4 Quick Tips to get the most out of a photoshoot with your kids
Kids are so photogenic!
Their expressions, their authenticity, their big bright eyes, their flawless skin, and their giggles mean they pretty much can't look bad in a picture. The problem is, getting them in front of the camera in the first place (plus clean, fed, and rested), and getting them to look at the camera once they're there, can be challenging! The hard part is not always getting the kids to cooperate, but getting the adults in the frame to remember that they are on camera, too! Here are my quick tips to take awesome pictures with kids, without losing your own smile.
#1. Don't point at the camera.
We want pictures of our kids looking at the camera, I get it. And instinctively, when people want kids to look at something, they point at it. The problem is, then we get lots of gorgeous pictures of the kids' smiling faces, facing toward the camera, and the adults pointing and waving (the same goes for making silly faces to make the kids laugh...). You can instead try asking questions like, "does that camera have a monkey on it?" without gesturing.
But most importantly, don't stress about what the kids are looking at! Shots with kids looking off in the distance or at their parents can be just as gorgeous as looking at the camera.
#2. Stand directly behind the camera (if you're not in the shot).
Speaking of desperately trying to get the kids to look at the camera, when they're not in the shot, adults have a tendency to yell for the kids' attention. "Smile, Leo! Kiss your brother! Look at the camera, Leo! Can you do a big smile? Show me your teeth!" This sometimes works, but it works way better if that adult is near the camera that we want the kid to look at. If you're not in the shot and you're trying to get a child to look at the camera, your best bet is to stand right behind the photographer before you start doing your best elephant impression or singing their favorite song. Once you're in position, have at it!
#3. Let them play.
Sitting still for pictures is a lot of ask of a young kid. A simple toy like a new stuffed animal, a bubble wand, or even a pretty flower can go a long way in keeping a child occupied and interested for a shoot. You can include the item in the photos, or gently take it just off camera (remember, right behind or above the photographer!) to guarantee that the kid will be looking right where he needs to be when it's time to snap.
It's also fun to use games like tossing kids up in the air, chasing each other around, and tickles to capture great smiley photos.
If you're going to include a toy in a photoshoot, try to keep it in line with the general feel of your photos. For example, you might not want a neon green monster truck in every one of your flowery bohemian maternity pictures. Wooden toys, items found in nature, and neutral-colored stuffies work best.
#4. There's nothing wrong with bribes.
For kids that understand the concept, a little reward for a job well done can be surprisingly motivating. Younger kids (around 2) will probably need pretty immediate gratification (think, a few M&Ms after every few successful photos), while older kids (4+) might be good with a general, "if you're a good boy while we take pictures we can go get ice cream to celebrate after!"
That said, try to avoid bribes like gummy candies mid-session that will be in their teeth in all the photos!
