I am not an expert in portrait photography. But I have been taking our own portraits for well over three years now. Some sessions have gone very well, some have gone very, very badly. None-the-less, I do think that I have learned quite a bit from these little teachers of mine and my confidence in the task is definitely growing. I thought that I would share some of my tips and tricks with you today.
- Build excitement around the portrait session: I have found it helpful to let my kids know that on such-a-such a day, we would be taking their pictures. I try to involve them as much as possible by telling them what they're going to wear, where the pictures will be taken, ask for their input, etc. By letting them in on the planning and the process, they are much more willing to be on board {dare I say, perhaps even excited} when the time comes.
- Use props: And by props I mean fun and interesting objects that will take their attention away from the fact that they are being photographed 500 times. Try to choose objects that fit in nicely with the theme or image of your portraits. Also, it helps if the children can play and interact with the props. This allows you to get a ton of natural shots and if you're photographing siblings {or cousins, friends, etc}, you can get plenty of shots of them interacting together. You may remember in Maya's 1-year photos, I let her play with yarn balls and wooden spools. For Layla, we used a tea set. But may I suggest balloons, balls, dress-up, funny hats or glasses, pots and pans, scarves, flowers, etc.
Follow their lead: If they are tired of using the props, let them do something else. Ask what they would like to do next, where they would like to have their picture taken, what they would like to hold, etc. Ultimately, if you are trying to push through and making the kids do something they are not enjoying, it will come through in your photographs. Plus, kids have some great ideas. And they are much more willing to cooperate if they feel like they have some say in what is happening.
- Let them do their own thing: Trust me when I tell you that you get a ton more usable shots of children being themselves then you will of children you are trying to pose. Learn your camera and get good at taking shots of kids in motion. Let them do what comes naturally and be there to capture it all.
- Talk to them: Undoubtedly, I am not the type of person who cares if my kids are looking into the camera and smiling. But it is nice to have one or two of these shots in the mix. But rather than making silly noises or asking them to say "cheese", talk with them about something that interests them; something that makes them happy. You're more likely to get a natural smile and you won't have to keep begging them to look at the camera. Ask them about Santa or the Easter bunny, or their favorite TV show.
- Know when to call it quits: Sometimes, at the very beginning, you can tell that the kids are just not into it and it's not going to work out. Be okay with walking away and trying another time. You don't want your kids to associate having their picture taken with being unhappy and making you unhappy {trust me...been there!}. But also, if you've gotten some good shots and the kids seem to be getting tired, and you've tried to switch it up already, then just call it a day. I will often ask after a while "do you want to be done or would you like to pose somewhere else?" Once again, letting them call some of the shots will get you a lot more cooperation.
- Compose your shots: Pay attention to your angles and decide where your focus should be. For most shots of my kids, I sit or kneel when I'm taking their picture. I like to be right at their eye level for most of the pictures. But then I like to play with my angles; shooting from above or below...even behind. You end up capturing details and parts of your kids that you'll want to remember long after that day.
Ultimately, when working with children, you need to make it about them. If these portraits are all about you, what you want, and how you want it done, your kids just really aren't going to be that into it. Who would? If you show respect and appreciation for who your kids are and what they need, they will shine and so will your portraits. And most importantly, have fun!
Ultimately, when working with children, you need to make it about them. If these portraits are all about you, what you want, and how you want it done, your kids just really aren't going to be that into it. Who would? If you show respect and appreciation for who your kids are and what they need, they will shine and so will your portraits. And most importantly, have fun! 
