While giving directions to subjects may be possible when taking portraits of adults, it can be near-impossible to do the same when it comes to taking pictures of children. To get that perfect image, the photographer has to be one step ahead, using his or her ingenuity to get the child to hold a desired pose, and with little time to figure out the best lighting or best angle.
This exhibition brings together a carefully selected collection of photographs of children since the advent of film in the 19th century — when camera exposures were long and children had to be held by their hands and feet to keep them still — to the present era of fast films and digital cameras. Techniques that were used are revealed, as well as indications of how technology has helped the photographer capture those special childhood moments.
There is also be a fun hands-on corner where children and families can practice taking their own photos; till Sep. 19.
Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography; 03-3280-0099; Yebisu Garden Place, 1-13-3 Mita Meguro-ku; Ebisu Station (JR & Hibiya lines). 10 a.m.-6 p.m. ¥500. Closed Mon. www.syabi.com.
