TIPS FOR PUMPKIN PATCH KID’S PHOTOGRAPHY

The second-best thing about fall (the first being all the lovely leaves) is the pumpkins; the colorful fields of orange gourds combined with rich brown soil and the hint of frost in the air is just invigorating, not to mention a fantastic place for photos of your children. So, take these tips and find the nearest patch:

Time it: Early or Late

Early morning or late evening is truly the best time to go to the pumpkin patch; you’ll have nice, soft and warm light to work with to light your kids up. Place the sun to the left or right of your child so there’s a good amount of light on their face, but it’s not full on to avoid the dreaded squints.

Smallest to Largest

Get creative with your pumpkin arrangements (and your kids) when you’re delving into kid’s photography at the pumpkin patch; smallest to largest, stack-em-up, pumpkin circle, etc. You don’t have to only take head shots either – try capturing hands and feet in a circle or event the top of a head surrounded by pumpkins. If you have really good timing you can also try a “jump” shot of all the kids (or everyone if you have a tripod and a timer) jumping at the same time.

Low Point-of-View

The best kid’s portrait photos are taken down at their level, so great ready to crouch, kneel, or even lay on your stomach to get the shot. Remember to dress warm. Gloves that keep your fingers warm but allow you to operate your camera are recommended as well.

Close-Up

The orangey, pumpkin orbs make for an excellent background, so get a few photos of your kids up close and capture their smiling faces. Use a large aperture (f/5.6 or larger) to get a nice, sharp face with the foreground and background blurred.

Props for Fun!

Break out some wintery props for your children’s photo shoot – scarves, hats, mittens, etc. Bundle up your little ones so they can stay cozy (yet fashionable). Choose fun colors, crazy toques, even leg warmers to let their natural personalities shine through and make your photo stand out from the crowd.

Keep Going Back

If you don’t get the “perfect” kid’s photos the first time, go back! Figure out what worked and what didn’t and then try again. Perhaps you need different settings, or an earlier/later time of day. Don’t give up – you can have perfect pumpkin patch photos of your kids!

UPDATE: If you live in the New York areas, check out our recommendations for great pumpkin patches. Don’t forget to celebrate your successful photo shoot with a treat – a pumpkin perhaps? Or how about some delicious cocoa?