SuzySaid - Greenwich/Rye/Harrison Edition

Worried about taking great pictures of the kids this year?? We have some expert advice from Cristina Coco of Cristina Coco Photography to help you capture the moment without making yourself crazy:

Moms always ask me what kind of camera I have or what they should buy to take better pictures of their kids.  Truthfully, an expensive camera can help a little, but it is really what you do with the camera that makes a great picture.  Your old 'point and shoot' camera is just waiting to take some great shots, so here are some tips to help you get going.

Getting started:

• Read the camera manual!  I know, I know – not fun at ALL!  However, taking a ½ hour to read it with your camera in hand might help you learn a few tricks you didn't even know you had up your sleeve.  There are all kinds of lighting settings, how to shut off the flash – things that are so simple to learn quickly and that will really help.
  
• PLAY.  
  
  I like to see images of kids doing what they do best – playing, laughing, or sitting and pouting.  This is how I love to see my son and the images I treasure most.  So get out there and play with them and see what happens.  Borrow a vintage tricycle and see what they do with it, an old sled from the garage or a box full of funny hats – something different for them and they'll have fun while you snap away!
  

Shooting:
*Get down to their level.  Seriously – I mean WAY down.

 During a session my knees are usually muddy, my back is dirty from rolling around, or leaves in my hair because I am on the ground so much.  Think outside the box on the angles you will shoot from and they will be different than everything else in your photo album.  Also, kids are more comfortable when you're sitting on the floor with them.  They will be themselves and not give you a hammed up smile!

*Shade – try to shoot in the shade – it will give beautiful skin tones and no squinting.  Your camera's computer will know what to do with the light and it will look really professional.  I promise!  Getting kids to actually stay in the shade is always tough – so that's why shooting a few hours before sunset (or sunrise) will give you the most options and the best light.

*Catch lights. I always get asked why the eyes in my images pop out.  The answer is pretty simple – I make sure to turn (or chase!) my subjects so that I see that light in their eyes.  It's what causes the little sparkle that you love so much. Look for it when you're setting up a shot – it brings so much character to a child that I won't take a photo without it!

*Shut off your flash. If it's light out and not too sunny – shut that flash off.  It will create natural images without that deer in headlights look and no red eye.

*Last, but certainly not least – no more "say cheese"!  I know, it's an easy way to get kids to look at you – but ever notice how a face saying 'cheese' is a little cheesy?  Mouths are forced open, noses are scrunched and eyes are squinty because kids tend to stretch out the EEEEE part because it's fun and silly to say.  Try a different way - "Hey, did you guys smell Daddy's feet this morning?  PU!!!!"  You'll get a natural laugh and a not so staged photo.