A Photographer’s Guide to a Successful Session With Children

A Photographer’s Guide to a Successful Session With Children

I’ve been a photographer for a little over 5 years and I’m a mother of three boys. I’ve learned a thing or two over the years.

One of the things I’ve learned along the way is you have to tap into your inner child, that child who loved to be silly at all times. That silliness helps during photo shoots.

I typically have a few things in my camera bag to bring on smiles!!

Here are a few things that connect you with the child you are photographing: Dum Dum suckers, marshmallows, bubbles, fart machine, stickers.

Dum Dum suckers in light colors work great for the sitting poses. Most kids don’t want to sit so once you have them in a sitting position, have mom or dad pop the sucker in their mouth for a few licks. It takes a few seconds for the sugar to kick in and once it does you get another round of images with smiles.

Marshmallows aren’t going to stain clothes or cheeks so they are a great alternative. Bubbles are fun for all children and are great in place of sugar.

I know the fart machine seems extra silly but if you want true belly giggle laughs than a fart machine is the answer.

I use stickers to get attention from the age group of about 1-3 years of age. If you are using a stool, a sticker placed on the stool often gets their attention for a few shots.

Last but not least a cell phone buried in a blanket or under something often gets some interest. Have your child's favorite song ready to go on your cell phone to get some of that silliness ignited for some fun active photos.

My goal as a photographer is to capture the fun side of your family. If your child just wants to stick out their tongue, or not behave, than often showing them the back of my camera helps connect what the photo goals are. I describe how I love their silliness, and how I want to get a picture that grandma or auntie will love.

All of these tips and tricks almost always guarantee success.

Next, let’s talk about scenery. I have a method to how I plan a session.

I find that children get restless in the same location quickly. When I plan a session I try to have two spots to work with. If I pick a field, I’ll scout two parts of the field. If a child is getting fussy or restless in the first location then we have a change of scenery.

I have the same set up at my studio. I've found that if children get restless in my studio we can move to the outside and use the barn doors located outside of my studio for a different variety.

Parents often want to know how they can make a session successful.

Here are a few ideas: Let your child know what the expectations are. Let them know we will be working with a professional and explain if the session goes well there can be a treat after. I’m not above a little bribery.

Please keep in mind that most sessions take up to an hour. Setting a timer for your child may help. I have also found that having full tummies is the best thing a parent can do. Have faces cleaned and hair complete before arriving. I've found some kids don't like those two things so having them done before arriving really helps kick the session off in a positive direction.

When parents are calm I find children remain calm so leave the fuss to me. If you feel your child needs a moment than feel free to call a timeout, it really is okay to take a moment and explain the expectations.

For the younger children I think full bellies is the best defense to a successful session for everyone. As long as mom and dad smile through a session than I can almost always get a child to follow.

Last but not least, communication is key. If someone is having a bad day than communicate this to me and I can try to help make the session smoother for the child or adult that is struggling. I hope you find these tips helpful for your next session.