Making the Most of Holiday Visits

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  Now that the holiday season is upon us, it seems like the perfect time to talk about shooting what has become one of my favorite subjects: kids!  While child photography was not that appealing to me when I started pursuing my degree, I happened to use some toddlers as subjects in classes early on in the program.  It was more fun than I expected, and now child and family photography has become a regular part of my life.  With nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and friends’ children around for holiday get-togethers, it is a great time to take advantage of having little ones in front of your camera to find out if you enjoy it as well.  That said, there are some important things to remember when shooting a child session.  I hope this list of “do” and “don’t” tips encourages you to make the most of holiday visits, taking the opportunity to learn and expand your portfolio while also enjoying time with family and friends.  

1. DO start your session where the child feels comfortable.  This image was shot in the family’s home in a room with a solid wall color and comfortable blanket on which the baby was able to play:

2. DON’T be afraid to head outside.  Starting in a child’s home allows the child to become comfortable with you and your camera, but outdoor images bring variety in backdrops and encourage the child to explore new surroundings.  You'll be amazed at the sweet expressions a child makes when she touches soft grass (little Addison, right, couldn't get enough!).

3. DO ensure the temperature is warm.  Babies get cold quickly!

4. DON'T flash light in a baby's eyes.  If you have to use a flash, bounce it away from the baby to brighten the room.  It is best to avoid flashes altogether, opting for an LED panel or continuous lights to supplement the ambient light if needed.

5. DO allow time for plenty of breaks.  Babies and young children have short attention spans and will likely need a snack break before they get frustrated.

6. DON’T put down your camera.  Breaks from posing may make for great opportunities for lifestyle images!   

7. DO ask for a parent or family member to help you get the child’s attention.  Interesting sounds and facial expressions are key to getting a great expression, and that can be hard to pull off with a camera in front of your eye.  Having a helper right behind you is a necessity.

8. DON’T allow more than one person to help you get the child’s attention, though.  Having too many people making crazy sounds and jumping around behind you is confusing to the child, not to mention distracting to you as photographer!  If you find ten people making monkey noises behind you (this happened to me), pause and politely single out one person to take on the role of "attention getter."  It's best, of course, to do this at the start of the session.

9. DO remember to capture the details.  Parents want to remember all the traits that make their child unique, and will appreciate that you see beauty in the small things.

10. DO have fun!  If you enjoy the session, so will the child. 

Do you have any other suggestions for a successful child or baby session?  Leave a comment with tips that have helped you!

-Friday Ambassador