Innovative shots like this one can be captured on the spur of the moment.
While children's portrait photography has its challenges, it can result in memories to be treasured for generations to come. With children, patience, understanding and a little friendly manipulation can go a long way. If you are new to photographing children, keeping the following tips in mind can help you see improved results.
Preparation and Methods
According to photographer Kris Krug's article, "Tips for Photographing Children," before posing children for that memorable shot, one of the key things to keep in mind is to make the session fun for kids (see References at the end of this article). Krug writes, "Child photography is mostly about being quick and secondly about playing the psychology game with kids to make it fun for them and not a chore." Krug recommends several specific pointers for infusing a sense of playfulness and involvement. Rather than instructing a child to have a seat and smile, allow her to explore her environment. You will find that you can capture children in their most natural and flattering poses--young children, especially--if they are allowed to explore the setting safely.
Take the child to the most age-appropriate location, such as the beach, park or mall. Let him move around and take plenty of shots. It is unlikely that you will get that perfect shot right away. Krug's advice is to "Give them some space, sit back and watch, but always be ready!" Once the child has warmed up to you and "forgets" that you are there to take pictures, gradually close in on the right shots, get down to the child's eye level and snap away.
Dress and Poses
In the event that your photography session will take place in the studio, try to remind parents to bring in children who are well-rested. Photographer Mimika Cooney recommends scheduling young children to be photographed around mid-morning (see References). As a professional children's photographer, you should be prepared in the event of temper flare-ups or reluctance, and be patient until the child is calm and comfortable. Try to engage the child's interest and involve parents in the team effort. Parents can sit with children at first to maximize their comfort level, and later can stand behind the photographer to coax their little one's attention in the proper direction. Children's portraits turn out best when the subjects are relaxed and comfortable within their environment. Stiff smiles and posed limbs do not make for the most flattering photographs. Also, for studio sessions, it can't hurt to bring along a favorite toy for comfort and a brush to tidy up hair.
When it comes to advice on dressing your little ones for the big day, Cooney holds to the old adage, "Less is more." She recommends dressing children in solid colors, rather than busy patterns, that coordinate with the season and background. Think pastels and bright colors for spring and summer, and a darker selection for fall and winter portraits. Whatever your approach, the more portraits you take and the more children you work with, the more you will get a feel for what works and what doesn't.
