One for the Littles -Photographing Children

I got some messages after last weeks blog post to elaborate a little more on one particular age group, Kids. Oh, we love them to pieces! Chubby cheek grins, shy tears, pudgy little bellies… freckles. SO cute, right? I have two nieces and a nephew and I absolutely a d o r e them! But hey, we all know this is inevitible sometimes, kids and cameras often don’t easily mix, especially when pressure is applied! So often whether it is at a wedding or at a photo shoot a kid will feel the need to perform. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched kids feel pressured to do something rather than find that middle ground where they feel comfortable and I get what I need! I am by no means a specialist in this area but here are some practical tips I’ve learned that have really helped!

1. Don’t even pull out your camera.

That’s right, no need to get shutter happy too soon! When I approach a child at a session (Especially if the session is JUST for them and not a whole family session.) I don’t even pull out my camera for the first few minutes, why? Well I used to do this, Arrive at the shoot, greet, go over some quick info and pull out my camera, try to direct a small child…. and it was a flop, and there were meltdowns! I was missing sooo many steps!

Now, when I meet a kiddo at a session I sit down and chat with them, all depending on age of course. Kids that can talk I will ask how old they are,  ask them their  favorite super hero or princess, what movie they like, compliment them, ect. I want them to feel comfortable with me and I want them to know I’m not just there to get something out of them, Because I genuinely care about them having a good experience with me too! After all, it would be scary to meet a complete stranger and have them pull out giant pieces of gear and have you sit here and smile. Make them comfortable!

2. Give them some control!
Usually with toddlers or young kids they feel very bound and trapped. Mom is usually trying to give them 1000 directions too, it can be so confusing, I mean, it confuses me too! Ask them if they have any photo spots to try, or even a pose! Even if it isn’t the most convenient, go along with them and make the compromise! Often I will say “Hey if we go over here and you follow my direction for a few photos I want to see what cool idea you have next and we will try yours!” It usually excites them and they love being involved! Just remember to go with the flow and be easy going! If you are too tense and controlling your subject is going to feed off that energy and you can potentially lose them completely! Patience is a virtue :)

3. Reward for good behavior, Don’t bribe for bad.

Bribing has its place and often I will use it when all else fails, we all have those shoots where a child is simply incorrigible, that probably wont ever be your fault! Please don’t let that get you down, I used to think I was a failure if I simply couldn’t break a kid and get them to cooperate. Talk to the parents before hand to work with you, maybe they have something in mind to encourage their child, an end goal to excite them. Try to stay away from treats and candy especially if this is something you haven’t talked with the parents before hand! Although the secret treat is definitely marshmallows and excellent bribes! Usually no one is allergic, they are quick and mess free! Versus a red sucker or chocolate.But again, definitely something to discuss with mom and dad beforehand! I like to make a kid feel special in small ways, High-five them when a photo idea was well executed, or sending them their own thank you card when the shoot is over! That way if they are repeat clients that kid will be excited to see you next time! Its so rewarding when people who become some of your biggest fans, are only 4 ‘ 2″ ! ;)

4. Keep it simple!
I have really relaxed my shoot style when it comes to kids. Props, themes and crazy outfits can be fun, but also just so over whelming and uncomfortable! I approach my child photography more lifestyle now, I want to capture a child just as they are in that stage of life! I love taking a step back and photographing a child doing their thing, instead of having a bunch of extravagant photos, (which totally have their place too!) I just realized there was many ways to approach child portraiture. Remember you don’t ALWAYS have to get them to be smiling, our goal is to just keep them from crying, haha! I remember photographing a little girl a while back where she constantly puckered her lips (um, cutest phase ever!) so I photographed her sitting in the grass, playing with a dandelion, puckering her little lips! No direction, just capturing that stage of life! Can you guess which one the mom ordered for a canvas?

5. Mom can join too.

In the case where a kid wont leave mom’s hip or is super shy in the beginning of a shoot, capture that! Some of my favorite images are some mom/dad and kid snugglin’ photos! I love getting parents involved a portrait session!

Have fun and let the kid in you come out a little!