually move your camera around like you’re trying to find them. Say their name and then say…oh there you are. Then once again say…I can’t find you, are you there, I can’t see you. This has worked really well for us and the parents are usually amazed by this technique. They can’t believe it works.

Tip #5 – Say Anything But Cheese Trick

You will always get a parent that says the words “Say Cheese” and wonder why the smile is forced and looks unnatural.

Make it fun for the kid’s and use other words or sayings that get them to laugh. Then…wait for the smile to come down and take the shot. You always want to let the smile relax when they’re laughing. Instruct the parents not to say cheese or smile. Most of the time it looks fake.

So, there you have it. Some easy and very effective techniques we’ve learned over the years that should work for you.

One last tip is to “Be Patient” and you’ll get the shots. Never show the child you’re getting stressed or frustrated. They’ll sense it and it will show in your shots.

Always have fun and the kids will too.

***

San Jose Photographer – Benipayo Photography

Contact: Michael at michael@benipayo.com, if you want a portrait session.

(408)717-3670     (415)763-7643

Author:  Scott Voelker is the creator of NewPortraitBiz. He has taught 1,000′s of students how to start a photography business. To receive his Free video lessons visit http://newportraitbiz.com

Visit Scott’s Blog at http://newportraitbiz.com/blog for even more up to date Free lessons.

***

Children’s photography can either be a very enjoyable and rewarding experience or a difficult and challenging one. Here are seven tips to achieving the former and avoiding the latter.

1) Choose a proper setting. One of the more recent trends in children’s photography is using a natural setting rather than a studio setting. A park, beach or mountain setting not only provides a better backdrop but will make it more fun for the child. To the child, going to the studio may feel a little like going to the dentist’s office. Of course a studio provides for a more controlled environment, but in a natural setting you have a better chance of capturing the child smiling on their own. Let them play and explore the world around them. This will provide for some great candid photos rather than posed ones. Of course if you are using a studio setting there are still several things you can do to make your pictures amazing.

2) Get to know the child. Successful children photographer is about getting the child to work with you, not forcing them. To do this they need to like you and trust you. Although there are exceptions, most children would rather do a thousand other things than get their picture taken. They need to see that the experience is going to be better than they had first though and that you are not the dentist. Talk to them. Ask them how old they are, ask about their school, ask about their favorite things to do in the summer. What you learn from the child can help you as you start to take pictures. For example, if the child is small you may want to ask what their favorite animal is and then use that animals sound to grab their attention when they start to lose interest. Children establish relationships much faster than adults. With only a few words you can build a relationship with a child that will help them trust you. Keep the conversation going and interesting as you start to take pictures.

3) Let them choose a pose. This is especially important when the session is first starting. Let them sit, stand, look at the camera any way they want and snap a few pictures. Maybe the pose is a good one, maybe it isn’t, but let them pick a pose or two at the start. After they have done that they will typically be much more willing to let you have a turn telling them how to sit or stand. If they start to become frustrated, let them pick a pose again to loosen them up and then go back you instructing them. Children’s photography takes patience and that sometimes means yielding a little control.

4) Make it fun. Children’s photography is a different animal, and needs to be fun for the child. This is much easier in an outdoor setting but can work in a studio as well. This also ties into the previous point of letting them choose a pose. Maybe they want to stand on their head, maybe they want to have a picture of them jumping in the air. Whatever loosens them up and gets them to smile.

5) Go to their level. Don’t tower over small children. Stoop down and talk to them. Let them see and talk to you at eye level. This also applies to how you talk to them. Talk to children in a fun tone and more like a friend would talk to them rather than an authority figure.

6) Use props. Stuffed animals, squeaky stuffed animals, feather dusters, noise makers. These are all essential in grabbing and holding the attention of a small child. The smaller the child, the more important it is to have a good inventory of props at your disposal.

7) Respect the child. Let them guide the session. If they are hungry it isn’t going to work, if they are tired it isn’t going to work. The smaller they are the more difficult it is going to be to force them. Don’t try until they are ready. Children’s photography is about getting great pictures of children and that happens most easily when they are working with you instead of against you.

***

San Jose Photographer – Benipayo Photography

Contact: Michael at michael@benipayo.com, if you want a portrait session.

408-717-3670     415-763-7643

For more information on children’s photography visit Mary Kim Photography at http://www.marykimphotography.com.

San Jose Photographer – Benipayo Photography

Contact: Michael at michael@benipayo.com

408-717-3670  — 415-763-7643

***

If you have young children and they are happiest early morning, schedule the session at 7 am. Most on-location photographers will take photos as early as sunrise! Studios are less flexible, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.

o Select the location(s) carefully.

When it comes to photography, location matters! Many families like to take the photos on a beach. If your child doesn’t like sand or is afraid of the water, let your photographer know. Take a blanket or mat to lay on the beach. Ask your photographer to suggest a beach that has a grassy area nearby in case the beach doesn’t work out.

Some children feel most comfortable in their home. On-location photographers will travel to your home. Ask the photographer to arrive a little early to find the best locations for the shoot. Tidy up and clear clutter from the rooms where the photo session will take place.

o Rested kids with full tummies equal great photos.

A surprisingly high number of parents drag hungry kids to a portrait session at sunset, meal times or nap time. Sunset photos are nice but if the kids are unhappy, it will show in the photos. If your children are fed and rested before the session, chances are you will be happy with the photos.

o Select the right photographer.

There are a lot of photographers out there with varying levels of experience and prices. Do your homework! Check the portfolios and blogs of local photographers and don’t go by price alone. If quality is important, be prepared to pay anywhere from $350 to $800 for a one to two-hour session. The price usually includes a print credit or your high-resolution digital files. Once you’ve narrowed down your selection, email or call the photographers to see how responsive and accommodating they are.

o Ask the right questions.

Find out exactly what is included in the photo package. Does the price include taxes and travel fees? Is there a charge for rescheduling in case of bad weather or if baby is sick? Is there a charge for retouching photos? Email these questions so you have the response in writing. Most photographers reserve the right to use a few images for promotional purposes. If you’re uncomfortable with this, let your photographer know. Most professional photographers will honor such requests.

o Communication is key.

Once you have selected your photographer, communicate! Be clear about your style preference (candid, posed or a mixture) and communicate any special requests.

o Wear the right clothes.

Most photographers will tell you that simple, comfortable and coordinated clothing look best in photos. Avoid very bright and bold prints as they can be distracting. If it is a beach location, take a few extra outfits for the children as they tend to end up in the water.

o Take along meaningful props.

If you plan to take props, be sure to take ones that are meaningful and representative of the person being photographed. If it is a young child, take along his or her favorite teddy bear or story book.

o Snacks, hairbrush and hairspray

If you plan to take your photos on the beach, take a hairbrush, some hairspray or gel and something to tie back long hair. Remember, it’s breezy at the beach! Snacks for young children and a bottle water might also come in handy.

o The most important tip: Have fun!

If you relax and have a great time during the photo shoot, your kids will follow suit. The photos will show a happy family having a wonderful time – priceless images that will be treasured for generations.

Benipayo Photography

San Jose  | Wedding | Photographer | San Francisco

Contact: Michael at michael@benipayo.com

(408) 717-3670 ********** (415) 763-7643

CHECK OUT MY OTHER BLOG POST!

• Professional Baby Photographer - SAN JOSE
• Children Photography - Taking Pictures of Babies
• Pregnancy Photography - Some Tips on Getting Great Photos
• Visited the Sister In Santa Clarita
• Noynoy-Mar Fundraising Event
• Family Photographers and Pregnancy Portraits
• Family Portrait Portrait Photography - Tips on Hiring a Photographer
• Baby Photography - Some Great Tips For Parents on How to Get Great Photos
• Street Party and Festival Photography
• Baby Photographer - How to Photograph
• Photography Composition Tips For Better Portraits

Shiyana Thenabadu

Oahu Portrait Photographer

http://www.oahuportraitphotographer.com/