Kid Photography – Keeping it Interesting

One of the challenges faced by any portrait photographer who works with children is how to keep the whole process of taking their photograph interesting for them.

When it comes to studio photography, completely natural images aren’t usually possible. I need to light and also when kids play they’re not always going to be looking up or even have themselves turned towards the camera so there’s always going to be a degree of set up and posing that lets me give you high quality results.  However, once we have them where we want them, we want their expression and pose to be as natural as possible and here’s where it can get tricky.  So there are a few techniques I have to make this happen.

Firstly, I’m not above singing, dancing or conducting any manner of silliness in order to keep them entertained while I’m working. In terms of being there as a parent, be prepared to bring out your silliest stuff to keep them laughing and engaged with the process.  Some people get embarrassed to do the kind of stuff that you do at home to make your kids laugh at the studio – definitely don’t be.  For one thing, I have absolutely zero shame myself in terms of what I’m prepared to say or do to get the shot and so I don’t see why you should walk out of the session with your dignity intact.  Secondly, kids take their cue from you so if they see you being happy and daft, they’re much more likely to join the party.

So we work fast and change set up often – kids are usually only amused by a thing for a couple of minutes before it gets stale for them so we ring the changes and keep things moving.  I have a range of chairs, seat and stools for them to move between to keep them engaged and also, in the case of this little guy, a cute little tepee that can provide us with another opportunity to grab some shots while having fun.