NEWS COPY
A top photographer who took pictures of a young Prince William and Harry has offered his tips to parents – to help create the perfect Instagram-ready ‘back to school’ snap.
David Levenson, who shot the young princes on their first day back to school, has revealed how to take the iconic ‘doorstep’ photograph which fills social media feeds every September.
His tips include standing the subject in the shade and avoiding harsh sunlight – and never standing the tot against a brick wall.
Supermarket giant Tesco is even offering the chance for customers buying uniforms to win a back to school photoshoot with the renowned photographer himself.
Alessandra Bellini, Tesco’s chief customer officer, said: “This year, we understand that there will be mixed emotions around returning to school after months of uncertainty, and that the occasion may look different around the country.
“Given this truly unique back to school moment, however, we also want to help families create special memories together.
“This is why we have worked with David to create a series of simple photography tips, so parents and children can mark that first day back.
“We’re also delighted to offer three lucky families the once-in-a-lifetime chance to win a regal photoshoot to mark the special occasion.”
The supermarket launched the competition after research found that, after months of uncertainty, families are faced with mixed emotions about children going back to school in September.
While 51 per cent of parents are feeling anxious about the first day back, 27 per cent admitted to a sense of relief at the prospect of the end of home-schooling.
When it comes to the kids, 47 per cent of the 2005 parents of kids aged 4-16 surveyed said their child is excited about getting back to the classroom.
The research also found six per cent of home-schooling parents had their children dress in full uniform each day, even though they weren’t going into the classroom.
But the outfit of choice for the majority (35 per cent) was a comfy t-shirt and jeans.
For information on how to enter the competition and full terms and conditions visit:
www.tesco.com/
DAVID LEVENSON’S TOP TIPS FOR TAKING A MEMORABLE BACK TO SCHOOL PHOTO:
1. For a good portrait, always stand the subject in the shade and avoid the bright sunshine
2. Be aware of the background in your picture. Brick walls don’t photograph well. Stand the subject in front of a cleaner backdrop and move any dustbins or eye sores out of the shot
3. For a more interesting ‘Back to School’ picture, get your kids to walk away from you and then turn their heads to the camera, to capture them smiling or try a shot where the kids are all jumping in the air, to give a bit of life to the photograph
4. If the weather is bad, make it a feature of the photo. For example, have them laughing under an umbrella
5. Have the subject reasonably close to the camera, and the point of focus. Just give a hint of anything behind them
6. On a sunny day it is better for the subject to have their back to the light – it will stop them squinting too
7. For good pictures of kids, always get yourself down to their level – don’t look down on them from above
8. Learn to edit your photos down to just the best one or two of each shot. Only show people a few pictures, nobody wants to sit through your rejects, or umpteen versions of the same picture
9. Don’t worry about whether or not your camera is good enough, some of the best photos in history were taken with simple equipment
10. A camera flash only travels about 10 feet, so make sure your subject is within that distance
ENDS
