Child Portrait Photography Tips

Patience is a Virtue

Child portrait photography is very rewarding. When you catch that 'just right' expression instead of that put on face, it makes it all worthwhile.

Take your time and talk to the kids at their own level is the best advice I can give.

I am a big guy, over 6 ft tall and I tower over the kids I photograph. It must be really intimidating for them. When I crouch down, and talk WITH them, in their OWN language, at THEIR level, they take notice. Not many people do this, so when they find someone who does, guess what? They open up. They have found a friend.

Something is Better Than Nothing

I was trying to photograph this one young girl and she was not very happy about being there. She was crying, but trying to smile like her mother was asking. Mom was standing near me yelling at the little girl to smile; something along the lines of "Smile. I told you to smile. We're not going to McDonald's because your not smiling." The little girl starting screaming at the top of her lungs, "Help me, please help me!" As the mother took the child away she said to me "That's why I hate having my picture taken". This is funny and extremely sad at the same time. But we can learn from it.

How many times have you heard parents say "Don't smile like that, do a nice smile" or "I hate having my pictures taken". Talk about stress on the poor kids. Every time they get in front of the camera they will remember that they do not smile the way Mom wants them to and after all, Mom hates having her picture taken, so they must to.

Kids go through stages, sometimes smiley and co-operative, sometimes less so. But I believe we should be happy with what we get. Getting mad will not help. Don't stop taking pictures, be persistent, but be happy and complimentary about the results.

Ok so much for my rant!

And the Tips Are...

• Patience. Take the time to get to know them, what they like and dislike.


• Involve them in the photo. Ask them where they would like to sit or stand. Tell them why you think this place would be a good one."You will look like a model / movie star / princess...".


• Give them something to do. Pose them in the area you would like for the photo and give them something to do. Have them play, sing a song, dance, make funny faces, and be part of the fun yourself.


• Keep it Short. You can tell when things are getting boring or the child is getting tired. Don't force it, keep some pictures for next time.

So now you know the secret to child portrait photography - having fun! So bring out your smiles and your camera!

Happy Shooting!

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