Capturing the attention of little ones so that they smile in the photo is not so simple. Professional photographers share their little tips for authentic, successful and grimacing-free photos. That of the “peanut butter sandwich” is worth trying.
We all have thousands of photos of our children on our smartphone. It’s simple, our dear little ones take up almost all of our storage space and we sometimes have trouble sorting. If we have gotten into the habit of photographing them at each age and at each new stage of life, it is rare to be fully satisfied with the visuals. Although new smartphones make it possible to improve image quality, particularly with the “Portrait” mode which slightly blurs the background, there are easy techniques to implement for successful family photos, such as pros. And then, let’s face it: children don’t stay focused for long, they’re always moving and it’s difficult to get them to smile when they don’t really want to.
To make your photos more original, for example, you can try a new angle: photograph your children from below, by bending down to their height or by lying down on the ground. The perspective will be such that the result will be stunning. You can even try the opposite: your child lies on the ground, in the grass, on the sand, a nice rug, and you stand on top of him. These new points of view ensure a dynamic and unusual photo, advises Nicki, a professional photographer based in Los Angeles.
Another technique, a little more original and fun, should allow you to capture precious moments of your children laughing out loud. These spontaneous photos, taken on the spot, have the advantage of avoiding “forced smiles” when the little ones want to please us but their little cheeks remain tense. For Christine Han, American mother and photographer, the “peanut butter sandwich” technique allows you to get the best photos of children.
What is it about ? After choosing the perfect place to take your photos, with good lighting, a nice setting and few distractions around the children, start by telling them a little joke, one that will help them relax in front of the camera. Don’t hesitate to string together several in a row to get them in the mood. The specialist then suggests encouraging the children to “prepare a peanut butter sandwich” among themselves. A way to photograph them in movement, exchanging and playing. “Ask them if these sandwiches have tails”, or even ears, teeth, or any other little detail that might make them laugh. This is when you, parents, behind the lens, have only one thing to do: bombard them with photos to capture the funniest and most authentic photos of your children, which you will then be proud to frame. .