Introduction

The sheer miracle of childhood is something few can deny. The intrinsic innocence, honesty, spontaneity, and whimsy of children have been the subjects of prose, poetry, and paintings throughout the history of man. Since the introduction of the art and craft of photography, the depiction of children has been a popular and passionate quest.

What a thrill it is to have such a long and fun-filled career as a photographer of children. It has always been my desire to share the passion and the craft with those who feel the same stirrings of attraction to this field. I know that some are put off or discouraged by the threat of the supposed technical challenge of photography and equipment.

It truly makes me sad to think of the unexpressed vision of those who hold back due to that fear or intimidation. I believe this challenge is manufactured; the flames of fear continue to be fanned by some manufacturers of camera equipment, authors of books, and teachers of photography.

Don’t get me wrong; there is a place for understanding how to better execute fine photographs technically, but your vision, passion, and personal tastes have a deeply profound effect on what you produce. It excites me to think that I can be any part of encouraging you to follow your bliss, your heart, and your passion for photographing children. That has always been my point of view whether teaching, mentoring, or producing children’s photographs.

Even when working in the darkroom, I was interested in keeping the process more of a mystery and a magical experience. To see an image rise up out of the paper submerged in water is still a miracle to me! I continue to feel that magic when I peer through a lens and even when I work on an image in Photoshop. I want to know less about why things happen and more about making my images sing.

Those who are primarily looking for scientific definitions and formulae for sharp and perfect images might look elsewhere. Books abound with such information. I hope that in this book you find inspiration and encouragement to follow any urges you have had to make photographs that capture the spirit of a child.

Who should photograph children

Everyone who enjoys and appreciates children and who wants to learn to capture their energy should photograph children. I would guess that a large majority of cameras are purchased when parents see their firstborn child.

With the advances of digital technology, anyone can take an acceptable image of a child — in that the exposure is good. That is almost guaranteed. The issue here is how to take an exceptional photograph of a child, one that holds your attention for years.

I believe that parents have the potential to be excellent photographers of their children. The motivation is great, in creating a history of the life of a child, as well as to surround yourself with images that bring you back to that day. The opportunity is there, as parents usually spend an inordinate amount of time watching, playing with, and tending to their children in all manner of activities. Most importantly, parents have the heart connection built right in! That is the key that opens the door to the potential for creating beautiful images of children.

Certainly, other people cherish children and love to observe and photograph them. The ingredients needed are passion and an interest in learning to see! Right there, you have most of what you need, even with a simple point-and-shoot camera.

Wonderful photographs of children have so many uses. You can create brilliant scrapbooks, slideshows, and even customized books, as well as post to galleries, blogs, Facebook, and Flickr. Wouldn’t you just love to improve your photography by leaps and bounds just by learning to see and understanding a few photography basics? I think your time has come!

What I’ve learned from coaching photography

Most people contact me for two reasons: Either they have been photographing children for years and want to learn to go beyond their existing work, or they are just starting out and are put off or intimidated by some of the technical elements of the camera and computer. The second group is my favorite.

Dispelling fear is a beautiful thing. When you are fearful, your mind tends to shut down, and things make less sense. You get discouraged, and you give up. Fear is the enemy of creativity, and creativity is what you need to nurture the most if you want to improve your photographs. On the other hand, entering into the zone of creativity can allay bigger fears and can open you up to new experiences and joys.

Heritage Illustrated Dictionary’s definition of creativity, “to cause to exist, bring into being, originate,” makes me think of giving birth. No two babies are alike (identical twins, the exception), and each one is uniquely created from two unlike parents. A new being comes forth, with new possibilities, much like the creation of an idea, or an image.

Shouldn’t that give us all hope? The potential for new ideas is within ourselves, and we are all potential creators or artists. You can look outside of yourself for inspiration, but your point of view, your sense of timing, and your personal interpretations are all the resources you need to spring forth with more extraordinary imagery.

What is ahead

I really hope that this process of learning about improving your photographs of children will be fun, inspiring, and relaxing and that you will learn to trust yourself above all. And don’t just trust yourself, but value and honor your true nature and your unique vision. You have something unique to contribute to the volumes of photographs that have been created over the years. I really believe that.

Through exercises about seeing and appreciating light and composition, you will expose yourself to a beauty you might never have appreciated. Learning to see the light has enhanced my life immeasurably, let alone my photographs of children. What used to be mundane, ordinary moments will be brightened by more acute observation of your surroundings. A simple walk on the beach, in the park, and down the street will become a more enchanting engagement with life. That is what I truly hope for you.

Choosing children as your subjects can bring you so much insight into your own life. Children really are our teachers. They have all the wisdom that we come into the world with, and we can learn a great deal from them. They are honest, spontaneous, and often carefree little beings, to say nothing of their graceful gestures and penchant for playfulness.

In your interaction with children, in your deep observation of them in order to create lasting images, and in your exploration of their nature, you will be entertained and inspired. Hopefully that inspiration will come through in your photographs.

You are embarking upon, or continuing on, a very fruitful and rewarding path. Let’s celebrate and begin!

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