I'm glad that phones now come with decent cameras so that I'm never completely camera-less. If you want to take truly terrific shots like this one, though, you'll need more than a camera phone. Notice how the photographer manipulated the depth of field to keep the focus on the boy's face. Also, she caught her son at just the right moment, which requires either incredible luck or a camera without shutter lag, that time between the pushing of the button and the actual taking of the picture. Although I've seen excellent photos taken with all kinds of cameras, shooting with something other than a camera phone or a point-and-shoot greatly improves one's chances. Want to know more? Check out my list of cameras and photo products recommended for grandparents.
What kind of camera do you favor? Leave a comment below.
Photo © E. Taylor. See more Pictures of the Week from around About.com.
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I have the most problems when I take photos of multiple kids at the same time. One is blinking, one is frowning, one is looking in a different direction, etc. Drives me crazy.
Oh, yes, iMaddy. That’s why one of my photo hints is not to feel that you have to include the whole gang in every shot. Sometimes you have to be direct. “Get out of the picture, Joey, I want a picture of just Jane!” Sometimes you can crop them out, but half the time there’s an elbow or a hank of hair that’s too close to cut out.
Cute photo. Thanks for the shooting tips.
We got many years of use out of the Olympus Stylus 720 SW, which is shock and waterproof, so no worries if you drop it. I find it handy to have a disc reader you can attach as an ISB, to download pix directly into the computer. My Mom doesn’t have one, and I think it limits how many pix of the grandkids she’s able to share.
I have an Olympus Stylus, too, but it’s not the waterproof/shockproof version. I love it, because even though it’s a digital point and shoot, the shutter speed is pretty fast, allowing me to take much, much better photos than I could with my old digital point and shoot.
Great tips! Love that shot, so cute, she did a great job! I think the ones where they are hamming it up and goofy are funny years later!
I recently got a new Sony and I love it. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V. I previously had a Cyber-shot as well! But in a pinch the phone takes really nice pictures and it’s always handy!
I accept the idea that I’m an awful photographer, so for me, having an iPhone picture so I can see the cheery faces at any time is enough. Fortunately, DH is an excellent photographer.
I LOVE my camera! I have one of the very first Canon RebelXTs that came out about 6 years ago. I also love Canon for their excellent customer service. For Christmas this year the number 1 item on my list is — a Flip video camera! Please Santa!!!!!!!
PS That picture IS wonderful! What a cutey!
I LOVE that photo. Speaks volumes about the mixed experience kids have with birthday parties.
Great list for Grandparents too. I would also add an iPhone to that list. I get great photos and perhaps most importantly, I always have it with me.
I’m always having to compensate for shutter lag and waiting until I can take another shot can be frustrating. the view finder is so small I can barely see what I’m shooting so resort to the old fashioned window. I bought got a new camera with a bigger view, but alas no window. I should have checked your list first!
I am a terrible photographer too – so I take lots of shots. Not worry about getting everyone in the shot is a great tip!
I have a fairly simple p&s sony cybershot ( small size) when I get a good shot & try again, I forget what I did, LOL. my phone takes bad pics, but hubby’s who has the same model takes them fine?? thanks for the tips, I am always open to learn more.
Thank you for these great tips. It’s the perfect time for them because we all want great shots of the kids during the holidays.