Photographing children can be quite a wild ride. We all know how cute kids can be, but it can be difficult to capture this in a single moment, especially when the subject is not likely to hold still or make the requested facial expression. Here are a few tips that are sure to get you attractive and even adorable shots that capture this moment of childhood perfectly.
1. Come prepared.
Speed is everything when taking children’s photographs, especially with young children. Know the child’s name and age so you can communicate effectively in language that they understand. Make sure you have all equipment in a handy location and that everything is charged ahead of time. Last, and perhaps most important, have an idea of what shots you want to get and what settings will be necessary. There may not be time to contemplate the right shutter speed, lighting, and other variables when dealing with an impatient toddler! However, leave time for the candid, spontaneous shots that truly capture the child’s personality.
2. Be positive.
Children are perhaps the best readers of adult moods. If you love being around them, you will likely find that you have a happy, cooperative subject. However, if you are in a bad mood, you may find yourself spending the day coaxing a suspicious and uncooperative child into a fake smile and wooden pose. Bring your smile and your best attitude; chances are good that your little subject will reciprocate.
3. Explain the process.
All people carry a mixture of fear and curiosity when it comes to dealing with the unknown. Children are no exception! Because children are not as familiar with photography as an adult, your equipment may look threatening and scary or unbelievably enticing to them, both of which can be disastrous. Begin by showing the child the different equipment and explaining in simple terms what each instrument does. Let them examine and, if possible, touch it. Then tell the child roughly what will happen when you are taking their picture and how they can help get the best photograph. This will create a relaxed atmosphere where the child knows what is expected of them.
4. Choose the setting carefully.
If you are in a studio, have child friendly objects and props so you can change direction as the child’s attention span allows. For many children, photographing them in their home or at a local park can be ideal, especially if you choose a time of day where the natural light is good such as early evening. Remember that you will likely get a very short amount of time in each scenario, so think quickly and plan to change direction often.
5. Think natural.
Many photographers feel that they need to get a perfectly centered photo of the child sitting and smiling, arranged to be symmetrical and portrait-like. However, the more candid shots are often the ones that parents love, the photographs that become cherished keepsakes. Capturing a playful pout, a look of wonder as the child examines an insect, or a two-year-old’s interpretation of a ballerina twirl will say volumes about the child’s personality at that moment in their growth.
6. Clothing matters.
There is a good chance that the mother has a very clear idea of what she wants the child to wear, but even then there are options. You can ask the parents to bring a change of clothing or two, such as a soccer jersey, a pair of overalls, or another outfit that expresses the child’s personality. Changing clothing can also give a nice change of pace when the child is becoming overwhelmed with the process. Keep floppy hats, neckties, and other ‘dress-up’ items around for fun, impromptu shots that always get a smile.
7. Consider lighting ahead of time.
Almost all small children have naturally perfect skin, but lighting still remains important in photographing these tiny subjects. If you are shooting outdoors, choose a time of day when little auxiliary lighting is needed. This will allow you to follow the child and capture impromptu moments. If you are shooting inside, have the lights set up ahead of time. Natural lighting with diffusing to prevent shadows is usually perfect for a photo of a child. Make sure there is good light throughout the studio, because there is a good chance that your little subject won’t stay put.
8. Keep your finger on the shutter button.
You never know when a child will flash a winning smile or adopt for a moment the sweetest pose. For this reason, when photographing children you must have excellent reflexes and adjust your camera’s settings ahead of time. You have to be ready to take pictures at a moment’s notice—or even less.
9. Make formal shots fast and meaningful.
There are two ways of thinking about this subject. Some photographers prefer to get more formal, posed shots at the beginning of a shoot, when the child is more cooperative and relaxed. On the other hand, this can also be a great time for silly and informal shots. It’s really a matter of preference, but make sure the formal part of your shoot is fast. Arrange the setting, position the adults, and then pop in the children at the last minute. If you can take three or four shots at a time, it will increase the chance of getting one where no one is blinking or making an unattractive face.
10. Focus on their eyes.
The most important part of a child’s photograph is the eyes. Children are full of curiosity, emotion, and wonder. Make sure their eyes—the parts that express their personality most succinctly—are in focus and the focus of every photograph. This will create pictures with that spark that parents and friends love—the very essence of the child at that very second. Don’t be afraid to come in close with the camera and fill the photo with the child’s beautiful eyes in the frame of their tiny face. In the end, there are only so many ways you can pose a child; it’s the personality and expression that makes every photograph.
