Photographing Children

Hold still! Look this way! Trying to capture the perfect shot with children is next to impossible unless you just go with the flow. Catching that once in a lifetime shot can be done with patience and a few secrets. This hub discusses the skills needed for a photographer to get their work to a higher level. The first is to remember that kids are people and to talk to them kindly and treat them with respect. Another is to remember how you were when you were children – for some of us that may be a long time ago.

I remember when I first tried to get some cute pictures of children. I would see them do something adorable and then reach for my camera, but by then it was too late. Just as I snapped the shot, they would turn to the side and I ended up with a nice photo of the back of their head. This became very frustrating and so I tried to remember what I saw in the professional photography studios.

It is important to have everything set up and ready for the shoot beforehand. That way you can concentrate on developing a rapport with the child. Learning to connect with the child right off the bat is probably the best way to get a great photograph. Ask them about themselves. If you do not feel comfortable with the child, the kids will sense that and act accordingly, pulling into themselves. Use a gentle voice and touch when working with the children and they will usually respond positively. Be sincere because they can tell if you are just “putting it on”. Be charming and they will melt.

Children will do and say the most unpredictable things. If you catch them at that perfect moment, you will be rewarded greatly. Just let them act the way they usually do and snap as many shots as you can during the time you have with them. You are certain to come up with a few great ones. Children forced to sit still and pose in a certain way usually look unnatural, so you have to get them to think it is fun and playful. If you want them to look a certain direction, put a toy or picture there so they have something attractive to focus on.

Use props that children will enjoy so they feel at ease. To get a particularly fun shot give them a box that has a surprise inside. If they are afraid of the flash, let them see it several times before the real shots to get used to it. Make up a song like “Pop goes the weasel” to go along with the flashes. The looks of curiosity and excitement will show through on the photos.

Do not use candy or treats unless you are ready to deal with a mess on their clothes plus their parents may not appreciate it. Little toys, books and balls can keep their attention and may even add to the character of the photo. I’m sure you will have had frantic moments in your experience in photographing children. You can make them more pleasurable and capture a professional shot with just a bit of preparation and a positive attitude. The extra effort will be evident in your photographs.