Say Cheese, Kids!

When you get on the ground and can be eye-level with the child, it makes an immediate difference. You empower them by letting them look straight into the camera. Chat with them and talk to them before you immediately start shooting. When you’re ready to shoot, lift your camera and ask them if they can see themselves (or even a magical creature!) in your lens so that they look directly at you. 

Once you’re down at their level, look over the child’s shoulder and see what they’re doing. Look at the world through their perspective and let the camera see it the way they do. 

Food is an excellent motivator no matter how old you are. Keep kids focused and avoid the dreaded hangry mood with snacks they love. Come prepared with a couple of different options for snacks in case you need variety. 

Tell them what to do. Most of the time, families aren’t used to taking photos or posing in front of a camera. Communicate your ideas and don’t just bark out commands. It can be helpful to plan a session with different activities for them, like walking, dancing, hugging, etc. This can keep your subjects occupied while also allowing you to take more candid photos and avoid a stale, posed feel for your photos. 

When you’re taking family photos outside, it’s important to take your family photos facing away from the sun. When you pose your family directly in the sunlight, you’ll notice that facial shadows become more prominent, they begin to squint, and it can be hard for them to see.  

Your photos can stand out even more when you use the environment that you’re in. Whether you want your family to get down in the sand on the beach or sit on a shaded wall, a unique environment makes your photos more memorable. If you notice any natural frames, use them to add more composition to the image.