Children Photography tips?

[Gina9942]

This weekend I am doing a shoot with 3 kids, they are aged, 5, 3, and 8 months old. A friend of mine knows the family and says the kids don't really sit still for anything. The older kids are girls, so I am hoping that they will be lured in by my dress up clothes, but any other thoughts on "posing" and I use that term loosely. I know the mom wants at least one with the three of them together, I think that's going to be my main concern when I get there, let's get them done, then I will do individuals. Any tips on how to get the attention of them long enough to get a shot? TIA!

[no.absolutes]

Generally.... I try to bribe children. I know, I know, it's terrible... but when Mommy and Daddy are like "remember the toy?" I just play along like "Man, you're gonna get a great toy, that's a great picture" and etc... usually it helps.I also use things to keep them occupied as props (such as the bunny or candy). I've done a few families with multiple children if you check out my Flickr... may help you out

Alcohol helps...on both ends of the camera.

I shot one family last December...a 4 month old, 18 month old, and a 5 year old. Never again. The 5yo was obviously ADD and couldn't sit still for a second. The 18mo just cried and cried and threw a fit for no apparent reason.

I went home and promptly increased my prices for family shoots. This was the second time ever that I did not enjoy a shoot (the first being a jackass "chef" who didn't want his picture taken for the paper) and decided it wasn't worth doing anymore unless I got paid a lot.

[Gina9942]

Originally Posted by Photoboothguy

Alcohol helps...on both ends of the camera.

I shot one family last December...a 4 month old, 18 month old, and a 5 year old. Never again. The 5yo was obviously ADD and couldn't sit still for a second. The 18mo just cried and cried and threw a fit for no apparent reason.

Wow, I am sorry that you had such a bad experience This business can be so hard, especially when you have the parents who don't really know how to control the kids and expect you to come in and basically pose the kids, control the kids and take their pictures, unrealistic if you ask me, it's our job to get the picture, and direct. I am hoping that this family is for the most part calm, I have no expectations though, we all know how kids can be. The bribing is a good idea, I am hoping the mother is able to get them to remain basically calm to get some group shots, then I will just do the snap here and snap there thing. I've only done single babies, and single children, never more than one at a time that wasn't my own or my nieces, and they have to listen to me

[Indigo November]

Try getting them more involved in the the whole process of it. Ask them what poses they want to do, kids that age love having a say in what happens. If you let them have fun and pose how they want you should be able to convince them to do the poses you want (and the parents want).

Hope this helps!

[Gina9942]

Originally Posted by artofindigo

Try getting them more involved in the the whole process of it. Ask them what poses they want to do, kids that age love having a say in what happens. If you let them have fun and pose how they want you should be able to convince them to do the poses you want (and the parents want).

Hope this helps!

Thats a great idea, one I am definitely going to utilize!

[Indigo November]

I don't know if you have time for this, but the book "Visual Poetry" by Chris Orwig has an excellent chapter on photographing kids and families. It's a little on the expensive side (45 dollars), but it's worth every penny. I would have paid that much for each chapter!
It's probably a bit late for that though, with the shoot being this weekend....if you could buy it, like today you might have time to read it.

[Dianne Dayboll]

I am not a professional, but I have had a lot of experience photographing young children. Here are some of my tips:
1.Get down to their level. Crawl, crouch or sit on the ground.
2. Work around their nap and meal times. Children are most photogenic when they are healthy, well rested and have full tummies.
3. Remove distractions, such as the t.v., other children, candy, etc, It is difficult to get your subject to focus back on you, once you have lost their attention.
4. Get the child(ren)'s attention with a squeeky. (I use the squeekys out of my dogs toys.)
5. Smiles are great but try and capture a range of emotions. This can make a photo more interesting, and express what the child's personality is like.
6. Some of the greatest shots are the unexpected ones. Follow discreetly behind them and you may be surprised at what they do.
7. Be patient!!!
8. Get close-up. Fill the frame with the child's face.
9. Always make sure the child(ren) are safe. Secure hot light and tape down electric cords. Don't place children on tables or other high objects.
10. Photograph part of the child. A fist full of flowers, those cute little toes, a baby's ear can all make for memorable keepsakes.
11. Set up as much of your background or setting as you can prior to the child(ren)'s entrance.
12. Form a rapport with the child(ren). Sing nursery rhymes with younger children. Discuss pets, friends, and favourite foods with older children.
13. If needed let the children have rest breaks, or do a series of photos over a few days. Children have short attention spans.
14. Be creative. Think up new and interesting ideas.
15. Most important - have fun!!! If you are having fun so will they.
I hope this has helped.
If you would like to see some of my photos of children, you can view mt flickr:

Flickr: diannedayboll's Photostream

[Tomillo]

I don't do "sittings" with children. Instead, I offer lifestyle portraits. That means in the summer I'll take the boys out to the mud pits with a hose, or in winter I'll give a two year old a chair and an open jar of jelly in the kitchen, two give just two examples. I've even had great shoots come just from accompanying the family to the playground or letting a kid loose in the yard with a puppy. The results are adorable and the pictures have much greater impact and far more sentimental value to the parents.


Dianne - great advice! and your flickr stream proves it works!

[Gina9942]

Dianne Dayboll : Those are great ideas! I am def going to try them!!

I told her I like to shoot more naturally, I don't really like the whole posed look, so she knows, but I also believe she wants a shot of the three kids, whether it be posed or not, that is my problem because the little one is so well little compared to the older two. I am nervous, but at the same time I am not. I always go in to a shoot soo nervous and thinking I am a horrible photographer, then I end up nailing it so I am just going to relax, read some of my photography books and go in with ideas!!