Are you a photographer who loves working with children. Do yout struggle with capturing their attention and getting them to cooperate during photoshoots? Don't worry, you're not alone!

Photoshoots with kids can be challenging. But with the right tricks and techniques, you can make them a fun and stress-free experience for both you and the little ones.

In this post, we will share 9 genius tricks on How to Photograph Kids that will make your photoshoots with young children and toddlers a breeze. From using props to creating a playful atmosphere, these tips will help you capture beautiful and authentic moments with ease. So grab your camera and get ready to make some magic happen!

Use Props to Distract and Engage

Using  props into your photoshoots with youngsters can make your life easier. Think of soft toys, vibrant bubbles, or their favorite action figures as tools of engagement. These captivating items keep  little ones entertained.  They also grab their attention, allowing for those magical, unposed moments to unfurl. 

One trick I learned from Ana Brandt is to get a old fashioned feather duster and call it "The Tickle Monster". An assistant can tickle the subject then vanish quickly out of the shot. You  may get an authentic smile this way.

Bubbles are another great way to break the ice and let kids have fun. They are easy to remove in post production too.

The key is choosing props that spark the interest of the children and encourage fun times.  Whether it's a fluffy stuffed animal that triggers a smile or a bubble machine that inspires wide-eyed wonder, these props help.  Why not explore a range of child-friendly props.

Ask a parent to cue up a You Tube Video or Music to lift their spirits and/or look towards the camera. You can also wear a phone or tablet around your neck so that kids look your way while photographing. You can try a hanging neck phone holder.  It may need some adaptation, or you can make your own similar set up.

So, next time you're prepping for a photoshoot, remember - props are not just accessories. They're gateways to creating delightful distractions and capturing candid moments.

Let Them Be Themselves

Kids are a wonderful bundle of emotions, energy, and personalities. Forcing them into rigid poses or scripted actions during a photoshoot can stress them out. It can strip the photos of their natural charm. Instead, let the little ones be just that - little.

Give them the freedom to express their individuality. This could mean letting them twirl around in their favorite dress, roll in the grass, or pull faces at the camera.

This approach not only puts the child at ease but also makes the photoshoot a fun experience for them. And when they're having fun, their joy comes through the photographs, giving you those beautiful, spontaneous shots that Moms love.

Photos that showcase their true personality become cherished keepsakes, capturing a fleeting moment of their childhood in its purest form.

So the next time you find yourself reaching for the perfect pose or expression, remember that sometimes, the most memorable photos are the ones where kids are simply being themselves.

Keep the Shoot Short

Getting through a photoshoot with children can feel like walking a tightrope. Between their changing energy levels, moody moods, and brief attention spans, it  can indeed be tricky. That's why keeping the photoshoot short and punchy is key.

Usually, 20 to 30 minues  is a sweet spot - long enough to capture a range of expressions and actions, yet short enough to avoid a meltdown. Imagine this - a child frolicking in a sunflower field, their laughter echoing as they explore and engage with their surroundings. You're there, camera in hand, getting those shots.  But keep an eye on the clock!

The golden rule of a short shoot is to get a few great photos. Don't worry about trying to get 100s.  Focus on capturing those golden moments rather than overshooting.. Let's remember that for kids, photoshoots aren't a chore, but an adventure. So why not make it a breezy, fun-filled fun time rather than an ordeal?

By keeping the shoot short, you're respecting the child's pace and attention span.

So the next time you plan a photoshoot, remember that the beauty of child photography doesn't lie in prolonged sessions but in those delightful, fleeting moments that embody the unbridled joy and innocence of childhood.

Be at Their Eye Level

Getting on a child's level is a sure-fire way to elevate your photography game. It might involve a bit of crouching, kneeling, or even lying flat on the ground, but the results are worth every bit of effort. When you get down to a kid's height, you enter their world, seeing things as they do. It's like looking through a magical, child-like lens.  This  offers an intimate glimpse into their experiences. This perspective shift allows you to capture enchanting close-ups that exude a sense of warmth and familiarity.

Think about the twinkle in their eyes as they discover something new, the dimpled grin as they hold up their favorite toy, or that pout they reserve only for the most serious of matters. These are the real authentic moments that kids live every day, and being at their eye level lets you get shots moms love.

And not just that, photos taken from a child’s viewpoint often carry a story, inviting the viewer to dive deeper into the frame, enouraging  their curiosity and imagination.

So, when you're next on a photoshoot, remember to squat down, crawl, or sit, bringing your camera down to the child’s eye level. Because when you do, you're not just taking a photo. You're telling a story, their story, as they see it, in a way that only a child can.

Include Parents in the Frame

Weaving parents into your image can set the stage for authentic, emotion-filled shots. Their presence often makes kids feel more at ease.

This  paves the way for their genuine reactions and emotions to shine through, offering a gold mine of beautiful, candid moments. Think about the soft laughter echoing between a father and his toddler, the tender glances exchanged between a mother and her child, or the protective arm wrapped around the a little one.

These interactions are the stuff you want for your family photos with kids.  Emotional resonance helps capture expressions and love.  And it's not just about the child. The parents too, are a part of the story - their smiles, their tears, their pride, all paint a multi-layered picture.

So, in your next photoshoot, invite the parents to step into the frame. Give them the space to interact with their child, to share a laugh, a story, or simply a quiet moment. As you capture these interactions, you're doing more than just taking a photo. You're preserving a memory, a moment, a bond that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Use Natural Light

If you can, using only natural light make it easier to run around with kids on a shoot. If you need fill, try a TTL on camera speed light.

There's something magical about the soft, diffused glow of natural light that enhances the charm of children's photography. It acts as a warm, gentle brush, painting your photos with a softness that artificial light struggles to replicate.

Take advantage of 'Golden Hour', those precious moments at dawn or dusk when the sunlight makes soft, warm hues. This magical hour can be a photographer's best friend, lending a dreamy, ethereal quality to your photos.

Golden Hour can be tricky as time is of the essence. I recommend having some kind of fill light on camera. This will put more focus on everyone's face. This time of day can cause shadowy faces if you are not careful.

But remember, while 'Golden Hour' may be coveted, don't disregard the understated beauty of overcast days. The cloud cover acts as a giant diffuser, spreading the light evenly and eliminating harsh shadows, making it perfect for outdoor photoshoots.

And don't be afraid to explore the potential of window light for indoor shoots. It offers a soft, directional light that can create captivating portraits.

So, whether you're planning an indoor or outdoor photoshoot, embrace the glow of natural light, and watch your photos come alive with warmth and magic.

Practice Patience and Flexibility

Capturing the perfect photo of a child is often a game of patience. Young kids and toddlers can be unpredictably spontaneous, adding an extra layer of challenge to the task. But remember, these challenges can turn into golden opportunities with a pinch of patience and a dash of flexibility.

Children may not always play by the rules of the photoshoot, and that's perfectly okay. Your go-to pose might not interest them, or they may suddenly become enamored with a rock on the other side of the park. Instead of trying to steer them back on track, why not follow their lead?

Their unpredictable antics often lead to the most memorable shots.

In the middle of a giggling spree, they might just stumble upon the perfect lighting spot or strike a spontaneous pose that captures their personality.

Instead of imposing a rigid photoshoot plan, let yourself be open to the surprises that come your way. Adapt to their mood swings, respect their energy levels, and embrace the unexpected.

As a photographer, maintaining your patience and flexibility is like having a secret superpower. It helps you stay attuned to the child's rhythm, create a relaxed environment, and seize the fleeting moments of brilliance that often go unnoticed.

So the next time you’re in a photoshoot with children, just remember to pack some extra patience and flexibility along with your camera gear, and you'll be well on your way to capturing those candid shots that truly encapsulate the magic of childhood.

Keep a Cheerful Atmosphere

Creating a fun atmosphere during the photoshoot is key.

Filling  the set with playful energy can immediately put the young ones at ease and elicit genuine responses that shine through in the photos. Think of incorporating elements of fun into the shoot, like initiating a friendly game of peek-a-boo behind the camera or engaging them in a lively dance-off to their favorite tunes.

These upbeat activities can stimulate their spirits.  Remember, your energy is contagious. So, wear your biggest smile, let your enthusiasm flow, and engage with them on a level they understand and appreciate.

Engaging in simple jokes or a quick round of their favorite nursery rhymes can also do the trick.  The tried and true, "Hey, who farted?" almost always gets natural smiles. But you have to be ready to take the shot once you say it, because you can only use that line once a session.

A spirited atmosphere not only ensures the kids have a memorable experience, but it also helps you capture them in their purest form.

So the next time you're behind the lens, add a dose of cheer and watch the magic unfold. You'll be surprised at how a sprinkle of fun can transform a routine photoshoot into a joyous adventure. After all, a happy child makes for happy pictures!

Capture Candid Moments

Once in Chicago, I attended a workshop by the famed family photographer Michelle Celentano.  She suggested having a prescribed set of questions and responses for kids. For example, "Who's your favorite Disney Princess"? No matter who they say, you respond by gasping, placing your hand over you mouth and saying, "Really?  I Love X. She's my favortie too". Then go on to say more about this princess. Of course, this requires you to know your Disney Princesses in advance. But doing so can help you connect.

Candid photography captures the essence of childhood - raw, spontaneous, and full of life. It's about seizing those fleeting, unscripted moments that bubble with genuine emotion. The magic lies in being ever ready with your camera and letting the child's natural behavior guide your shots.

Be it the infectious laughter  or the sheer delight of a victorious toddler standing unaided for the first time, these are the moments that paint a heartfelt portrait of their childhood.

Candid shots are all about anticipation and timing. Keeping your camera in burst mode can be a handy trick to ensure you don’t miss out on those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments. Be patient, watch closely, and immerse yourself in their world.

The idea is to be an unobtrusive observer, allowing the child's true personality to shine through without any artificial poses or forced smiles. You’re not just taking photos; you're capturing memories, ones that reflect the enchanting spontaneity and unfiltered joy of childhood.

So, during your next photoshoot, let go of perfection and embrace the unpredictability. The candid moments you capture today will be the timeless treasures of tomorrow.

After all, in the rapidly changing world of a child, every moment is a candid one.