Talk to me about bribery?

[NicoleScraps]

What are some examples of what you do to get small children to cooperate? I did photos for a friend of mine this morning. Her 2 yr old and 5 yr old downright refused to sit still or smile for photos. I felt really bad for her because she really wanted good photos. And I felt bad for myself because I ended up with 100 mediocre shots and maybe 4 halfway decent ones. Those kids just refused, flat out. The more she pushed, the more determined they were not to play nicely.
So what do you all do in situations like this because I am sure this will not be the last time I encounter this?

[SusanH1970]

One word: Smarties!

[candidrachel]

No idea about bribery but this is where candid photography comes into its own. Little kids are happiest just playing with their toys and doing their own thing. Get them involved in painting or drawing. Get them up at the kitchen sink filled with bubbles (great window light opportunity btw). Get one of those bubble guns and large swathes of netting or colourful fabric for the kids to chase. Forget getting kids to sit still and "smile for the camera" those kind of smiles always look fake.

Of course some kids do sit still and contemplate the universe but in my own experience trying to herd kids is tantamount to trying to herd cats. It ain't happenin'

[kristenh]

welcome to my life i'm not a professional photographer, but i try very hard to get the best possible photos of my own kids. they are both very active boys (i have one who is older and who generally cooperates), ages 18 months and 3 years. first, i might try and lose the mom, in a polite way- ask her to sit on a far bench or something. go outdoors on a cloudy day so you have great light and can use a nice fast shutter speed. go to a playground or an arboretum or a college campus, where just about all of your backgrounds are going to be acceptably leafy and non-distracting, esp if you use a wide aperture. i am always thinking about how to get both of mine in the same shot, and have used: a wagon, a teeter totter, a big wooden swing, a giant orange bucket from target, a low branch on a tree, the bathtub, and an older person to hold them. oh, and the crib near a window. i have also given them things like popsicles or lollipops, which keep them seated and occupied for a few seconds and i can plop them on a bench or a step. i have to watch my 3 year old or he'll kill the younger one, but if yours can hug each other, or slide down a slide together, roll around together in the leaves, or occupy the same swing w/o mishap, you can try that. good luck!

[krauzianimage]

I have photographed literally 10,000 children in my life (which is why I do weddings) As far as bribes go I have heard McDonalds more than anything else. Bribes work but the tool that I used to find indespensible was a rainbow striped duster (or tickler). It gives you good reach to interact with them and also guide the direction of their eyes. Make sure that the parents stay silent. Parents always call the child, but it does not help you if they are to your right and the child is looking at them.
Ticklers nor bribes work on two years olds. The only option for two year olds is to set up your camera and wait for a year. Then photograph them at three.
Dallas Wedding Photographers

[dandellion]

Kids are not models so don't expect them to cooperate. It usually won't work or in the best case they'll be stiff and half-natural.

Good thing about this is they are perfect if you just let them do what they do and you do what you do. Give them some toys or whatever to play with and to occupy them. Then you'll have kids that are not unnaturally still, but having fun.

Also, take your time before you even start shooting. Get to know them, talk with them (not about photography, but about whatever they are doing), play with them. Play with the camera around them so they get used to it. Especially if you're using flash. If they are show interest, show them the camera and how when you click there is an image on the LCD. Don't give them camera in the hands! They're either lose the interest soon, so you can take the photographs, or they will continue to be interested which is a point where you start start the game of "let's click and make your picture on the little screen" Each one is good.

Be prepared to improvise and move a lot. That includes rolling on the floor. Don't rush. Don't forget that you're working in kid's realm so everything is a game. Enjoy it!

[KimberlyH]

I find this is the hardest, as well. The Lord gave me two very well behaved children who do very well in a photography shoot. Needless to say I have had to learn how to handle other children who may not cooperate as well as mine do. The feather duster idea is a good one for the 2 year old age (anything unfamiliar will grab their attention). As others have said you may just have to go with a less posed look and more of a candid type shot. good luck!

[Jim Bryant]

If the kiddos are a real pain, then there's nuthing you can do to make good pictures out of a bad situation. I've actually had to ask the parents to leave the room as they were upsetting the children. Sometimes it works, then sometimes it doesn't. If it doesn't work.........I still charge for my time for travel, setup and such, maybe not the whole sitting fee, but 1/2 of it and try to reschedule later when the kids are in a better mood. To me kids can be stubborn as mules.

[Happy_Mummy]

I agree with most of the above comments, but I would avoid high sugar foods or messy foods as bribes. Sugar high kids are difficult to direct and I wouldn't want a perfect smile with red teeth, or clothes with crumbs all over them!

I have three young kids - ages 1, 2.5 and 4.5. I have very few photos of them all looking and smiling at the camera together. I must say it was easier before Martin could move! I found when I would try for pictures first I had to make sure everyone recently had food and drinks and that it was no where near sleep time. Straight after breakfast or afternoon snack worked best for us. Other posters suggested distracting them with something; some of the best photos that I have of Vanessa (at the time 2) and Cassidy (6 months at the time) are of them reading board books together. Vanessa could recite books and Cassidy loved to be read to so this worked very well. That said, it was rare that I could set them up with where it would happen - I would notice it and run for the camera. I never wound up with the shots where they were looking at me, but they were both happy and looking the same direction. I'm guessing that with a 2yo and 5yo this would be easier, assuming they like books.

I also agree with get rid of Mum! My kids are so much more cooperative when I'm not around, as is the case with many kids. The 2yo is likely to follow suit of their older sibling and the older sibling is likely to listen to you better than Mum.

I also agree with take your time with the kids, get down to their level for photos and especially for the 5yo they will love to see the photos that you take, Vanessa loves running up to see how the photo turned out and if I point out how she is standing that is distracting she will fix it on her own.

Also realize that endless patience is needed and that some days they just won't cooperate for photos...

[LMerical]

I worked as a preschool photographer forever, and really one of the best things you can do for yourself is work on your banter. Use silly words (like jellybeans or turkey toes) and imagery to get a good laugh/smile from the child. Rhyme time or alliterative silly names can also warm them up. It takes some practice (and humility) to really get good at it. Also: ask mom if she'd like to have a cup of tea - in the next room. Nothing clams a kid up more than mom hovering and stressing over "prefect pics".