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Take grab shots of children

While there are times when a well set-up portrait session, with intricate backdrops and studied lighting arrangements, is required, there is no doubt that some of the most pleasing portraits of children are those that are captured without any such preparation. While these special moments are fleeting, there are some simple steps that you can take to ensure that, if such a moment arrives, you are ready to capture it. The first is an obvious one – you should always have your camera ready. Your camera should always be loaded with a film or memory card and the batteries should be charged. Also, while the camera will no doubt be switched off, you should have it set up so that it is ready for instant use. The best mode to set is aperture priority, with the aperture set to the maximum setting. This means that if you need the camera in a hurry, you can switch it on and know the aperture/shutter speed combination is ideal for a handheld exposure using only ambient light. This is important, as flash will detract from the natural effect. If you are shooting digitally, leave the camera set to ISO 400 to help keep shutter speeds high enough for handholdable exposures. The other factor to bear in mind if you are using an SLR is the type of lens you have attached to the camera. The best options are a standard zoom (e.g., 28–80mm) or a short telephoto zoom (e.g., 70–200mm); these are ideal for filling the frame with the subject while working at relatively close distances.

ALFIE

There was no preparation for photographing this toddler sitting happily on a sofa. The setting was ideal – diffused windowlight provided perfect sidelighting that revealed the child’s hair and beautiful complexion. The neutral colour of the throw over the sofa does not distract and the child’s expression is completely natural – he was unaware of the photographer, who was ready with a DSLR and standard zoom.

Canon EOS-1DS MkII, 70–200mm lens at 135mm, 1/40 sec at f/5.6, ISO 1250.