All parents want to capture their child on film and parents of twins and triplets are no different; however, taking photographs of twins and triplets can be more challenging. That's one of the reasons digital cameras are a twin mom's best friend--that and some advice from a mom who's been there, done that and has the pictures to prove it!
1. Patience Taking photographs of your twins or
triplets may be a trying experience. Expect to take at least 250 to 300
photographs if you are trying for a formal portrait. Capturing your
toddlers in action may require as many as 50 photographs. Their
attention spans are fairly short so take a break when you need to and
let the kids run around for a few minutes.
2. Baby Wranglers
When taking formal portraits, try to have at least two other people
(three or four if you have triplets or quads) to assist you. Your baby
wranglers can make sure your toddlers don't run off in different
directions-so you can concentrate on taking a great photograph.
3. Setup
Arrange the setting and props in advance when taking a formal portrait.
Use a white sheet, a folding screen, or a painted wall as the
backdrop-just keep it neutral. Decide whether you want one child
sitting and one standing or both sitting. For seating options, try a
rocking horse, small footstool, or kid-size chair. Pick out a few toys
or props such as teddy bears or other stuffed animals, pumpkins, or a
big bow that will keep them occupied while you take the photographs.
4. Outfits For formal portraits, keep the outfits
simple. Basic colors such as red, white, dark green, navy blue, or
black work well. White shirts for boys No crazy patterns, ruffles or
big bows that overpower your children and detract from their features.
Shoes are optional for young children.
5. Candid Shots
Candid shots are the best way to capture your child's personality. Once
your children are mobile it's time to start using the sports or action
setting on the camera for just about every photograph you take (except
formal portraits). Rarely will your toddlers stand still for a
photographic moment. Once they see the camera, they will come running
toward it--and you--making it difficult to take a good candid shot.
6. Close-ups
Avoid having a lot of background in the shot by taking close-up shots.
You want to capture your children not the mess in the background that
you will only have to crop out of the picture later. Engage your kids
in conversation or use a few props or toys (see #3 for ideas) that will
capture their attention and take the focus away from you and the
camera. This is where a zoom feature can come in handy.
7. Get Down to Their Level
One of the best techniques for capturing your children on film is
photograph your children at their eye level. So get down on one knee
and click away.
Last but not least, even though you probably think of your multiples as a unit, be sure to take individual pictures in addition to group photos.
