Photographing little kids can be one of the most rewarding—but also one of the most unpredictable—types of photography. Despite their short attention spans and vibrant personalities, you never quite know what they will do next. If you're a photographer (or a parent with a camera), these tips will help you capture genuine, joyful moments that truly reflect a child’s spirit.
1. Pick the Best Time of Day When they are well-rested and fed, young children are more cooperative.
Avoid nap times or mealtimes. The golden hour, or early morning or late afternoon, when the sun is at its most mellow and flattering, is the ideal time for natural lighting. Pro tip: Discuss the child's most contented time of day with the parent in advance.
2. Short and sweet is best. In a formal photo session, children under the age of five typically do not last long.
Your goal should be to shoot in 10- to 15-minute bursts with breaks in between. Go with the flow rather than forcing the session. Bonus: Schedule a session that lasts between 30 and 45 minutes and get the best shots early on before their energy wanes.
3. Engage, not merely pose Forget “Say cheese.” Interaction, not instruction, is what kids respond to best. Play peek-a-boo in front of the camera, ask them silly questions, or have a parent kiss or throw them in the air. The most touching images are those captured in their natural state. If necessary, bring small toys or props that make noise to pique their interest.
4. Step Up to Their Levels To get up to eye level with the child, do whatever it takes to kneel, squat, or lie down.
With this angle, you can get a closer-up look at your subjects and more accurately convey their emotions in your photos.
5. Make It Fun Make the photo session feel like playtime.
Sing songs, make animal noises, or do something unexpected (like putting a toy on your head). A little chuckle is contagious. Pro tip: Let them be themselves. Let them run or twirl if they want to! Candid shots of movement often turn out magical.
6. Use Continuous Shooting Mode Kids move fast. Using burst mode (also called continuous shooting) helps you capture multiple frames quickly so you don’t miss the perfect moment.
7. Enlist Help (but Not Too Much)
Sometimes having a parent or helper nearby to make the child smile is helpful—but too many adults giving directions can overwhelm the child. Maintain a calm and encouraging atmosphere.
Final Thoughts:
Patience is your best tool when photographing kids. Let go of perfection and focus on connection. Kids are naturally expressive and curious—that’s what makes them so magical in front of the camera. The most memorable shots frequently emerge from out of the blue.
Do you take pictures of children? Share your favorite tip in the comments or tag me in your shots—I’d love to see your work!
Add comment
Comments