I expect that you can already relate to the title of this blog!
I have parents telling me all the time about how reluctant their child is at home and on days out when it comes to taking photographs of them.
Photographing children can certainly be a complicated and frustrating task!
As a newborn baby, child and family photographer I’ve spent a lot of time over the years trying to photograph the most reluctant children especially my own!
So I am sure you’re wondering how I do it, right? Well I will be sharing some of my top tips for getting even the most stubborn children on board when it comes to taking their photographs. These tips aren’t just for photographing children in the studio though, lots of these tips can also be used at home!
1. Always be ready to take the photograph
When I say this I mean having the camera ready and your desired settings already plumbed in! You usually won’t get a very large window of opportunity with a reluctant child so having everything ready to go is a must. You don’t want to miss that split second smile or striking glance.
2. Don’t be shy!
Children love it when you act the fool! But what makes one child laugh may only get a glare from another child! Every child is totally different and just like you and me, they like different things. So here’s a few ideas on what you can do:
3. Do not rush the child
A child who feels rushed will generally not co-operate at all. For example, you have an appointment or something else important to attend, the alarm didn’t wake you and you’re now running late, you’re rushing and you want your child to do everything you ask, when you ask so you are not late. But your child is more interested in playing or anything else except doing what you ask. You ask them to be quicker but they slow down. Sound familiar? Creating a calm environment and allowing enough time for your child to feel more comfortable, especially in places that are unfamiliar to them are all essential to getting the photographs you want and most importantly, DON’T rush! Good things come to those that wait so stay calm and be prepared to wait as long as necessary.
4. Do not pressure them
Children are very good at sensing things so keeping the pressure of is a must! Children will usually do the exact opposite of what you want them too if they are feeling the pressure. Just relax and let your child do their thing. Give them choices so they feel like they have some control over what you are doing. For example: Would you like to sit on the chair or the stool? Or shall we go under that tree or in front of the hedge over there?
I hope that you have gained some useful tips from this blog. Please feel free to share your own tips and tricks and I would love to hear about any silly things you’ve had to do in the past to get that one photograph! Please comment below.