- 1). Experiment with lighting. Natural light is best. Open blinds and move curtains aside so that the natural light is allowed into the play space. Make adjustments so sunlight does not overpower the shot. Keep in mind that people look best in diffused side light and back light. The sun should be positioned behind you so that there is no glare. Do not use the flash feature -- this will only wash the subject out.
- 2). Get down to the child's level. Sit in a small chair, crouch, kneel, sit on the floor or lie in the floor. This helps to capture your child's concentration and expressions on his face as he plays with the toys. Adjust your angles while allowing the child to move about freely. Children can be very busy so this will require that you change angles often.
- 3). Zoom in on the child while maintaining a considerable distance. Try to keep playtime natural by keeping your distance. Make sure the zoom gives you a clear picture, but stay far enough away to keep the child from being distracted by the camera's presence.
- 4). Use fast shutter speeds. Children do not stand in one place for very long. Faster shutter speeds allow you to capture shots without having to worry about blurs from swift movements.
- 5). Take several shots. Use the camera's burst mode to take a series of quick pictures. This allows you to capture quick moments that you would ordinarily ask someone to pose for. It keeps you from missing out on the child's split-second expressions and actions.
- 6). Monitor the child's mood and behavior. Always be aware of how your child is feeling. If she is in a bad mood, it will show up in your photos. Take photos when she is in a pleasant mood. End the photo session if she starts to become cranky or becomes distracted with other activities.