10 Tips for Photographing Children

Plan Ahead

It’s good to capture naturally, but sometimes it helps to plan before taking the photo. Many of the photos I take require the use of many props. I will set up the scene in advance and usually only take 1-2 minutes when photographing the girls.

We all like smiling faces

I like smiling faces. I never have to tell them that all they have to do is laugh. Instead of telling them to "laugh," tell them a joke. Say something interesting, do something interesting, make some interesting noises, and the smile will come naturally.

Lead by example

Many times, it is difficult to get children to perform a specific gesture. Instead of telling them how to pose, show them how to do it and let them imitate it.

Think outside the box

Paint the walls? Really? Not really, but the idea will get kids excited. Tell them what you think and get them excited and excited to try it. Also, don’t forget to hide your paint bucket in the future.

Join them and appear in front of the camera together

Instead of just clicking the shutter, why not join them too. It's more fun to be in the photo than just taking the photo.

Use some props

Eatable items are useful and will give them something to do while you take photos.

Rich!

Small bribes and rewards will always work. I told them they could keep these red envelopes for themselves. What I didn't tell them was that these red envelopes were empty.

Photoshop Magic

My kids can’t fly, but they can jump. Composition may take some time to learn, but once you get the hang of it it becomes easy. Take a photo with people in it and a photo without people in it. Merge two photos in Photoshop, erase the unwanted stuff, and you've got two little flying witches.

There is always a reason to take pictures

Think of those holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Halloween, New Year, Easter. Even if there are no holidays, we still have birthdays, anniversaries, carnivals, etc.

Keep photos simple

If possible, remove everything. I like clean and simple graphics. The subject of the photo should be the model and not anything that might distract the viewer.