Formal Child Portraits

Although the technical skills of photographing a child and an adult are the same, photographing children requires different social interaction techniques.  The social interaction required to photograph a 50 or 64 year old does not tend to vary much.  The range of social skills needed to photograph a sleeping newborn or a toddler that refuses to sit still are vastly different than those skills required to photograph an uncooperative 14 year old. 

With younger children, it is necessary to get on the floor.  The perspective of pictures from their level will turn out much better than pictures taken above them. 

With toddlers it is most likely necessary to have an assistant or cooperative parent place the child back on the set when they run off.  As a photographer you have to be ready to take the photograph as soon as the child is placed on the set.  Toddlers will probably require distractions to get a natural reaction.  Don't be afraid to sing, play peak a boo, or other games to get them to relax.  If toys are used as distractions, it is important to chose them wisely.  Different toys can help get the toddlers attention, but then may end up in the photograph. 

Pre-teen or teenage children present a different challenge.  Their uncooperative behavior may present itself in the form of pouting faces, bunny ears on their little sister, or sticking out their tongues.  Although one picture with this funny expression may be alright, most likely the family will not want their formal portrait to include the bunny ears.  Different distractions may need to be used to stop this behavior.  Telling a joke, asking the child questions about school or sports can often help.  

One skill that is common throughout all ages of photography is the need to talk to the person being photographed and make them feel at ease.  Lighting equipment and cameras can make child and adults  nervous, uncomfortable, or even scared.  Taking the time to explain what is occurring can help the situation.

I had the opportunity to attend a seminar on child portraiture this weekend.  There are many styles of child portraits, but this specific seminar focused on more formal pictures.  Here are some of the top take-aways from the session.

Take-aways:

1) Get down and photograph from the child's level.

2) Never say smile, but do something to make the child smile naturally. 

3) Never say anything negative about the picture.

4) Keep the child's clothes simple, whites and solids are best.  

5) Be patient.

6) Always take control and direct the session.

Happy Photographing!

Favorites from the day: