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Children are easily one of the most difficult subjects to photograph. They are also one of the most rewarding. Do it right and you’ll walk away with images that will be cherished by multiple generations.

Solley Photography

Here are some tips that will help make your next session a success with you, the kids, and their families.

1. Go prepared - Have everything ready to go ahead of time. Empty flash cards, full batteries, lenses ready to go. Get your lights, your wireless triggers, adapters, and everything else all set and ready to go ahead of time. There’s no better way to miss the shot than to have those energetic kids spiraling toward boredom on your before you’ve even started shooting.
2. Gain the trust - Often times you’ll have kids that are shy. While this can be used to get some great shots, you eventually want them to open up. Try playing games with the children. Become just another kid. You may even need to simply put down the camera for a while and spend some time with the kids to get that trust.


Solley Photography

3. Show them your gear - Most children are inherently curious. Harness that quality to engage them in the photo session. Take a picture and show them the LCD screen. They’ll be more interested in you, the camera, and the process of taking photos.
4. Do it on their turf - This isn’t always an option, but if it is, try it out. Doing a photo shoot at a place where the kids are comfortable and familiar will allow them to relax and take to the process better. You’ll also get those shots that show context and the kids in their element.
5. Use fun props and clothes - Using props, toys, and clothes make the photo shoot fun for kids, and if they’re having fun, you’re getting great images.
6. Have the right gear - Kids move fast, and you have to move just as fast. Point and shoot cameras have long shutter lag times that makes a SLR camera a must. For lighting, consider a wireless trigger setup to keep kids from tripping on wires and use softboxes instead of umbrellas to avoid those metal shafts that could poke an eye out (remember, kids move fast).


gogee

7. Don’t take your finger off the shutter - If you put down your camera, you just might miss that one opportunity to get the shot that belongs in a 16×20 frame. So don’t take your finger off that shutter…ever!
8. The devil is in the details - Getting shots of kids doing their thing is great, but don’t forget to get in close and get shots of the details. Closeups of eyes, hands, feet, knees, elbows, whatever. Get it all. Also mix up the angles and perspectives you’re shooting from. For kids, a great perspective is from down at their level.
9. Don’t forget the family - Capturing the emotion and bond between family members can really round out a photo session. Plus, if you have some shy kiddies, this is a great way to help them remain comfortable.
10. Have fun! - If you don’t enjoy yourself, it will show in your pictures. So relax, learn, enjoy the kids, and enjoy taking pictures of them!

Got any great tips of your own you want to share? Leave a comment here or head on over to the new Sublime Light forums and kick up a thread. Why have just ten tips when we can have dozens!