As a kids photographer, you know that capturing your subject’s personality is the most important thing. So how do you take a great photo of a child without making them look like a complete goofball?
First, keep in mind that children are very different than adults. They don’t like standing still and they can be unpredictable: they might run around or change their minds at any moment. That being said, there are some simple tips any kids photographer can use to take better photos with kids:
Use natural light
1. If you’re indoors, get them near a window—and if they’re outdoors, find a spot with some dappled sun. The sunlight will give them a warm glow and make them look more alive than if you used flash.
Get down to their level
This is especially important when you’re shooting newborns or toddlers who are just learning how to stand up on their own. When they’re standing up, they’ll look tiny compared to you! Getting down low will give them a sense of power and make them feel like they’re in charge of the situation (which is crucial for toddlers). If you have an older child who is sitting or lying down comfortably, then by all means do so rather than crouching down for every shot!
Make it fun, kids photographer!
Don’t be afraid to play around with different angles or expressions—this doesn’t mean that every single photo has to be serious; if your kid subject loves making faces at the camera or jumping around like crazy, let them go for it!
If you’d like to see our work, check out our kids and family portrait photography portfolio. You’ll find examples of our work there, as well as testimonials from happy customers who have hired us before. And if you’d like to see our latest portrait photos, follow us on our Instagram.
