Taking Memorable Photos of Children
Saturday, May 3, 2008 @ 01:03
Many photographers love working with children, and that is because they have learned the special techniques necessary to get the best shots of these unique photographic subjects.
Children make great subjects because, if they are properly treated, they have the innate capacity to forget all about you, the photographer. They will just go about their business, acting like children and allow you to get the most amazing shots that will show off your own abilities, as well as please your clients, generally the parents.
The first thing to do when meeting a child subject is to take a few minutes to get to know them. Especially if you have never met the child or his parents before, this is an often overlooked step that often leads to a frustrating photo session for all concerned.
Take a few minutes to get to know your child subject. Get down to their own level so that you can make eye contact. If this means getting on the floor, then do so. Ask the child a question or two and really listen to their responses. Do they like animals? Do they have a favorite toy or a favorite television show? Once you have established your all-important rapport with the child, explain to them that you are going to get your cameras ready and then take some pictures of them. As foolish as it may sound, reassure the child that the process will not hurt and, in fact, will be fun. You would have no idea how often a child may honestly think getting her picture taken will hurt and your reassurances in this area will go a long way to contributing to a wonderful photo session.
Try to use a telephoto lens so that you can remain as much in the background as possible. Encourage the child to just go about playing. Even if the parents have brought the child to your studio, make sure they bring along some of the child's favorite toys as well. If you remain well in the background, the child will quickly forget all about you. She will become so involved in play, she will forget you are even there, leaving you free to snap away and get some really natural shots that will show off the child's unique features: that look of concentration as she tries to figure out how to unsnap her dolly's apron or that look of pure joy when she blows the perfect bubble.
Remember that working with children can be one of the most professionally rewarding things you will ever do as a photographer. Just remember that children are the same as adults, only smaller. Learn to interact with them on their level and you will find children to be among the most pleasant subjects you will ever have the privilege of working with. You will get some of the best shots of your career out of them too.
