Fill The Frame

Because backgrounds can sometimes be distracting, do not be afraid to move in closer and take a picture of your angel’s face. It creates drama and interest in photograph and eliminates extra clutter. Unless you are taking a travel photo or an image of child engaged in a particular activity, feel free to emphasize most important element of picture- your child. Use zoom or macro tool on camera to get in closer. Pictures of your little one’s hands or feet can also be interesting studies, and one day you may find yourself saying, “I can’t believe they were so tiny!”

Just A Little Off-Centre

Many professional photographers use “The Rule Of Thirds” approach which means that they mentally divide frame into three sections both vertically and horizontally --like a tic-tac-toe grid-- and place subject of photo at one of these intersecting points. It helps to create a more dynamic photograph, than one where subject is smack-dab in middle. Take note that if your camera is an auto-focus model, you may have to focus first on your subject and then, with shutter button still half-pressed, recompose image.

Natural Light Rules!

One of tricks of trade in photography is to use morning or late afternoon light. The sunlight at this time is wonderful and helps to produce pictures that are bathed in warmth. Direct light flatters subject and adds to a more intimate and natural-looking photograph. It also helps to greatly reduce bane of every parent photographer- red eye!

Experiment with taking advantage of sunlight pouring through a window, or march kids outside on a sunny day and photograph them while they are playing tag.To have a well-lit photograph make sure light is behind you, shining on subject. To create drama, try using side light for impressive shading. If you try to take a photo with sunlight behind your children, a technique known as “backlighting”, you will end up with subject looking like a dark silhouette.

The Last Word

It really is all about fun. View time you are taking to photograph your children as time to share in their adventures and imaginary play. A frustrated mom directing kids to a more picturesque location and insisting on a smile does not reflect kids’ reality. Pick up camera only when everyone is relaxed and happy. Finally, don’t expect every photo to be a masterpiece. The truth is that only a few images from each roll are frame-worthy, but important thing is to keep snapping away to capture moments that depict their ever-changing lives, in all its unique glory!

3. Allow paying parent to use a variety of methods to pay child support. Child support for some parents is more than money. It may be food, clothing, recreational activities, daycare. If paying parent is willing to provide pre-paid credit cards, gift cards from movie theaters, clothing stores, grocery stores, gas stations etc. all of these items provided, in addition to court-ordered child support may assist in reducing arrears or assisting when child support payments have been reduced.

Both parents should understand that together it is their responsibility to care for well-being of their child, and both are responsible for keeping a record of all contributions made above and beyond court-ordered child support payments. Court ordered child support payments are only necessary when one or both parents refuse to take responsibility for financial welfare of their child. So…do right thing.