So many children, including my own, get tired of participating in pictures. I always want to practice on my own kids, but I know they get tired of having a camera in their face. I’ll admit this has been a struggle for me. My kids are great sports! Not to mention they will not object to a chocolate bribe now and then! But lately I have been wondering what I can photograph besides portraits. I love portraiture. It is so fun, but sometimes I just want some creative alone time. So, here are some ideas that I go to for pictures other than children.
Flowers:
Setting up a still life is an excellent idea. Perhaps just walking around your yard will give you some inspiration. I love flowers, and I have a decent flower garden in my own back yard. So sometimes, I just like to walk around there and see if I can find bugs or butterflies, or interesting flowers. Then I try to compose a shot in the best way I can imagine. Sometimes still life is so much easier than a fast-moving child. It is also a great way to learn how to free lens!
Cars:
I have an automotive background, so I love to photograph cars! I know, it’s kind of a weird background for an artsy girl. But combining my love of cars and art is so fun for me. Once again, it is so much easier than trying to get a genuine reaction from a child! There are so many possibilities with cars from light painting to panning! Cars are a great way to experiment. If you have a fisheye lens this might be a good time to use it!
Landscapes:
Landscapes aren’t something that I am used to doing. Maybe that’s because I’m in Indiana and it’s pretty flat around here! Ha! However, I think that no matter where you live you can make a beautiful landscape picture. Sometimes it’s just a matter of beautiful light! I find what helps me with landscapes are layering and making sure that you have a subject. Whether it’s beautiful light through a tree, or a mountain or a barn.
Details:
Sometimes it’s best to just give your children something to do or play and then capture all those little details. Think of your composition and light. Hands and feet tell part of the story! Dirty bare feet, hands full of frogs or mud. There are many possibilities!
Hope you enjoy these ideas! Thanks for reading!