The field of child photography is challenging but also both enjoyable and profitable - if you like children. Don't bother pretending, if you really don't. You may fool a parent - but not the little one.
Tips for Capturing Children on Film: You may think you know it all when it comes to taking pictures, but all of that may go out the window when photographing children. Using the typical vocabulary that is called for in standard photo shoots (like "freeze and "hold it) will only get lost on a child. Anticipation is key for you to predict a child's actions and capture them on film.
As children will not always cooperate with what you want, you need to use your imagination to get them to be at their best. Use their behavior to your advantage. If a child is being uncooperative, try telling him to do the opposite of what you want, expecting him to try to thwart your plans. There is nothing wrong with tricking a child as long as you get the shots you need.
Before even beginning a photo session with a child (or children), you have some work to do. First, you need to make sure you know your camera inside and out. You then need to know what role you play in getting the best pictures possible. The child or children you are photographing will require 100% of your undivided attention- you have to ask yourself if you're capable of delivering that. You won't have any opportunities for wasted time- a child won't stand for it. They have very little attention spans and what they do have, they will be watching you to see that you are focused on them at all times. If you try and get the pictures as fast as possible, that won't work either; the key for that all important photograph is getting the child's cooperation.
When photographing children, expect anything and everything to happen. If you have a better understanding of the various behaviours of children at certain ages, it will go a long way to being able to capture the images you want thus increasing your financial gain. In addition, knowing what you can expect from a child at age two versus one at age five, will help in keeping your clients satisfied.
Unlike most other fields in photography, when taking pictures of children, you can expect to obtain a wide variety of poses, expressions, and behaviour during the session. Be aware of different age groups: a 4-month-old baby will act differently that a 14-month-old one will. Learn how children of different ages respond. The more equipped you are to handle children of varying ages, the better pictures you will get.
Listening to the parent can help toward a successful session. You can learn specific things about their child that will make it or break it: Are they afraid of certain things or sounds? What are their special likes? Do they like books? How comfortable are they with a stranger approaching them? You do NOT want to spook a little one; the scheduled time may not allow for you to win their confidence.
Above all else, get your camera ready to go - second chances to capture an impromptu moment don't come around very often (if at all) when photographing children.
Forget about the use of a tripod in a photo session with a child- it will only get in the way especially as things start to happen quickly. Make sure your camera is on a fast shutter speed (to prevent blurring) at all times; you never know what a child is going to do next and you must be ready to capture it no matter what.
Child photography allows for close-up portraits as well as the child engaged in some activity - taking their socks off - in a box / tub with toys - climbing on or out of something. There is really no limit. As you continue to gain experience in working with children of various ages you will become more adept at learning what typically works with different age groups.
There is no question that photographing children is a challenge. And just when you might start to feel comfortable doing it, along comes a new challenge - multiple subjects. Dealing with twins, triplets, etc. will really test your skills as child photographer! But don't worry, this is part of the job and over time you will learn tricks to keeping all your subjects engaged.
If you are not using a digital camera to capture a child on film, you may be in trouble. You need the simplicity and speed of the digital camera to be able to both look at the photos as you go and to also capture children's attention. Keep in mind their attention span comes and goes very quickly and there are no second chances in getting that "perfect photo a second time. Sometimes it helps to use something they haven't seen to capture their attention. Don't overuse this trick because children will tire of it quickly.
Parents and older brothers and sisters can can be of great assistance in a photo session with children. Children more often than not feel more comfortable when a parent and/or sibling is nearby. Siblings can often entice a child to laugh or make a face, enabling you to capture a better picture. In addition, parents may decide they want to include the sibling (or siblings) in the pictures ultimately allowing you to increase the photo package for the client. Tips for capturing children on film:
Lighting and backdrops can be particularly useful when photographing children. The more experienced you become, the more comfortable you will feel in introducing these elements into the photography session with a child. Even is not using these tools, you can still take quality photographs nonetheless. You can always experiment, though a three-light set-up (consisting of a main light and back light) are ideal.
Be creative when photographing children: go to the beach, the park, or the backyard. There is no rule that says you are required to stay in the studio. Taking photographs outside eliminates the need for lighting; as long as you choose open shade, nature will do the work for you. Finally, keep a variety of items on hand to further capture the interest of the child or children you are photographing. Depending on the age of the child, toys, stuffed animals, snacks, hats, mirrors and dolls are just a few of the items that can a go a very long way in keeping the child's interest. Use your imagination, the possibilities are endless.
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