Crying and Temper Tantrums:
As we all know, children, especially babies and toddlers cry and throw tantrums. This can be an unpleasant experience anytime,
be especially when the children are suppose to put on happy faces. The key to children’s photography is to plan
ahead. Make sure beforehand that the baby
or toddler is well rested (don’t schedule children’s pictures during nap time). Make sure they are not hungry (and have a few
snacks ready just in case). And make
sure they are in clothes that are comfortable.
The outfit they are in may look cute, but if it makes them cry, it’s not
worth it. An outfit that is “good enough”
and produces smiles is the better choice.
During the child’s pictures, the photographer should draw their
attention and create smiles with a prop such as a feather duster, ball,
balloon, or other toy. If nothing works,
you sometimes just need to wait for it to be over. It may not seem like it at the time, but most
episodes don’t last very long. They’ll
get over it and then you can resume the pictures.
Looking at the Camera:
Most of the time children don’t mind having their pictures taken. However, it is sometimes a challenge to get
them to look at the camera. With babies
and toddlers, distract their attention with a toy. The best way to do this is to bring the toy
to them and then pull it back directly toward the camera, not off to the
side. They will follow the toy with
their eyes and you want their eyes looking at the camera. Having a parent stand behind the camera and
talk to them or jiggle a toy is also a great way to get them to look at the
camera.
Teenagers: Older
teenagers can pose a completely different children’s photography challenge. To some (especially teenage boys) getting a
picture can be a very “un-cool” experience.
They may even rebel at being forced to have their picture taken by not
smiling. A good joke or witty comment
can work in this case. For some, you
could even be bold enough to tease them like they are a toddler again and
pretend to tickle them with a toy. They will probably get the message and smile
at the silliness of the situation.
Always be prepared to snap the picture.
Sometimes half smiles and serious faces can turn out to be great
pictures. You could also try taking your
camera to them after a few not so good pictures and show them the pictures,
asking them if they want a picture of them like that hanging on their family’s living
room wall.
There are of course other challenges when it
comes to children’s photography, and the unpredictably of children makes each
situation unique. Children’s photography
is about being an entertainer as much as it is about being a photographer.
