I will be trying to integrate the Thursday Theme with the photography tips for the week.  Hopefully this works out, and just let me know if I am confusing everyone too much, okay?  Or if it is totally lame and not fun, okay??

So, this week’s theme is: Window

There are a few different ways you can take on this theme.  You can take a picture of your child looking out of the window, a picture of a architecturally interesting window, your child’s eyes as windows to the soul…there are plenty of ways to use it.  Be creative!

Another way, is to use the window light in taking photographs.  If we lived in a warmer area that had more daylight, I would be outside shooting where there was plenty of available light.  However, we live in a frigid northern state that has seen an unusually cold (subzero temps!!) December.  I don’t go outside unless I absolutely am required to brave the weather.

This means lots of pictures inside.  While I love to practice using my flash, sometimes it is just a pain to get it out, throw it on the camera, and figure out the settings.  Sometimes I want the natural light and the shadows that fall, and the beautiful catchlights in their little eyes.

I have found the best time to take pictures of my kids, is when they are laying on the couch, lit by a big window (glass doors, actually), and staring comatose-like at cartoons on the television.  They are too interested in the shenanigans of Curious George to complain about the camera just inches from their face.  Hey, whatever works, right?? 😀

Window light is the best way to get pictures inside without using a flash.  Otherwise rooms are just too dark to get a proper exposure (especially with the point and shoot model cameras).  Use them to your advantage.  Place your subject (child) facing the window and shoot off to the side to maximize the lighting on them.  The best light is also diffused light, so you don’t need the sun shining directly on them, they just need to be lit by the light.

Examples:

Those TVs really are a brain drain aren’t they, Sweetie?  You just sit there while I take your picture…

window light 1

Mommy, I am 2.4 seconds away from tantrum mode if you don’t put this Stargate SG-1 in for me.

pending tantrum

Watching the squirrels (not the TV)

light on

Also not watching TV (amazing!) 

windows 2

These were all taken in the same room in front of a large window.  I get great lighting in this room…thank goodness the TV is in here! 😉

There you have it folks…a theme and an assignment.  I can’t wait for Thursday to see what you all come up with!