Children and Baby Photography

One of my favourite genres of photography is definitely children and baby photography. Children are uninhibited and natural in front of the camera and their own little personalities shine through with no effort at all. A shoot with kids promises a bunch of smiles, laughs, giggles, silly songs and funny faces (especially from mom and dad) and every now and then the prettiest little girl in the most beautiful fairy dress that is grumpy.


 Priceless!!

I have learnt the trick with children and babies is really about capturing that spontaneous moment. You need to be alert and ready at all times as you never know when the perfect shots will happen. Generally too much posing or "do this" and "do that" doesn't work well with children, they get irritated, unsure of what to do and the sparkle tends to die. My style tends to move towards allowing the kids to have fun and be themselves, depending on the age group you can give a bit of direction and ideas, but forget it with the 1-2 year old age group. The photographer, mom, dad and granny are all there for their entertainment and its your job to be the jester and and bring out the smiles. I often wonder if i should get someone to photograph the adults on the side lines just for a really good laugh!

Some quick tips to make your Childrens Photoshoot run smoothly

• Have a few simple props/toys in your studio to entertain and distract the kiddies. They can get bored quickly.
• Ask mom or dad to bring a long that favourite blankie, teddie, book or car along. It helps to settle the kids that may be shy but also ads a personal touch to the images.
• For the younger kids 6months- 5 yrs ask mom to bring along a juice, bottle, little snack. This is hard work and a 5 min break is sometimes a good idea.... for everyone.
• If you have a child that is shy, grumpy or doesn't feel like standing on the backdrop too much insisting seems to make matters worse. Take a 5 min break, casually chat to mom and dad and just play with the little one. No pressure tends to turn things around.
• Ask mom and dad to book the shoot around nap times and feeding times where necessary. Hungry, tired children are miserable children.
• The child often dictates the end of a shoot, depending on the age group 40min to an hour is about as much time as you are going to get before the wheels come off and the fun dies. When the child is starting to get tired, clingy to mom or niggly call it a day and end on a positive note.
• Remember to have FUN! Sometimes mom and dad can be stressed to make sure there gorgeous kids are looking their best and on their best behaviour. Help mom and dad relax and reasure them that even if the kids where jumping around like hooligans or grumpy for part of the shoot that you have plently of great shots. Show them one or two images on the camera to ease their minds.

To view my full portfolio of Newborn images as well as children and family photography follow the links to my Moments and Memories site. I hope you enjoy.