Tips for Photographing Children: How Do You Get Them To Participate?
March 16, 2022
As a mother of three children, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to get them to participate in photo sessions. I have personally spent years bribing them with treats or anything else that would make a cranky toddler happy. One year my son insisted on having a Hotwheels car in every single photo. That was one of those moments when I had to pick my battles. It’s hard! Ok, it’s really really hard! But if you want your family photos to come out great and capture the true personalities of your kids, then these tips for photographing your children should help:
1) Have plenty of snacks on hand (fruit or other healthy options). You’ll want to be sure to bring something that isn’t going to change their mouth’s funny colors, and definitely something that won’t make a big mess over their outfits. Fruit snacks, apples, grapes, goldfish, or animal crackers are all great choices. Another great choice for those kiddos that aren’t completely ready for solid foods yet is the puffs!
2) Make sure that they’re well-rested and fed before the shoot. I personally photograph my sessions about an hour before sunset. This is when the lighting is best. Depending on the time of year it is, that could mean your session could be at 7 pm, and other times of the year it could be at 4 pm. Be sure to plan accordingly for nap and snack time. If you absolutely know your child is going to have a meltdown during the session because it’s bedtime or whatnot, talk with your photographer about maybe doing a sunrise session.
3) Go with what they love! Find a way to incorporate some of their favorite things into the session. Making it a game makes it a painless process for everyone involved. Little things like playing tag, Ring Around the Rosie, or even just a tickle war can make a kid light up, and that’s when we are going to get the genuine smiles all of you mama’s are craving.
So, those are just a few tips for photographing children to help get your little ones to participate during photo sessions. Just remember that it’s important to keep things light and fun…and most importantly, be patient! The results will be worth it! 🙂
Megan is a photographer based in the Greater Sacramento Area, serving Northern California for all your photography needs. She specializes in family, graduates, engagements, weddings, maternity, and newborn photography. Contact Megan today!
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I photograph every portrait session personally.
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