By Janine Giannini, Mother of 2 daughters, wife, professional photographer and owner of Moments and Memories photographic studio

With Spring here and Summer round the corner and holidays in a few months I am sure we will all have our camera’s out and taking advantage of excellent moments to take pictures of our kiddies and families. Below are a few tips to keep in mind to make your shots even better. There is nothing more disappointing than your photos not coming out the way you would have liked or that picture of the perfect moment is too dark to see anything. Have a look the tips below to help you capture those moments with a perfect picture…

1) Although some moments happen so fast and the aim is just to capture the shot try to photograph against a background that isn’t too busy to make sure that your little one is the focus in the photograph instead of too many busy distracting things behind them

2) When outside always stand with the sun behind you when taking the picture

3) Where possible early morning sun and late afternoon sun always gives better results. Midday sun often leaves areas in the photograph that are over exposed and harsh as well as big dark shadows.

4) Where possible, even inside (with sun light through a window) try use natural sun light instead of a flash…natural sun light it is always more flattering than a flash

5) If the person you are taking a picture of is in the shade, try make sure you are also standing in the shade, otherwise you have a good chance of your picture being very dark. The same applies the other way round… if you are taking a picture of someone standing in full sun make sure you are also standing in the sun otherwise your picture will be too light. If your camera is on automatic it takes the picture according to the light you are standing in NOT the light your subject is in

6) Always set your camera to the highest quality of photograph, you may have less space on your memory stick but your photograph prints will be of a much better quality.

7) Don’t be shy to try take photographs from new and different angles, you will be surprised at the interesting and fun photographs you can take by trying some new angles. Try taking photographs from above and below your subject as well ….

Have you ever wondered why some of your photos seem to come out a blueish, orange or purple colour? If so it may be because you have not set your camera to the right type of light you are standing in. Remember that before you take photos use the settings on your camera with the little sun, the cloud, the house in the shade, the light bulb etc… these settings will help you take photos that are the closest natural colour as possible according to the light you are in. If you are in very cloudy conditions set your camera to the cloud, if your  are standing in full bright sun, use the little sun setting… and so on…

9) Have fun, take a lot of photos and don’t be afraid to experiment …. The more photos you take and the better you know how your camera works the better your photos will be….