Forget the old stand-still-and-smile pose

The natural look is better for kids' pictures

If you want to take a picture of a small child that lacks liveliness, charm and mood (and we don’t know why you would), then ask him or her to stand, pose and smile. As a rule, kids don’t do that naturally, so don’t expect a picture that brings out their natural character when you ask them to do it.

CATCH YOUR KIDS OFF-GUARD

You're much better off to catch them at a time when they are so involved, they don't notice you or your camera. You can even set the stage for such moments. Take them to a park or playground they haven't been to before. Got a puppy? Bring it along. Or, have your camera ready when you give them a new toy. Or when you notice them deeply involved in play with a friend. Is the carnival in town? Bring the kids and the camera. Provide them with a favorite object or place them on a kiddy ride at the mall. In summer, put them in a wading pool. The possibilities are endless.

Kids usually become engrossed in things that interest them, so provide something of interest, let them go at it, stand back and watch for the picture opportunities.

ONE-YEAR-OLD BABIES & TODDLERS

The first step in getting good candid shots of smaller children is comfort. Make sure your year-old child or toddler has slept and is well-fed. Then, have him or her dressed in clean clothes and groomed so there is no mud in the hair or finger paint on the forehead. Now, you just need a place for them to be.

Make a comfortable place available in a good location for photography (think of lighting and background). This could be a sandbox in a park, a big armchair at home, even a comfy blanket on the living room floor - anyplace that is different from their normal play area (new locales engage their interest) where they can comfortably be themselves.

The child may sit a moment, but will soon become active and you can start shooting, especially if you are down at the same level.

They may roll over, stand up, sit, crouch, explore, put their head down or jump. Shoot away with each change that looks interesting. Don’t call their attention to you. Let them be themselves, and your pictures will be fine.

Don’t ask your child to smile. Wait for a natural expression. A serious look or a yawn is better than a phony, parent-pleasing smile.

SOME REMINDERS FOR BETTER PICTURES

• Remember to fill the viewfinder frame to exclude unnecessary objects.
• Try to position yourself so that the background is uncluttered.
• Focus on your child's eyes.
• Shoot when you see an expression come over your child's face - a look of intense concentration, a look of joy, puzzlement - anything that captures their mood and personality.
• If you have a portrait lens (a medium telephoto lens), you can take pictures without having to be too close.

BABIES

Introduce babies who can sit up to something new that will intrigue them, and you will probably capture a series of neat photos in a sequence that goes something like this:
(1) an absorbed, interested look at the item;
(2) close examination, maybe a taste test or a good eyeball and touchy-feely scrutiny;
(3) joy in discovery of its features;
(4) holding it up with a big smile to show you their great discovery;
(5) and, finally, playing with it.