I'm a photographer who isn't particularly fussed with having my kids pose for the camera.
There are some times though when I need photos of the kids looking front on.
I'm also finding when I am taking photos of other people's children that their expectations of portrait photographs are more in line with the traditional sort; side on, face to the front, smiling.
At those times I really need to connect with the children in some way, so that I can portray their character through a smile only.
Young children can be difficult to achieve this kind of photo but I have some tips and tricks to help.
*Patience is the most important tool.
For example's sake, lets just say I am taking a photo of an almost three year old boy (Noah), who has woken up from his nap in a particularly cranky mood. I need a photo of him for, well, his grandparents who are coming for their half yearly visit in just over an hour.
I can't expect that this little man will just stand, pose and smile for me, so what I need to do is give him time and space to relax and feel okay about the camera.
I need to have patience.
*Prior knowledge is a good thing.
When I am going to photograph him, I usually tell him, "Mummy is going to get the camera out now, okay".
Sometimes Noah will acknowledge this and other times, I may just get a sideways glance. It doesn't really matter, I've let him know and he is processing this information.
I always find the children are more receptive if you ask or give them a heads up, at least.
*Play time is important time.
For the first ten minutes I will click random photos of Noah playing. Sometimes I will ask him if he wants to see them, other times he will ask to look. It peaks his interest in the process.
* Using the child's name is a basic way to grab their attention.
After another few minutes, I will start calling his name. It might take a little while but he responds sooner or later by looking up.
It's a basic connection but what I am looking for, what I really want, is for him to look straight into the lens, so when his grandparents see the photo, they will feel as though he is looking straight at them.
Find an object of fascination or an interest.
At the moment, Noah is obsessed with Thomas the Tank Engine. I know this and so I can use it as a tool to achieve the connection with him.
Even if you don't know your subject well, you can still find something that interests them.
Well known characters are great.
I also find birds, fairies and butterflies are good for girls and dinosaurs, animals (especially lions) and pirates are good for little guys.
I try not to use anything scary like bees or spiders, where the child might turn tail and run! That is definitely not what I need with only half an hour left before Grandma and Pop arrive!
*Play with the kids.
Go on, you know you can do it!
Get involved with their imaginative play.
I will usually say something like…"Noah! I think I saw Thomas! Yep, there he goes, he's behind you!"
He'll often turn to look or he will laugh and at least look up from his game.
Then I might say…"Oh, I think Thomas has chugged into my camera, what do you think?" Followed quickly by, "Can you see Thomas? Look in the lens (pointing to lens) and tell me if you can see him. Can you?"
Noah will then look directly into the lens trying to see his hero and I madly start clicking. He will usually laugh and point and giggle and say "No".
I sometimes say it a few times to get a reaction and if his attention lessens, I'll move onto another engine
"Oh no! I think James just went in too!"
Again, patience is your friend.
The beauty of digital photography is that you can take lots of photos and then pick the best ones.
You will find though if you let your little people relax and if you play this simple game, catching the connection will be easy and you will get a beautiful photo that speaks volumes.
How about you? Do you have any tricks?
When Tiff isn’t sprouting photography tips, she is blogging about life with seven little Australians over at Three Ring Circus.
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