Kate Middleton's camera skills praised in adorable family portraits

Herald online

8 Jun, 2015 12:45 AM4 mins to read

Prince George gently kisses his baby sister, Princess Charlotte in a touching photograph captured by their mother, the Duchess of Cambridge. Photo / Kensington Palace

Touching photographs of the future king nursing his baby sister, Princess Charlotte, have been released, showing off the expert camera skills of their mother, the Duchess of Cambridge.

Princess Charlotte was born on May 2. The sweet posed portraits were taken by Kate Middleton at their family home, Anmer Hall in Norfolk, when the newest royal was about two weeks old.

The family photographs are true to tradition - Kate's father, Michael Middleton, took the first family portrait when Prince George was born in 2013.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with Prince George and Cocker Spaniel Lupo. Photo taken by Michael Middleton.

New Zealand professional family portrait photographer, Wendy Cain praised Kate for her skills behind the camera, saying the Duchess managed to get perfect colour, connection and lighting.

"I think the Duchess has done a great job, she's got great connection, she's done well with her colours and her lighting," Cain told the nzherald.co.nz.

She explained that dressing the young children in white and pale blue and positioning them on a cream couch with white cushions maintained focus on the subjects.

"It's not distracting the eye or focus from the children, it's all about the children."

Kate faced them towards natural light and turned off the flash which could have "blown everything out - it's too harsh".

"It's not too bright, it's coming from a good light source through a window."

The only criticism Cain had was the poor focus in one of the pictures.

"Every time I look at the photo I think what a pity, she has focused on the hands. Her depth of field is too shallow.

"You need to have your focus spot on, it should be on the eyes if possible. If you've got several sets of eyes, focus on the eyes closest to the camera."

"If only she'd just taken a few more moments to check that focus."

However, Cain - with a decade's experience in family photography - said she could tell Kate, a former arts student, had planned the photographs.

"You can see that she's thought about the image. Little Charlotte is looking happy, well fed and rested. George is very touching. It's not always easy to do."

Kate's profile on the British Monarchy's official website lists her love of photography. She's been seen before taking photos during official engagements. In 2012 took a series of stunning shots in the Borneo jungle which were later released to the public. Kate also stepped behind the lens while on an official tour of Canada with William.

Princess Charlotte will be baptised at St Mary Magdalene Church on Sunday July 5 at a private ceremony led by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.

Prince George poses perfectly with his sister Princess Charlotte. Their mother, the Duchess of Cambridge, took the picture.

How to take family photographs as well as Kate

Family portrait and child photographer, Michelle Erasmus from Little Mannequins Photography, shares her top ten tips for taking snaps of children.

1. Be patient.
2. Create a relaxed environment. Children are very clever, they know when they are under pressure.
3. Pick a time of day that you know your children are at their happiest.
4. Make use of natural light. Study the light around you and notice how the light changes throughout the day. Lovely soft light in the early mornings or late afternoons.
5. A little bit of help from another family member goes a long way to help the photographer.
6. You need to earn those smiles. Sing a favourite song, talk about something they love. It will light up their eyes.
7. Once you have set yourself up, work quickly. Stay on your toes for those special, split second moments.
8. Choose subtle colours when selecting outfits.
9. Photographers need a sense of humour. Have fun with your children.
10. Remember to print those photos.