7 Tips for Photographing Children
As you may have noticed, I am absolutely in love with photographing children. Every sitting I do is profoundly meaningful to me. I have never left a sitting without feeling impacted in some way. The time I spend photographing children is so different from any area of my life or theirs. It is a time when an adult is paying complete and full attention to them. Being around children gives me a chance to see the world from a totally different perspective. Sometimes that perspective is funny, sometimes it is curious, sometimes it is profound.
If you are interested in photographing children, or just want some ideas on how to photograph your own children successfully, here are a few tips and tricks:
Treat them with respect. Talking with children as you might an adult creates trust.
Dealing with shyness? Start a conversation before even taking out the camera. Make sure the child is totally comfortable first.
Don’t pose or touch their body. Many of us remember this happening when during school photo time in elementary school. Posing a child will not be as natural as just letting them be themselves.
Don’t ask them to smile. Most children haven’t mastered the art of creating an authentic smile on demand. Instead, try to joke with them or ask them to tell a funny story.
Don’t ask them to look at the camera. For whatever reason, this can cause children to put on some strange faces! Instead, keep talking with them so that their focus is on you, just behind the camera.
Have them wear their favorite clothing. This will make them more comfortable and will also make for a meaningful memory.
And of course - have fun!
Interested in booking a session with me? Let’s talk.