On average, I typically have a maximum of 45 minutes (sometimes less) to complete a family session that involves kids. Here is the approach I take to getting the most out of my time with little ones:
1. Don’t make it feel like work
Adults don’t like being told what to do, and toddlers don’t either! I never force a child into doing something they if they say, ‘no.’ As soon as the session starts feeling like work, they’ve checked out and it will be really hard to get them to cooperate. If your kid starts fussing because he/she wants to be held by dad instead of mom, I let them stay with dad. If the child wants to not be held at all, let them run out some energy. When you put the kid in charge, they have fun.. and I want my session to be fun. (bottom-left: This little dude just wanted to explore, and ended up being one of his parent’s favorite photos because it’s how their son really is every day. bottom-right: He was pooped, so I let him just chill for a minute)
2. Get musical
You don’t want me singing at your session, but little kids normally have a song THEY LOVE. Have mom or dad sing a song to get them smiling and in good spirits.
3. Get playful
Peek-a-boo.. Who doesn’t like that game? Hide behind your camera to see what kind of reaction you get. It may just be a blank “you’re a weirdo” kind of stare, but could also make for a great laugh. If you’re photographing siblings, make up a simple game and be really excited about so it sounds extra cool.
My dialogue normally goes like this:
YOU: Hey, guys! Do you want to play a really fun game?!
KIDS: (head nod)
YOU: Awesome, when I say ‘go!’ you’re going to run to me as fast as you can. Can you do that?
KIDS: (eyes light up) YAAAAAA!
It’s a simple concept, but you can make any little game sound like it’s the best game ever! (bottom-left: I used this exact dialogue. bottom-right: This was the result of a peek-a-boo game)
4. Sharing is caring
When I see tears with toddlers, I show them the back of my camera. Kids love to see themselves, so if I show them the back of your camera, they’ll recognize themselves and the other people on the screen. They are always infatuated, and it normally helps to stop the waterworks. If the children you’re photographing are a little bit older, show them a picture and tell them what a great job they are doing. This will motivate them to go on a little bit longer.
5. All expressions welcome
If kids are pouting or crying, I’ll take those shots too! I’m drawn to the real moments, and if this was what our session was like, that’s what I’ll document.
6. Let them be kids
Kids naturally do all of the cute stuff on their own. I’m just there to bring it out of them. I do suggest some posing, and arrange a scene, but whatever happens within that scene is all them! Just let them do what they do, and if you use some of these tips, you’ll get their natural emotions to surface! (below: I didn’t tell this little girl to squeeze mommy’s nose, she just did it because it was funny. Keep the session FUN and kids will stay engaged.)
