If you have a child that really enjoys taking pictures and are looking for ways to improve their skills, you can help them by suggesting the use of props. There are great ways to show your child how to improve their pictures with inexpensive props. Of course, you will need to help your child by being their assistant. Here are some inexpensive props to use:
Bubbles – Blow bubbles on the subject or just in front of the camera lens. You can pick up some bubbles at your local store or at a party supply store. If your child is taking pictures of their younger sibling, bubbles will help them gain the response they need from their subject. Almost every child loves bubbles and will certainly give a large smile to your other child taking the picture.
Bean Bag Chairs – A cheap prop to use is a bean bag chair. Bean bag chairs can be found at your local store. If you notice the bean bag chair is having a flash reflection, you can cover it up with a blanket or large piece of fabric. Again, if your older child is taking pictures of their younger siblings, a bean bag chair can offer several different posing positions.
Have your child blow bubbles.
Wicker Chairs – Large wicker chairs can add a dramatic effect to your child’s pictures. By adding some fake ivy to the chair, it will provide a “classic” look and allow your child to take professional looking portraits. Wicker chairs can be found at a discount store or even at a thrift store.
A Mirror – Mirrors can be set on the floor and surrounded by ivy, fabric, or fake snow to create a whimsical image. Have your child photographer tell their subject to lie down on the mirror and gaze into the mirror.
Small Plaster Pedestal – If you go to a local hobby store or a home décor store, you will be able to find a small plaster pedestal that can be used as a prop for a subject to lean on. The best part about a plaster pedestal is the fact that they come unfinished. This allows you to paint them whatever color you want or cover them with different fabric to create a unique effect.
Adult clothing – Most children love to play dress up. It will be fun for your budding photographer to take pictures of their friends or family members as they play dress up. Get a bunch of adult clothes like hats, shoes, purses, ties, and jewelry.
A Garden Bench – Another way to make the photographs look professional is to use a garden bench. You can find a garden bench at a discount store or a garden supply store. Most benches are wood or plaster and they can be easily decorated with fake ivy or blankets.
Red Wagon – A little red wagon is a fun prop to use. Again, for a younger child, your budding photographer can position them pulling the wagon or sitting inside the wagon. Always be sure to immobilize the wheels of the wagon before you use it as a prop. You can find a wagon at a hardware store, yard sales, or your local store.
Large Blocks – The final prop idea is to use large blocks. Large number and alphabet blocks are great for taking pictures of smaller children. If you do not want to purchase the blocks you can make your own with sturdy craft boxes and glued letters or numbers on the sides. Have your budding photographer position their subjects next to or directly on the blocks.
Hopefully some of these prop ideas will help you teach your child about professional photography poses and help them increase their photography skills.
Parenting viewpoints from parents in the trenches, because parenting doesn’t come with a manual. In addition to