Click here to view our Galleries One of the most rewarding aspects of photography is capturing the fleeting moments of innocence and wonder that very young children display. These tiny humans, with their candid expressions and innate curiosity, make for some of the most heartwarming subjects. However, photographing very young children can also be challenging. They're unpredictable, often restless, and rarely follow directions. With that in mind, here's a guide to help you make the most of your session with these little ones.

Young children, especially infants, have delicate skin that benefits greatly from soft, natural lighting. The glow from a morning or late afternoon sun accentuates their innocence. Whenever possible, choose to shoot during the 'golden hours' – the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset. This light is soft, golden, and free from the harsh shadows that midday sun can produce.

Children have their own rhythm and mood swings. One moment they could be giggling, and the next, they might be on the brink of tears. As a photographer, it's essential to be patient. Take breaks if needed and always be ready to adapt to the child's mood.

Props can be a great way to engage very young children and capture their interest. Whether it's a toy, a blanket, or a favorite storybook, props can add depth to your photos. However, remember not to let the props overshadow the main subject. The child should always be the focal point.

While posed photographs have their place, candid shots often capture the essence of childhood best. Let the children play, explore, and be themselves. These spontaneous moments often lead to the most memorable photographs.

Safety should always be your top priority. If you're photographing a baby, ensure they're on a stable surface, and there's always an adult close by  if they roll or move suddenly. Never place them on elevated surfaces.

Engaging with very young children can yield better responses. Sing songs, play peek-a-boo, or make funny faces. The more you can engage with them, the more likely they are to give you genuine reactions.

A fast lens is a great choice as it allows quick focusing, especially useful when kids are on the move. Prime lenses with wide apertures, like a 50mm f/1.8, can help blur the background, drawing attention to the child.

Don't just focus on the face. Little toes, chubby cheeks, grasping hands – these are all beautiful aspects of very young children that deserve to be immortalized.

The bond between a parent and child is unique and touching. Including them in some shots can add an emotional depth to your photos.

Post-processing is essential, but over-editing can make the photos look unnatural. Aim for soft edits that enhance the natural beauty of the child.

Photographing very young children is both a challenge and a joy. With patience, the right techniques, and a genuine appreciation for the innocence of childhood, you can capture moments that parents will cherish for a lifetime. Remember, it's not just about the photograph – it's about the memory it represents.

Click here to view our Galleries Street photography is a fascinating genre that has captivated both amateur and professional photographers for decades. At its heart, street photography seeks to capture candid moments of everyday life as they unfold in public spaces. The challenge? Finding that perfect moment, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary. It's no wonder this form of artistry requires keen observation, quick reflexes, and often, a sprinkle of luck.

Street photography is all about the spontaneity of the moment. Unlike staged portraits or planned landscapes, it's the unpredictability and the genuine nature of the scene that matters most. Every fleeting moment, from a child chasing a pigeon to a passionate street performer, has the potential to be a compelling snapshot.

To excel in street photography, one must become a keen observer. It's about immersing oneself in the 'urban jungle' and recognizing the stories that are unfolding. Whether you're wandering through narrow alleys, bustling marketplaces, or serene parks, every corner holds potential. The art lies in distinguishing between the mundane and the magical.

While it's true that the best camera is the one you have with you, some tools can make the street photographer’s life easier. A compact, lightweight camera, often with a wide-angle lens, is ideal for this genre. It's less obtrusive and allows for quick shots. In terms of settings, a fast shutter speed can freeze movement, while a larger aperture can help isolate subjects from busy backgrounds.

It's essential to approach street photography with respect for your subjects. While public spaces are generally fair game, always be sensitive to people's privacy. If someone seems uncomfortable or objects to being photographed, it's crucial to respect their wishes. Some photographers choose to engage with their subjects, while others prefer to remain unnoticed. Either way, empathy and understanding should guide your approach.

Remember, street photography is as much about the scene's composition as it is about the subject. Use elements like leading lines, contrasts, and patterns to draw the viewer's eye. And don’t be afraid to experiment. Tilt your camera, play with shadows, or even capture reflections. The streets are your canvas, and creativity knows no bounds.

Perhaps the most exhilarating aspect of street photography is its inherent unpredictability. No matter how much you plan, the streets always surprise. Embrace these surprises. Rain might ruin your plans for sunlit shots, but it can also transform the streets into reflective wonderlands.

Street photography is an art form that celebrates the beauty of everyday moments and the tapestry of human experiences. It's about stepping out of your comfort zone, observing the world with fresh eyes, and capturing the essence of life in its purest, unposed form. So, grab your camera, hit the streets, and let the urban landscapes tell their stories through your lens.

Click here to view our Galleries Photography has evolved into an art form that lets us freeze time, capture memories, and express creativity. One of the most magical and intriguing techniques that allows for this expressive latitude is long exposure photography. This genre allows photographers to manipulate the flow of time, creating visual poetry that can evoke emotions and provoke thought. But what does it take to master long exposure photography? Let's delve into some creative techniques that can elevate your long exposure images from good to breathtaking.

Before diving into the creative aspects, it's essential to understand the fundamentals. In long exposure photography, the camera's shutter remains open for an extended period, allowing more light to hit the sensor. This extended duration captures changes in the scene, be it the motion of clouds, streaks of car lights, or the smooth flow of water. 

Long exposure photography requires some specific equipment to capture the perfect shot. A tripod is mandatory to prevent camera shake, while Neutral Density (ND) filters help control the amount of light entering the lens. Remote shutter releases or using your camera's built-in timer can also aid in eliminating unwanted vibrations.

Light painting offers an interactive and fun way to engage with long exposure photography. In a dark environment, use a light source like a flashlight or glow stick to "paint" in the air while the shutter is open. The result is a mesmerizing trail of light captured over time.

One of the classic long exposure techniques involves photographing water bodies like rivers, waterfalls, or ocean waves. The longer the shutter is open, the more the water will appear smooth and misty. This technique adds a surreal quality to your images, making them appear dream-like.

Capture the slow dance of the clouds as they traverse the sky. By keeping the shutter open for a prolonged period, you can capture the dynamic motion of the clouds, offering a sense of timelessness and fluidity to your photographs.

For the astrophotography enthusiasts, long exposure can help you document the celestial dance of stars as Earth rotates. Known as star trails, this technique can result in hypnotic swirls and arcs in the night sky, signifying the passage of time on a cosmic scale.

From speeding cars to bustling cityscapes, long exposure can imbue your photographs with the energy and pulse of urban life. Car lights turn into colorful streaks, and people turn into ghost-like figures, encapsulating the frenetic pace of city living.

Long exposure photography serves as a playground for creativity, offering various avenues for experimentation. By understanding the tools and techniques, you can transform ordinary scenes into extraordinary works of art. Incorporating these creative techniques in your long exposure shots can elevate your portfolio and deepen your understanding of this captivating genre. The key lies in experimentation and continuous learning, so grab your camera, tripod, and ND filters, and let your imagination run wild.