Children Photography: 5 Essential Tips and Tricks

On any given day, people take approximately 1.72 trillion pictures. They have access to high-quality cameras on their smartphones. Plus, they can buy comparatively high-quality DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.

Yet, despite access to this advanced photographic equipment, people still bring their families, particularly children to photographers for professional photos. While good cameras and software can do a lot, it’s no substitute for a professional’s touch.

Yet, even for professionals, children’s photography can prove a challenge. If you’ve had kids’ photo shoots that didn’t go quite right, keep reading for five photography tips that will help you take your child’s photography skills to the next level.

1. Get On Their Level

If you’ve ever had someone look down on you because they’re taller, you know that it’s uncomfortable. Even if they’re friendly, there’s an intimidation element. That’s a kid’s entire world.

Getting down on their level helps them feel more comfortable, which lets them be more genuine. When kids get organic, it’s your golden opportunity for a great picture.

2. Don’t Force It

It’s a real temptation to try force kids into a pose or demand a smile. While adults expect pose instructions and a cue to smile, kids rarely respond well to that. At best, you get a hollow expression.

Instead, let the kids take the lead. Invite ideas from them about how to pose.

If they grow visibly unhappy, put the camera down and chat with them for a minute. Unhappy children make for terrible children’s portrait photography.

3. Get Out of the Studio

Studios are great and extend your control, but they’re sterile environments. Consider getting out of the studio and going on location somewhere, like a park or a beach. If nothing else, the natural environment gives children more things to interact with emotionally.

4.  Fast

As a children’s photographer, speed is your friend. You must be fast to catch those perfect moments. Beyond that, you need your camera set for speed as well.

Favor a high ISO and faster shutter speeds to help you freeze the moment when a child bursts into laughter or expresses joy at something they just saw.

5. Sanitize

With the pandemic stuck in what appears to be an endless cycle of new, more infectious variants, you must sanitize the space and any props you use. Even at the best of times, kids carry around whatever illnesses their classmates and friends exposed them to in the last week. Sanitizing your space lets, you avoid passing those illnesses along.

Children’s Photography and You

While most parents can access all the technology they need for great photographs, technology only gets you halfway there with children’s photography. Kids, in particular, need a deft touch to capture fantastic images.

Remember to get down on their level to increase their comfort level. Don’t force it if the child resists or gets unhappy. Get out of the studio sometimes.

Keep your camera fast and your studio sanitized.

Want to see some examples of great photos? Check out the posts in our Portfolio section.