As a professional newborn and family photographer who is also a mom to a bunch of little kids, I know just how tough it can be to capture those beautiful moments! I hear plenty about “PCS – Photographer Child Syndrome”, but it is an avoidable situation!
(Many of these tips will work for both personal and professional photos)
AB400 Studio Light | ISO 200 | 42mm | f/7.1 | ss 1/200
Tip #1: Compliment the child!
Everyone wants to feel good about him\herself. If you take the time to tell the child how wonderful, cute, or beautiful they are, it will go a really long way! Even a little two year old will smile and blush. It works better than all the treats in the world. After you take the shot, show it to the child and tell him/her how great the photo is and how much it will make Mom and Dad happy.
Natural Light | ISO 200 | 85mm | f/2.2 | ss 1/800
Tip #2: Be Silly.
It works. Dance. Tell jokes. Make funny noises. It will yield some great genuine expressions. Most importantly, tell siblings to come close together to really bring out the connection of the children to one another.
Natural Light | ISO 200 | 85 mm | f/2.5 | ss 1/640
Tip #3: Don’t Photograph Your Own Kids it Too Often.
Make it a special occasion! Dress the kids up and tell them in advance how happy it will make you. Let them know that you just want the one special shot of them together & that they’re free to go and play after that. Then keep your word!
Einstein Strobe | ISO 200 | 38mm | f/2.8 | ss 1/200
Tip #4: Create a Fun Distraction
Give them a toy to distract them. Make sure you have some neutral classic dolls or toys that will add to the photo. You want to create a distraction for the child – not in the photo.
Natural Light | ISO 640 | 200mm | f/2.8 | ss 1/250
Tip #5: Make the children feel important.
Give them the “job” to hold baby carefully and “teach” her how to smile for the photo! Of course, compliment them on what a great job they are doing and make them feel proud!
Einstein Strobe | ISO 200 | 35mm | f/2.8 | ss 1/200
Tip #6: Re-shoot.
There. I said it. Sometimes all the tips in the world won’t work. A child may have a bad day and simply be inconsolable. Give them another chance! Yes, the shot above was done a week after the first try was an abysmal failure.
Chavi Malka is a Newborn, Child & Family Portrait Photographer located in Long Island, NY. She mostly shoots posed newborn and baby sessions in her home studio.
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