How To Photograph Your Children as They Grow
Every parent wants to have pictures of their kids. But there is a big problem. Not all kids like to be photographed. Some children start crying and running away once they notice a camera.
Today, we will give you some useful tips on how to take pictures of babies, toddlers, children, and teenagers. We hope it will help you to create a perfect family album.
Newborns
Choose the right time
Do you want to capture your newborn in adorable curly poses? If so, you should take photos five to twelve days after giving birth.
If you wait longer than two weeks for the newborn session, you will not get the pictures you expect. Why? Since that moment, newborns start behaving differently. They sleep less and cry more, so it’s challenging even for a qualified photographer to take nice pictures. As it is a difficult task to take newborn photos, you can check newborn photography by Simona Janek to get some good ideas.
Babies
Pick the right props and outfits
Do you want to use a bunch of fun outfits when taking pictures of babies? That’s a bad idea. Most of the kids do not like to change their clothes. This process gets them irritated, so they start crying.
We highly suggest you choose no more than three outfits for one photoshoot. Also, we recommend you check in advance whether the baby feels comfortable wearing the chosen outfit. That’s really important. If you dress your 9-month-old on an annoying itchy sweater, you will have little chances to take cute pictures.
Use toys
You can’t explain to a baby that he needs to look in the camera. So the only thing you can do is to use toys to grab his attention and get him to look in the necessary direction.
If you arrange a photoshoot in the studio, take a few favorite toys of your kid with you. Also, consider buying a few new shiny toys that look catchy. Using such toys, you will win your baby’s attention with ease.
Toddlers
Let them see themselves inside the camera
Do you find it challenging to get your toddlers to stay still? Take a few pictures while your toddlers are moving and running. Then show these pictures to them on the back of your camera.
That will spark the toddler’s interest, and they will more likely look at the camera and become more cooperative.
Give your toddler something to hold
If you want your kid to stop running for a moment and sit still, give him something to hold. It can be a new toy, a flower, or whatever item that matches your photoshoot theme. While the toddler will be playing with the item, you can snap a few shots – capture a curious face and a sincere smile.
Children
Create props together
Offer your kids to create props for a photoshoot together. You can design some paper flowers, bake cupcakes, or sew a costume. Engage your kids in the preparation process, and get them excited about the upcoming photoshoot.
Offer a reward
If your kids don’t want to be photographed, offer them a reward. It can be a new toy, tasty ice cream, one extra hour of video games, etc.
“Motivate your kids with a reward, and they will do whatever you want. They will look in the camera, pose, and smile. You will get great photos, and your kids will get the desired prize – it will be a win-win situation,” says Rachel Speers, a mom of three, photographer, and writer at TrustMyPaper.
Create a canvas print
Have your kids told you that they would like to renovate their room or add a personal touch to it? Offer them to adorn their room with a big portrait. Invite them to participate in a photoshoot and then allow them to choose a photo for a big canvas print. That will help you to engage your children in the photoshoot and get them more cooperative.
Teenagers
Allow teenagers to choose an outfit for a photoshoot
Teenagers want to feel the freedom of action. They want to behave like adults. So when it comes to photography, don’t force teenagers to follow your directions. Let them choose what to wear and what props to use.
“Once teenagers feel that they are in charge of the photoshoot success, they will get more dedicated to the process. They will do their best to create beautiful pictures for the family album,” explains Vanessa Birmin, a psychology writer for GrabMyEssay.
Watch posing tutorial on YouTube
Teenagers, especially girls, tend to feel shy to pose in front of the camera. They tend to have low self-esteem and subjective opinions of their bodies.
As a parent, you need to help your grown-up kids to understand that they are beautiful the way they are. You need to show them that everyone can look great in photos regardless of age and body type.
Offer your teenagers to watch posing tutorials on YouTube and then practice in front of the mirror. That will make a huge difference. It will help teenagers to get some confidence, and they will feel more comfortable during the photoshoot.
Promise not to show pictures to their friends
Teenagers always worry about what their friends will think. Probably, your 14 years old son doesn’t want to participate in a family photoshoot because he fears that you will show his pictures to everyone you know, including his friends or their parents.
Convince your kid that you will not show his photographs to other people without his permission. And please, be a goof parent – keep your promise.
Wrapping up
If you find it challenging to photograph your kids, don’t get upset. Try to understand your children better. What are their wants, needs, and fears? Why do they want (or don’t want) to pose for the shoots?
Treat each of your kids in a special way and use the tips given. Then nothing will hold you back from taking remarkable family pictures.
About the Author: Kristin Savage nourishes, sparks and empowers using the magic of a word. Along with pursuing her degree in Creative Writing, Kristin was gaining experience in the publishing industry, with expertise in marketing strategy for publishers and authors. Now she works as a contributing writer at ClassyEssay and SupremeDissertations. You can find her on Facebook.