Book Review - How to Photograph Children

Lisa Jane and Rick Staudt are both award -winning photographers specializing in fine portraits of children with over 30 years combined experience so even though I take decent pictures, I knew I had plenty of room for learning from these folks.  But my first impression of the book was that it was, well, dated.  At least one example photograph is on each page and the folks in them look straight out of the eighties.  It made me wonder, "Will the information be dated too?"  My fears were quickly put to rest as I realized much of the information is timeless (i.e. how to make use of natural light). 

As I read the book, which reads easily, I found myself jotting down notes.  Yes, notes!  I haven't taken notes on a book in YEARS but there I was, propped up in my bed writing idea after idea, suggestion after suggestion.  I kept thinking, "I've got to remember that.  I've got to try that."  And though the authors focus on photographing children, many of the techniques they describe can be carried over into whatever type of photography you enjoy.

As I mentioned, almost every page features at least one example photograph.  Most of these feature a helpful tip as a caption.  In the chapter "Let's Go Outside," two photographs share the caption, "Even on cloudy days you'll likely end up with 'racoon eyes' since most of the light is coming from overhead. By using the fill-flash mode on your camera, you can fill in the eye sockets with light and add snap and contrast to your image."  Tips like this take you from getting "lucky" with good shots to creating good shots because you know what you are doing.

And that's just an example.  How to Photograph Children includes helpful information in all of these chapters:

• Composing Memorable Pictures
• Let There Be Light (how to use lighting)
• The Toos You Need (and Don't Need) to Do the Job
• Choosing a Film
• Photographing Indoors
• Let's Go Outside!
• Photographing Babies -- How Hard Can That Be?
• Chasing the Elusive Toddler
• And They're Off and Running (how to catch big kids)
• Your Own Sense of Style
• A Race to the Finish (information on digital processing)
• Hand Coloring Your Prints
• The Digital Age (information on cameras, photo fixes and camera settings)

They also include a glossary of terms, a list of useful websites and a comprehensive index. 

If you're a novice photographer, don't worry.  Jane and Staudt include basic tips on topics like choosing a portrait location or using natural light.  And if you're pretty good at what you do, they'll offer technical information to help you grow like selecting shutter speed and aperture. 

Be sure to check out How to Photograph Children by Lisa Jane and Rick Staudt and you'll improve the pictures you take!