2. An avid photographer, Mark W. Decker has captured
images of many different kinds of people in many
different settings. Mark W. Decker understands how
to use different photography skills and approaches to
best capture his subjects.
When taking photographs of children, whether in the
context of an event or simply a family photo session,
authenticity is key. Experienced photographers know
that children are some of the world's most authentic
people, but the sight of a camera can almost instantly
prompt a fake and forced smile. For this reason, the
skilled photographer knows to avoid the words
“smile” and “cheese” in favor of letting kids be kids.
3. For this technique to work, you, the photographer,
must be ready. Preparation may involve setting the
aperture in advance, so that the camera will
automatically select an appropriate shutter speed. A
higher ISO setting can also be helpful if the light is
low.
Once your camera is ready, you will be able to turn
your attention to the subject. Experienced child
photographers know to avoid instructions as much as
possible, and instead follow the child's lead. They let
the child explore the environment and only give
specific instructions when necessary. By relaxing and
being with children on their own terms, you can
capture their unique personalities more authentically.