Tips for Photographing Children

KIDS ARE UNPREDICTABLE   And that's okay!

If you expect them to be complete angels and listen to everything you or the photographer says, you are sorely mistaken. On a normal day, does your child always listen to you?! Come on...really?!  Yeah that's what I though....not always.  So don't set that high of an expectation for them for a photo shoot!!!  It's not fair for them or anyone else. 

The session will go sooo smooth if you, and the photographer, are able to be flexible with the child's emotions and desire to want to please but also to want to just be a kid! 

GO WITH THE FLOW
Know that capturing the silly smirks, glaring eyes, laughing face or crying is all what makes your child him/herself. Capturing all of those personalities is GREAT! Both you and your child (later in life) will be thankful you did.

USE PROPER BRIBERY
Now I don't mean continually promising treats or candy for just giving a smile or sitting where they're asked. Bribery can be taken to a much higher level. Just a simple treat of taking a break for a minute to color or to run around is enough for some kids! But if you know your child and know certain things will/won't work, don't be afraid to take charge during the session if needed. I just don't suggest any treats that are messy or last too long (no to suckers)!!!

REVERSE PSYCHOLOGY CAN WORK WONDERS
Yes, when kids get to a certain age, this works on them!  "Don't you smile at me...." while I give the child a little smirk and stern eyes....ALWAYS gets a smile! And bringing out the tickle monster hand and saying it's going to get them if they smile...YUP - GOLD!  True, non-forced, real smiles and laughs....just love them!

RESCHEDULE IF NECESSARY
Most photographers will do everything in their power to make the session go well and just roll with it if the child isn't cooperating or misbehaving. Getting some good photos out of the session is better than nothing! Sometimes I'll even ask the parents to step away for a while and just allow me to have some one-on-one chatting, coloring, connecting time to see if that'll change their mood. And often times, it works! The child is either frustrated at their parents or sibling and removing that piece of the puzzle often times allows the child to calm down and work with me. But if that doesn't work and I'm not getting anything to work with, then I may suggest to the parents to just reschedule the session and call this one a loss. Because if absolutely nothing is working on the child and World War 3 is about to happen, forcing it only makes things worse. Sometimes the parents may understand and be okay with that and other times they may just want to push on. If that's the case, I strongly remind them of the images they will be receiving and make sure they are fully aware of the outcome. They're investing in something special and probably would want to remember their happy-go-lucky child and not the crazy, devil-child that sometimes sneaks out!!! 

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As a parent, you have to be aware of what's going on during the session and know that photographers are sometimes miracle workers, but it does take a little cooperation from all persons involved. And as a photographer, you must remind yourself that you want your clients to be 100% satisfied with their images and it sometimes takes hard work and extra effort to get the desired outcome.

Photographing Families, Newborns, Couples, Children, Seniors and Pets
​in Rochester, Minnesota and the surrounding areas!