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Photo Tips & Techniques

A sound of summer I truly love is the laughter, enjoyment, and frolicking of kids in the great outdoors. Lost in their own worlds, they are so wrapped up in what they are doing, they become totally unaware of others around them. This makes for a fantastic opportunity for you as a photographer to capture great candids of your sons, daughters, and their friends.

Spontaneity is key in creating heart warming expressions, sincere laughter, and genuine emotions. With this in mind, try not to control or direct the action. Let the kids do their thing and wait for the decisive moment. This will require you to stay ready, aware, and intently follow the action, but when the perfect shot is the result, it's worth it.

Autofocus and auto exposure cameras greatly improve the chance of getting an excellent  shot. Kids move quickly and the action is fast. Additionally, the light may change or the kids may pop in and out of a shaded area. Concentrating solely on the action and not having to worry about focusing or getting the proper exposure allows you to zero in on the peak action. Make sure the autofocus sensor is aimed at the key subject. (see last month's Here's How on How to Properly Use Autofocus) If you're close enough to the action, I suggest using fill flash to tame the harsh contrast of the summer sun.

When kids are by themselves, the use of a prop or favorite toy can help them get lost in their thoughts and forget you're taking pictures. Let the kids play, experiment with new belongings, or interact with a pet. When the moment reaches an apex, click the shutter.

Part of getting a great shot where all the elements fall into place involves choosing proper clothing. For young kids, bold and bright primary colors work well. For older kids, keep the clothing simple. Solid colors work better than busy prints which tend to act as a distraction, especially if the print competes with the environment. Solid colors that stand out against the greens of summer are a good choice.

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