“OK everybody, look at the camera now! You guys ready? Johnny, stop doing bunny ears behind your sister. Tina, don’t stick out your tongue. OK, say cheese!…Look over HERE you guys…I’m over HERE! Come on you two, seriously no playing around! Tina, get back over here sweetheart, Mommy isn’t done taking the picture. No, Johnny, stay where you are! Alright on three….1…2…3 say cheese! OK, ok….say cheese right NOW and I will give you both a lollipop. You can even watch TV after dinner. Just please say cheese!!!!!!
{click}
{Sighs, exhausted} Well…I guess that one’s not too bad.”
And this is why our clients hire us…because every mom who has tried to get a decent picture on cue from her kids usually ends up leaving this kind of situation feeling defeated, and typically without that rocking picture that looked perfect in her head. I feel really bummed out for my pretend Mommy because Tina and Johnny are not purposely ruining her vision, they are just being kids. Or maybe they know that it’s the only way to get lollipops and TV after dinner. Either way, this isn’t a good scene.
Do your little clients ever give you a run for your money? Do you sometimes spend a session singing the words to Barney and Friends? (If you are lucky, you will finish reading this post unscathed with no lyrics in your head…why am I never that lucky???). Sometimes it takes a few tricks up one’s sleeve to ensure an awesome children’s session. Below are some of mine.
‘Snap’py tricks for shooting children that no photographer should be without:
#1 – Cheese might as well be a four letter word. Children hate doing what they are told. The opposite frequently happens. Or, you get a child who plasters on the fakest smile ever, trying to appease Mom and Dad (remember, TV is at stake). This is exactly what happens every time you utter the word “CHEESE”. The best smiles happen when children are caught in the act, when Johnny didn’t realize you were watching. The candid shot is king when it comes to kids. Did you smell a big BUT coming??? BUT, sometimes Mom (or Grandma) wants a posed family shot. You are stuck, now what? You have to be a stealth pilot about these things. I like to use a ‘secret’ smile word. I pull Johnny and Tina over before the posed shots begin and I ask them to choose a word. They like that I’m consulting them, since they didn’t even want to be there in the first place. Some sessions the kids are predictable and say “Pizza” or “Ice Cream”. Other times I have spent 10 minutes posing and snapping away using the word “poop.” For younger kids I pull out the squeaky toys or Elmo. Or that dreaded Barney song. Hey, all that matters in the end is that Mom and Dad is happy.
#2 – Go with the flow and relax. Don’t worry, it’s only a matter of time. Kids can’t help but want to be silly. If they are older, let Mom and Dad go for a 5 minute walk, this helps the older ones loosen up a lot quicker. If you are in the studio, give them free rein with a few props in the beginning. Tell them this is just a few ‘test’ shots. If you can arrange for outside shots, even better. Let them go, follow them around, and the smiles will come naturally. And if the little ones start bawling, don’t put the camera away. Crying is part of being a kid too.
#3 – Get low. This isn’t just about shooting angle, though a low perspective can offer some unique images. Getting down and dirty with your little clients will help build trust, and in turn, some authentic smiles! A zoom or telephoto lens can also help if you have an apprehensive child. Take some peeks from afar so you don’t invade her space.
#4 – Engage the kids. Older ones love looking at the camera. I always take a few shots and then ask if they want to see themselves on the LCD. For the younger set, if Mom and Dad don’t have specific props or a special friend to bring along for comfort, you should have some on hand. Don’t pull it out all at once, but it’s nice to have some emergency items if a situation gets dicey. I always have Elmo and toys in my bag. I always have candy. And I always have bubbles. Bubbles are magic. I have a little automatic bubble machine that I can stick in my bag…laughter at the touch of a button! Just make sure to empty it before you put it back…your cell phone will thank you.
Above all else, please remember, when you are shooting kids, to HAVE FUN! Children can spot a bored and/or uncomfortable adult a mile away…pretty much as far as a dog can smell fear. Let’s prevent mutiny from happening shall we?
