You know how the cobbler’s kids have no shoes? Well it’s not that bad, I do have photos of my kids, but they were not easy to get! I have tons of photos of my friends’ children that are wonderful and were much easier to create. It is something about the pressure of performing for your own parents that makes it a difficult task for the kids. Not to mention the expectations I have for my little muses as a mother and an artist with a vision. Even with the right location, clothes, light and bribes in place, it is still challenging to photograph your own children.

Start with movement. I don’t mean the kids, they do that already. I mean you, the photographer. Bend, squat, jog, kneel, and shake the camera and yourself on purpose. My father was 6’6” tall and a gifted photographer. However, he did better photographing the animals at the zoo than the rug rats at home. I think because every shot was taken at eye level and that gives a very specific look, especially at his height. So try it…..

Shoot up

Shoot down

In your face

On the ground

Keep it loose. I think traditional portraiture can be so stiff. This is another great reason to shoot a lot. In the old days of film, photographers use to shoot a roll not using any film for the sole purpose of loosening up their subjects. Here are two favorite tips I have for making my subject lighten up. First, interact with each other. Not looking at the camera, but at each other talking and laughing. You are bound to get some dorky shots with people’s mouths open, but you might get a real moment too. Lastly, when in doubt, walk it out. People can’t look stiff while they are moving; I think it is physically impossible. Again, you will blow through a million out of focus, lousy frames. If you keep at it, and practice your panning prowess you are going to get a great shot. PS. if you are walking backwards have someone watch where you are going. I have fallen into a pricker bush and almost off a dock before.

Keep it loose

Preparation is critical for one to succeed at shooting children. My years as a stock photographer taught me about concepts. What are you trying to illustrate with your images. Are the kids playful, free spirited or tough? Maybe they are strong like superman…

Wearing a cape running through a field, or using a butterfly net as a prop. These both capture universal themes of childhood. Look at your print ads and catalogs what is going on there photographically. Think of at least one emotion you are trying to convey and about the perfect wardrobe and location to make it happen.

I know parents that shoot their kids doing everything. This is a much more photojournalist approach. There is nothing wrong with that. As a matter of fact shooting weddings has made me a better observer. You are not directing every moment in a wedding… sometimes you are a fly on a wall. It is while you are observing the mundane moments in life, that is when the magic can happen.

So you know how to get to Carnegie Hall right?

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.