Take a candid portrait - Fun at-home activities for Kids.

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Take a candid portrait

Take a candid portrait of a friend or family member using a camera or smartphone, practicing framing, lighting, timing, and asking permission.

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Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to take a candid portrait

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Tamron How-To Child Photography: Candid & Posed Natural Light Moments with Your Children

What you need

Adult supervision required, camera or smartphone, natural light source like a window or shaded outdoor area, plain background like a wall or tidy part of the yard, small piece of white paper for a reflector optional, willing friend or family member

Step 1

Ask the person if you may take their photo and promise to be respectful.

Step 2

Choose a spot with soft natural light such as near a window or in open shade.

Step 3

Pick a simple background that will not distract from the person.

Step 4

Ask the person to stand or sit where their face is clearly visible and comfortable.

Step 5

Hold your camera or smartphone steady at eye level.

Step 6

Turn the camera to portrait orientation for a headshot or to landscape for a wider view.

Step 7

Move closer or farther so the person fills the frame the way you want.

Step 8

Look at the person’s face to see if the light is even or if there are strong shadows.

Step 9

Fix strong shadows by moving the person or by bouncing light with the white paper reflector.

Step 10

Ask the person to do something natural like tell a joke play a small action or look away so they relax.

Step 11

While they act naturally take several quick photos to catch real candid moments.

Step 12

Review your photos and choose your favorite candid portrait.

Step 13

Share your finished candid portrait on DIY.org.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

Complete & Share

Help!?

What can I use if I don't have a white paper reflector?

Use a white poster board, a large white t-shirt, a sheet of white cardstock, or a piece of cardboard covered in aluminum foil to bounce light when fixing strong shadows with the white paper reflector.

My photos are coming out blurry or with harsh shadows—what should I try?

Hold your camera or smartphone steady at eye level (brace it against your forehead or a stable surface), move the person into soft natural light near a window or open shade, and use the white paper reflector while taking several quick photos to reduce blur and fix strong shadows.

How can I adapt this candid portrait activity for different ages?

For toddlers make it a short game with silly prompts and a parent nearby, for school-age kids use quick action prompts like telling a joke while you steady the camera at eye level, and for teens let them pick the background and review photos before sharing on DIY.org.

How can we extend or personalize the candid portrait session?

Experiment with different simple backgrounds, switch between portrait and landscape orientation for headshots or wider views, add small props or themed clothing for personality, and compile favorites into a gallery to share on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to take a candid portrait

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Take the Best Creative Self Portrait! 📸 | Photography Tutorial for Kids

4 Videos

Facts about photography for kids

⏱️ Use burst mode or take lots of photos: candid expressions can disappear in a fraction of a second, and more shots boost your chances of catching the perfect moment.

🤝 Always ask permission before taking or sharing someone's photo—it's polite and often a legal must when publishing images.

🌞 Soft natural light (like window light or cloudy days) is one of the easiest ways to make skin look smooth and flattering in portraits.

📸 The earliest portraits that captured people happened by accident—long exposure times meant most early photos had no moving people in them!

🎯 The rule of thirds divides a frame into 9 parts and putting your subject on one of the lines often makes photos more dynamic.

How do I take a candid portrait of a friend or family member?

Start by choosing a camera or smartphone with a charged battery and clear lens. Observe your subject and wait for natural moments—smiles, gestures, or interaction. Frame using the rule of thirds, focus on the eyes, and use soft natural light when possible. Shoot in burst mode to capture timing. Always ask permission before or right after taking candid photos, explaining you want natural shots. Review images together and delete any the subject dislikes.

What materials do I need to take a candid portrait with a camera or smartphone?

You'll need a smartphone or camera with enough battery and storage space, and a clean lens. Optional items: a small tripod or grip for steady hands, a microfiber cloth, a spare memory card or power bank, and a reflector or white poster board to bounce light. Also bring simple props for comfort and practice how to ask permission—consent is part of the materials, not a gadget.

What ages is candid portrait practice suitable for?

This activity suits different ages with supervision: ages 5–7 can hold a phone, practice framing basic faces, and learn to ask permission with help. Ages 8–12 can focus on composition, lighting, and timing, using burst mode and simple editing. Teens 13+ can work more independently, explore storytelling and privacy rules. Always supervise young children, teach consent and online safety, and tailor complexity to each child’s attention and coordination.

What safety and privacy tips should parents teach when taking candid portraits?

Teach safety and privacy before shooting: always ask for verbal permission and respect a 'no.' Avoid photographing people in private or sensitive situations. Don’t include identifiable location details in shared photos; disable geotagging on devices. For children, get parental consent before posting. If someone is uncomfortable, delete or blur their image. Emphasize kindness—never pressure subjects—and explain responsible sharing online and how to report misuse.

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