As parents, we’ve all been there. Trying to coax our reluctant little ones to perform for our cameras.
But it can be tough to take amazing photos of your children because, despite looking nearly angelic only moments the camera comes out, they are notorious for refusing to deliver their winning smile on cue!
We’ve spoken before on the blog about how important photographs are in documenting your child’s early years. As they grow, the photographs you display around your home will become cherished memories of those most precious times spent with your little one.
This week on the blog, we’re sharing a few tips to help you the next time you decide to take photographs of your little one. Use these tips to take amazing photos of your children.
1. Keep things as natural as possible
Easier said than done, right?
If your child isn’t a fan of having their photo taken, the chances are they start running in the opposite direction as soon as you pull your phone or camera out. This is likely because they’re associating the idea of getting their photograph taken with a pretty stressful experience.
Some of the best photos of your child will be when they’re simply “in the moment”, when you capture their authentic selves without any forced expressions or poses.
To take amazing photos of your chlidren, realise that they don’t always have to be looking at the camera, or standing in a certain way.
In fact, by keeping things relaxed and natural you’re sending the message to your child that having their photo taken is totally normal. Your child will look to you as an example of how they should behave – if you’re relaxed, they’ll find it easier to be relaxed.
2. Let them play!
No matter what age your child is, the chances are they just want to PLAY. Use this opportunity to play with them, and make it as fun as possible.
Instead of pointing your phone or camera in their direction and pleading for stillness and serenity, try turning it into a game. The result will be beaming smiles and natural expressions.
Capturing your child in a more natural setting will result in photographs full of character and charm. As your child grows up, this is how you’ll want to remember them – full of life and fun!
3. Get outdoors
Sometimes, when it’s time to take photos your child will be bursting with so much excitement and energy that capturing that “perfect” moment is a challenge. Why not head outdoors, and give them some space to let go of some of that energy?
This helps children associating the idea of getting their photo taken with a much more relaxed and fun experience. Plus, they might even fall asleep earlier thanks to all that playing – win-win!!
4. It’s not all about the smiles!
Maybe you often find yourself at a loss trying to get your child to show their beautiful smile on camera. I’ve seen parents get frustrated in the studio when their child doesn’t beam on cue, but this is nothing to worry about!!
Taking photographs of your child is all about capturing them just as they are in the moment, absolutely perfect :))
Some of my favourite photographs over the years have been free of smiles – just look at this adorable bunch! These images of your child will be such fond memories to look back on and share with them when they get older.
5. Get some help from a professional photographer!
At Kingshill Studios, we have years of experience photographing little ones, from the most willing participants to the more reluctant… We can make use of our outdoor space and indoor studio to provide you with a stunning collection of images of your family.
Don’t miss the opportunity to properly document your child’s early years – these moments will be gone before you know it!!
