bathtub fun by betsy cherry twin cities child photographer

A PERSONAL LIFESTYLE PHOTO LESSON - The only way to become good at lifestyle photography, or any type of photography, is to practice, practice, practice! Lifestyle photography can be especially challenging because you often don't have lights set up and might be following kids around their home. It's a very natural approach. Lifestyle photos transport you right into the moments in which they were taken, and that is precisely why I use my son as a regular model! Practice makes perfect, or should i say, better!

Whether you are a professional, semi-pro, or amateur photographer, practice is key to becoming better. Most photographers will place "practice" at the top of their How-To-Become-A-Better-Photog list. Practice is more important than know-how, equipment, or even passion. It's all about how you USE those things that matters most. Even though I have always had plenty of passion for photography, bought a nice camera, and read lots about photography, I will always have to practice, and practice often, in order to produce quality photos. Luckily, it's fun to practice! Try doing a practice shoot at least once a week. You'll be amazed at what you'll learn! Practice shoots can help sharpen your photographic skills or rekindle your fire if you feel in a slump.

Lifestyle photography can be a fun way to practice right at home, without setting up fancy equipment or blocking out a specific time. Simply grab your camera and start shooting! I had fun with this casual on-a-whim photo shoot because my son was just being himself while doing something he loved in his natural setting - that's the baseline of a lifestyle photo. The biggest reward in practicing lifestyle photography is building in-the-moment memories to look back on someday. . .and to embarrass our children if we so desire! Takeaway lesson: practice, practice, practice. . .and have fun!

If you have an adjustable flash, bounce the light off the side of the tub or shower walls to soften shadows and lighten a larger area.. Tubs are usually white, too, which will give a nice clean color to photos. You can also point the flash at the ceiling, but be aware that you'll have to turn up the juice to compensate for the distance the light has to travel

Include those weird facial expressions!! Don't just wait for perfect smiles or poses. Lifestyle photography is about capturing an untouched moment as it happens.

Find interesting angles to put the viewer into the action, especially from the point of view of the subject. This will help keep the viewer engaged.

Tub photos are never complete without water shots!! Keep your shutter speed higher to stop drops in motion. Just remember that you'll have widen your aperture and/or raise the ISO to compensate for less light entering the lens.

Don't forget to include a few classic face shots! Get down to their level and see the tub from their perspective for more dramatic photos.

And never ever leave out the chance for a fun butt shot! Just make it tasteful leaving much to the imagination and finding unique angles. Have fun!