5 Foolproof Tips for Photographing Kids

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5 Foolproof Tips for Photographing Kids by Tamara Kenyon

I get asked a lot about which subject the hardest to photograph. Most often I get people guessing that it’s kids because they’re so busy and hard to direct. WRONG. If we’re being honest here, it’s actually grown men, but that is for another post.

Kids are my absolute favorite subject because they’re so real and unscripted. However, it’s not always easy to capture so I want to share some helpful tips when photographing children to really capture their personalities.

#1 – Earn their trust.

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Children are more cautious when meeting new people than adults are. They’re not immediately comfortable and it will appear that way in the photos until you earn their trust.

When booking the session I ask the parents some of their child’s interests so I have a good idea of who they are. I’ll also try to find some sort of “prize” that I’ll bring with me that pertains to their interests. So essentially I’m winning them over (trying not to use the word bribe, but it is what it is).

When I first meet a new child, I immediately start asking them questions and talk to them to warm them up (way before I pull out the camera).

– How old are you?
– What is your favorite color?
– Do you like animals?
-What is your favorite animal?

These types of questions will usually warm them up and help them understand that I’m their friend and not some scary adult.

While shooting, I’ll ask the child if they want to come and look at the picture I just took of them. They are usually super excited to see that I took their picture and start to perform more afterward. Sometimes I’ll even let them take a picture of their parents with my camera. Sounds dangerous but I usually have the camera hooked onto my neck and I hold it up for them while they push the button down.

#2 – Forget traditional, always smiling, always facing the camera photos.

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I think the main reason people think that photographing children is hard is because they have these expectations of photographs of the child perfectly posing and staring at the camera. You might as well throw that idea out the window because it’s not going to happen.

Don’t force the smile, it only creates strange fake smiles. Instead, photograph children in their natural environment. If you’re at the park – let them play. Bring toys! You’ll be surprised how much more of their personality you will be able to catch if you leave them alone.

Sometimes it happens and it’s great when it does – just don’t always count on it.

#3 – Shoot at their level.

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There is nothing more intimidating than a big adult shooting at adult height to a child. When taking photos of children, get down on your bum, your knees, or your belly to capture photos at their level. It will also avoid any strange proportions your lens might create from being at such a different level.

#4 – Be patient.

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I cannot stress this one enough. Kids are kids. Sometimes they will meltdown and that’s okay. Give them a second to compose themselves and usually it will pass pretty quick. Give them space. Sometimes they are just overwhelmed and need a break.

#5 – Be quick!
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There aren’t any do-overs. Chances are, if you were to tell a child to “do that again” that it won’t happen. Don’t bring equipment that takes up a lot of time in between shots. Bring equipment that is low-maintenance and fast so that you can switch lenses or settings quickly.

Overall, photographing children can be extremely rewarding but it takes lots of practice. Make sure you’re comfortable with kids and you give them a great experience so they will want to do it again. I feel like part of the family with most of my clients because I’ve learned to really get to know their kids and their family.

Good Luck!

Tamara Kenyon Photography | Tamara on Facebook | Tamara on Twitter

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No Comments

  1. Petra King on July 15, 2010 at 9:17 am

    Great article and so true! Thank you!

  2. Jen Kiaba on July 15, 2010 at 9:22 am

    What a great post! I’ve always been too intimidated to try photographing kids, but after reading this post I think I would be much more willing to give it a try!

  3. Kristina Churchill on July 15, 2010 at 9:29 am

    I will try these this weekend, I have a mini-shoot with some friends kids!

  4. Brittanypb on July 15, 2010 at 9:33 am

    So true! I had itchy legs the other night from laying on my stomach in the grass to get some good photos. Got my favorite picture out of the shoot from doing that.

  5. Erin Phillips on July 15, 2010 at 9:38 am

    Great advice!

  6. Rafe on July 15, 2010 at 10:27 am

    Some very good pointers. Thanks!

  7. Brad on July 15, 2010 at 10:37 am

    Great post! These are fantastic tips. The personal examples and explanations for each tip were really helpful. Thanks so sharing these, Tamara!

  8. Tamara on July 15, 2010 at 10:45 am

    Kids are so fun once you get it figured out. I’d love to hear how these worked for you guys!

  9. Mariah B on July 15, 2010 at 11:30 am

    You’re right!! Photographing grown men is about the hardest.. they’re usually easily irritable, have no patience, and don’t know how to loosen up and be themselves. 🙂

  10. alana on July 15, 2010 at 2:33 pm

    I love this!One thing I tell all of my kids is that I DO NOT WANT THEM TO SMILE! This normally tickles them as they try hard not to smile, and in turn, I get great natural smiles & giggles, not goofy fake smiles that the parents cringe over.Another bit of advice I give the parents is I ask them not to direct the child. I don’t want a perfect pose – I don’t want the child feeling overwhelmed b/c he/she is not pleasing mom. I ask the parents to be there close by smiling at their children. I’ve actually had a mom tell her daughter, “Remember what we said about smiling that big?”The child had dental problems and her natural huge smile melted me. But mom made her self conscious, so she hid it. Great job mom! Way to build your child’s self esteem.

  11. mindie on July 15, 2010 at 4:42 pm

    The most difficult session I’ve had was a one year old that was teething. She was so preoccupied with feeling those teeth with her tongue that nothing we did could bring out a smile, not even her dad (her favorite person). All I could get were these shots of very concentrated eyes, intense looks, and her tongue bulging on one side or the other… a couple were pretty cute, but we rescheduled for a few weeks down the road… much better results. This is a great article and will be filed away to consult many times!

  12. Mike Criss on July 16, 2010 at 12:49 am

    Fantastic advice and great photographs, well done.MikeNewest Blog Post

  13. Clipping Service on July 16, 2010 at 2:19 am

    awesome post! :)thanks a lot for sharing..

  14. Image Clipping Path on October 31, 2011 at 1:05 am

    WOW! Brilliant photograph. I am speechless to see this. Awesome!

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