Mamarazzi: Every Moms Guide to Photographing Kids

Mamarazzi [mah–muh–raht–tsee] (noun, plural): Mothers who doggedly pursue opportunities to take, share and display photographs of their children

If you just can′t put the camera down when the kids are around, you′re a card–carrying member of the mamarazzi. Chronicling childhood in photos is meaningful, fun and sometimes, frustrating enough to make you turn to cupcakes for comfort. How do professional photographers do it?

One of them tells you in this book. Here are professional secrets for getting great photos of kids pictures that not only capture childhood′s magical moments, but also the singular nature of your child′s personality. Charge up your camera battery and start reading!

What every mom with a camera should know

Techniques for capturing genuine expressions instead of cheesy smiles

Tips for every age and stage yes, even toddlers and teens!

Photography basics composition, lighting, exposure, focus, and white balance

Camera settings and lenses, plus techniques you can use with any type of camera

Why the experience matters more than the perfect shot

Effects you can create with different lighting techniques

How to pick ideal locations for taking pictures

Simple editing tips to make your photos even better

Introduction.

Take One: Roll Out the Red Carpet!

Chapter 1: Get Ready Get Set.

The Star.

The Lights!

The Set.

The Show.

Inside Scoop from Photography Superstars (Rebecca Worple).

Chapter 2: Get the Picture.

Fill the Frame.

Get Down, Get Down.

Remember the Rule of Thirds.

Find your Focus.

Shoot ′Em Up.

Consider the Color.

Decent Exposure.

Inside Scoop from Photography Superstars (Joyce Smith).

Take Two: Lights!

Chapter 3: Natural Beauty.

Catchlight Clues.

Watch Your Back.

Shed Some Light on It.

Find Direction.

Silhouettes.

Top/ Bottom Lighting.

Inside Scoop from Photography Superstars (Marla Carter).

Chapter 4: Control Freak.

Bounce Back.

Spread the Love.

Flash Mob.

You′ve Got It.

Inside Scoop from Photography Superstars (Tara Whitney).

Take Three: Camera!

Chapter 5: Shopping Spree.

The Mega Misunderstanding.

Steady Does It.

Find Junior with Face Finder.

On the Move.

Wait for It.

The Little Guys.

The Big Guns.

Choose your Weapon.

The Canon vs. Nikon Rivalry.

Inside Scoop from Photography Superstars (Lena Hyde).

Chapter 6: Camera Crew.

Need for (Shutter) Speed.

Aper–what?

ISO.

The Triangle.

Get out of the (Little Green) Box.

Feed the Meter.

Cheat Sheet.

Quality Control.

Best Bling (Stacy Wasmuth).

Chapter 7: Compose and Create.

Composition.

Creativity.

Inside Scoop from Photography Superstars (Audrey Woulard).

Take Four: (Inter)Action!

Chapter 8: Ages and Stages.

Ready–to–Pop Culture.

A Star is Born.

Tot–arazzi.

The Backpack Set.

Tweeny Boppers.

Inside Scoop from Photography Superstars (Carrie Sandoval).

Chapter 9: What to Wear.

Style Basics.

Clothing Guidelines.

Go Easy on Dad.

Keep your Eye on the Prize.

Inside Scoop from Photography Superstars (Laura Siebert).

Chapter 10: No Cheese Please.

The Thing on My Head.

No Peeking.

The Silly Song.

The Competition.

The Group Effort.

The Last Resort(s).

Inside Scoop from Photography Superstars (Rebecca Mudrick).

Inside Scoop from Photography Superstars (Gillian Gauthier).

Chapter 11: Milestones and Memories.

Vacation Photos.

Special Events.

Momentous Milestones.

Pet–ography.

Inside Scoop from Photography Superstars (Amy Smith).

Wrap: The After Party!

Chapter 12: Finishing Touches.

Choices, choices.

Calibration.

Work It Out.

Color Blind.

Proceed with Caution.

Inside Scoop from Photography Superstars (Sherry Petersik).

Chapter 13: Show It Off.

The Fine Print.

A World Wide Wonder.

Wall Flower.

Décor Diva.

Inside Scoop from Photography Superstars(Kelle Hampton).

Chapter 14: Hired Help.

Step Away from the Camera, Ma′am.

Be Choosey.

Find a Keeper.

Invest in Quality Memories.

Go for It.

A Note on US Copyright.

Index.

Stacy Wasmuth is a professional photographer and a mamarazzo who freely admits that photographing her own children may be her most challenging assignment. Stacy′s client list includes celebrities as well as many not quite famous, but equally fabulous families and children. View her work at bluecandyphotography.com.