11 Tips from Top photographers for Taking Kid and Family Photos
Move it, move it
Take a group picture while you’re all walking towards the camera, swaying, singing, yelling something , or do anything that has your body moving naturally.
Set the scene, call action (toddlers)
Just go crazy! A toddler will at least briefly stand there and smile and laugh against a perfect plain backdrop.
The Hail Mary
For older kids who are just too ‘cool’ to participate, find ample floor space and tell them to lie down and go to sleep.
The Hail Mary
Just put a blanket over all of their heads and then whisk it away, playing silly hide and seek or “don’t you smile!” games and even though they’re old and way too cool, they can’t help but smile if you’re playing with them from overhead.
iPhone upside-down trick
Simply hold your pointer finger on the up-volume button on your iPhone with the camera open, flip the phone upside down and hold the camera close to the ground or kitchen counter. Fire away, taking photos upside down!
iPhone upside-down trick
Your subjects may be so intrigued with what you’re doing that they will want to participate. Foolproof!
Let kids be kids
Shoot kids as they are. Sometimes kids, especially younger ones, are not in the mood to get their picture taken or smile. That’s ok!
It’s all about that light
To get professional-looking photos indoors, turn off your overhead lights. Try to use as much natural light as possible and take photos by a window.
Feed the models
Be sure to have snacks with you during a photoshoot in case anyone gets hungry. No one wants their photos taken when they are feeling Hangry!
Babies
For little babies (non-newborns) I have a really simple trick I use to get a smile.I stand in front of a baby, hold eye contact, put a huge smile on my face and sweetly sing-song say “HI” a bunch of times until I get my smile.
When in doubt, do a lift
There’s almost no child (best for after the age of four months) that doesn’t LOVE to be lifted up in the air! It makes for the sweetest photos.
Bribes
There’s no shame in the bribe game — I personally prefer a lollipop bribe at the end of a session; however, the promise of a special toy, activity or extra episode of a show are fan favorites.
Bribes
Generally, the promise of anything the child really loves tends to do the trick!