Here we are at the lesson where we dig in deeper to the tips and tricks to getting amazing photos of your kids and other adults! Photography is about doing and testing and practicing and trying so please do not be discouraged if you find getting good images right away of your kids or others is more difficult that I, or anyone else, makes it look. Personalities are different, conditions are different, and well SO MANY factors play into whether its easier or harder to get those awesome shots! The goal is to be able to work with ALL types of situations and people and STILL get the shots that wow. In todays lesson we’ll cover all the things we can control and manipulate to make it easier for you to get the shot.

First, plan.

When I have a goal photography wise, the first thing I do is begin the planning process. Step into the mind of a photographer for a second:

After I’ve come up with the idea that I need some spring photos of my girls for our family album I then ask the following types of questions to get the session underway:

“Where should I shoot this little session?”
“Do I want a fancier backdrop or could my backyard do?” Fancier backdrop? OK, lets think…where should I shoot that has great blooms? Rippon Lodge? Done. We’ll do Rippon Lodge in the afternoon.
“Whens the last time I did their hair?” “What should they wear?” “Will I get in the shot?….”
“Will I bring easter props/spring blanket?”
“Will the dog come?”…

Now that I’ve planned out location, outfits, hair (lol) and time, we set off to the session.

On the way to the session I tell my kids, “listen, Mamma needs to get shots of each of you and then some together…The faster you listen and cooperate the easier it will be the happier you’ll make Mamma!”

I am NOT above a good bribe!

Candy, experiences, time together…anything that will motivate them to do as you ask and not be distracted. I actually usually carry candy with me to sessions and during busy season I have a treasure box. Bribes also come in handy for when you’ve picked out clothes they aren’t very fond of but you have your heart set on! LOL!! After the planning part is done and you’ve arrived at the location:

Find your shooting spots. Now that you all are masters of finding amazing lighting outdoors (!) find the best spots that accommodate lighting, and interest!

Start shooting before everyone is already tired. I’ve had a few clients show up to session locations early and let their kids play around. In that case, the kids were fried by the time our session was to begin and it was meltdown city. We made it work, but on that hot day it would have been better had they been fresh out of the car. It could be the opposite for your kids though! Maybe running around a bit would be better to get the wiggles out! It’s a play it by ear type of thing and each child is different.

Working with toddlers:

Be flexible. Toddlers don’t listen as well as kids or adults, so it can be a bit more challenging and more of a work out for you!

Position your kid or kids in the spot you want tell them not to get up and move.
A lot of times I’ll give toddlers something to focus on in their hands like a dandelion or flower or pretty weeds I see around. This keeps their attention and gives us something to chat about and get OVERLY excited about. Asking them to show you and where’s this or that really keeps them engaged and not getting up to move. As you’re asking snap snap snap away.
Focus on details and storytelling to show the story of your sweet kiddo in that moment; upclose, details, pulled back etc. I usually start with very up close, details, eyelashes, curls, full frame portraits and then work my way back to get the overall contextual photo.
If they move follow them a bit, but if they move out of the area you want them in, pick them up and put them back and command : “sit here, don’t get up” GOOD JOB!!!! and refocus on asking questions, giving them something in their hand over and over again.
If they just won’t stay in that spot, give it up and find a new location they’re more content in. Revisit that location once they’ve calmed down.

Working with kids, teens and adults:

For kids, teens and adults who can stand and listen and not move off– you can take a bajillion amazing photos in the span of 30 seconds.

Position your subject by directing them with your words or even showing them. Visually showing them with your own body is a really great way to get the job done quickly.
Direct them with your words constantly. Being the person in front of the camera is sometimes confusing and intimidating and leads to awkwardness when they don’t know what they are doing! Telling them YES!!! Ok, now do this…turn your head this way a bit…hand in your pocket…etc. really eases tension. Be SUPER SUPER SUPER encouraging during this time…lots of YESSS! Oh gorgeous! I love it!!! takes an uncomfortable, not normal situation and makes it fun– which ends up showing in your frame.
Work quickly. Think of all the different shots you really want to get and move quickly through them as to not drag out a session. Think of yourself as the director and the subject your actor! You don’t want to be slow and tire the person in front of your frame. Trust me, your kids will let you know when its been too long!
Condition your kids to get used to being in front of the camera. I know I’m a photographer and my kids are the classic “photographers kids” BUT you too can condition your kids to enjoy being in front of the camera! Adults and teens too!!! The more you encourage them, practice posing together and let them play along side you, the more you’ll both build confidence to take photos you’ll love forever!

Here I am with my big camera and Lily my then 4 year old doing a quick little photo shoot outside of a restaurant before we went in for dinner. I got a total of 8 really awesome shots of her that I absolutely loved and captured her personality. It’s proof that you don’t need a TON of time, or set up to get photos you’ll adore.

Final Thoughts and Recap:

Planning a small photo shoot is great. But when you’re just documenting your day or outing you can’t always plan to a “t” locations and scenarios, outfits, hair etc. that’s just not real life. When your goal is great documenting through photography, you’ll get very good at noticing lighting and interesting backdrops and occasions on your outings. Once you do find those moments, you can take a moment to set up your shot and capture the moment you’re really hoping to fall in love with.
Be patient with your subject. Whether it’s your adult husband, mom, dad, sister, kid, infant, toddler, dog, cat, hamster…you name it..be patient with them. I always try and make the picture taking a fun activity. Even when kids don’t want to, I always try and turn it into a smile, a giggle or a laugh. BUT.. sometimes they do it for me, real quick “so we can get it over with so mom’s happy”. Let me tell you though, at the end of every outing, beach day etc. EVERYONE wants to go through and look at all the photos. So it’s worth it in the end when you have begrudging subjects, and they all agree at the end of the day.
Practice. Shoot a lot. For every amazing image you see there’s a TON of failed ones.