Article: Pro-Tips for the Best Children Photographs

I once took a course online by Tamara Lackey. I think it was a course on portraiture, and I just loved her work. I follow her on Facebook and read all the tips and suggestions she offers.  This article (link below) is an interview/article she did for Nikon's Learn & Explore website.

Hope you find it as helpful as I did.

http://www.nikonusa.com/en/Learn-And-Explore/Article/hv6ehqiy/a-pro-s-tips-for-the-best-children-s-photos.html

Day 282 - Friend, activist, writer, and consultant

So, I'm not feeling well today, so I thought I would post one of the pictures I took last night at a friend's book launch.  She had asked me to take pictures of her event, and if you have been following me, you know I have a serious lack of functional camera options.  My sister was able to borrow a friend's camera, so, I was was excited to take pictures for my friend.  But, as luck would have it, we got stuck in traffic, and ended up arriving quite late, and I was only able to take a couple of shots.  This was my favourite....

So, let me introduce my friend.  This is Farheen Khan.  She is an unbelievably strong woman who stands up for what she believes in and is not afraid to speak her mind.  She is working to empower women, and end violence against women.  She has experienced more in her years than some have experienced in a lifetime. Not all her experiences have been positive, but she uses them to empower others and allow them to share their experiences and stories.  You can read about Farheen's story in the two books she authored chronicling her journey to find happiness.  

Congrats on the second book Farheen!  I know you will continue to do amazing things in life!

Day 269 - Travel buddy and friend

I had intended to take my camera with me when I went out today, but alas, I forgot.  So, I didn't have much time to figure out what I wanted to photograph.  I wasn't even sure what I was feeling.  As I went about finishing some things, I saw this little guy smiling at me, as usual.  I call him my best friend and the best travel buddy - always ready for an adventure when I am.  He's been with me for a more than a few years now, and has even been on many adventures without me.  He's a special little monkey and holds so many memories.  And, though I'm not ready to think about it, I know I'll be sad when I have to retire him.

Monkey even has his own Facebook Fan Page!

Day 220 - Happiness of being with those you love

Taken at a friend's brother's wedding.  I love these girls!  They have been the best of friends for ages, and whenever they are together, you can feel there is something special about their friendship.  I was mourning the fact that I would soon have to return my brother's camera to him, and so they humoured me with taking photos... or allowing me to capture some images at the wedding.

Doesn't this just scream happiness to you?

Day 215 - Naturally

Here is a picture of one of my hosts/guides while in Morocco.  I haven't posted many (if any) pictures of people from Morocco, because I didn't have permission.  You have seen this person a couple times before in the post that had me reflective post about seeing the world from the back seat of a car, and where I talked about telling a story with photography.

So, why did I want to post this picture? Some of my favourite portraiture are photos where the subjects are not posed or are taken by surprise. I've talked about this a bit before, and this shot reiterates my sentiments. Have you ever noticed when there is a camera around people start acting different -- unnaturally, even? Some people are good at posing; others, not so much.  I find I really like the photos when people are caught off guard, even when they are good at posing. There is something a little more intimate about capturing that moment when they have let their guard down, and the image looks and feel more natural.  Isn't that what photography is all about?

In this case, I can't remember if I even had to call my friend to get his attention for this shot, or he had just turned to look at me at an opportune moment... whichever, it is one of the photos I love from my trip.

Day 188 - Relaxing

After posting a picture of this little one with the funniest expression on her face, I thought I would post a nice picture of her.  Here is a picture of her relaxing in her bubble bath.  I know this picture is not in focus, but it's one of the few you can even see baby's eyes.  Don't you just love her?

Day 187 - Enough already! (Photographing babies)

I was hanging out with a friend and her baby the other night, and as per my usual, I was taking pictures of them.  My friend welcomes it, since she doesn't really have any pictures with her little angel!  Every time I found a place that had either good lighting or a nice background we would stop to take pictures.  The thing with photographing children you just have no idea what they will do... They definitely keep you entertained!

This picture was the last one I took of the night.  I think little one had enough of the camera being in her face!

Day 174 - Being comfortable

More than mastering your tools, as a photographer, I think the most important thing a photographer must have is the ability to make your subject feel comfortable.  Ok... maybe they are both equally important. This photo is one I took of my friend/model during the shoot I was doing for the contest.  We were in between ideas, and she was just relaxing.  I just love how natural and relaxed she is in this shot.

From the Archives: A black and white portrait of cousin

I was putting a present together for my cousins, and came across this photo I took a couple years ago.  I took my camera with me to the park, and just took random shots of my cousins as they played.  This was my favourite from that day.

Habib Ali Al-Jifri, December 2011

I was attending a knowledge retreat over the holidays, and I took a few shots of the speakers with my point-and-shoot.  This is Habib Ali Al-Jifri, one of my favourites. He is such a kind and gentle soul.  I think this image is a little soft, but I think that works for this picture.