Working with young children gives a great opportunity for candid shots.
However photographing children can be unpredictable and challenging to say the least!
These 6 tips will help you shoot beautiful images.
1. Clear Objective
Talk to the parents (usually the Moms) and find out what they want. Let them know you can capture stunning photos of their child without them necessarily looking at the camera and without them smiling all the time.
Explain that it’s nice to have their child’s true personality frozen for them to keep. And that children’s mannerisms change year to year. Show examples of other candid photos you have taken. Basically show off what you would like to sell. This could be a single framed image or an album filled with photo-journalistic style images.
Once you have agreed what you will be taking, you will then know during your shoot how many images you need to take, the general layout of each image and how many and what sort of poses you need to concentrate on.
2. Shoot In Their Environment
Children will always feel they have the upper hand if it is you who is entering their home turf and not vice versa. Shoot where the child feels comfortable. Familiar places will ensure they feel in control. Going to their grandparents house, or their favourite local beach or park all work well. Somewhere they can physically run around is ideal.
3. Rapport
Your first task is to create a great rapport with the child. They won’t work with you if you don’t talk to them in their mannerism. Find what they like and share in their excitement. Get down to their level. You don’t want them to see you as an adult. You want them to see you as a friend.
4. Have Fun!
If you are working with an anxious or un-cooperative child humour can go a long way. Even the most reserved child is curious by nature. Bring some fun props with you. Ask them to tell you about a funny story you know.
Surprise them in some way by pulling a weird face or making a strange sound. Do anything to distract them from the fact you are taking photos and get them animated and absorbed in a game you make up.
5. Capture Expressions
It goes without saying that expressions will sell an image every time. It is unlikely any parent (especially Moms) will be able to resist an image showing their child’s innocence, stubbornness or other endearing personality trait.
6. Become Invisible
The chance for taking candid shots usually occurs later in the session when you have built rapport and the child is familiar with you. When they feel comfortable with you they are happy to ignore you. Keep your distance and try not to invade their space.
Use a long focus lens so the child is not aware you are photographing them. When a child feels uninhibited and is acting as they normally do, great candid shots will follow!