You may feel nervous booking a photo session because your little one is at that stage where all they want to do is walk or run and you may be thinking it will be impossible for them to sit still for a photograph. Or perhaps you're starting out as a photographer and are nervous with having to manage a dog as well as a toddler when the family have requested certain "poses" for you to try and capture.
Does this sound familiar?
I've got some tips below for both photographers and parents if you've got a shoot booked in but are a little nervous. Don't worry, I've got you.
Tips for Your Photoshoot:
Leave the expectations behind
There's nothing more unpredictable than children! So relax, take the pressure off and trust that your photographer will capture the most beautiful photos of you all no matter what happens!
All I need is a millisecond to capture a beautiful photo, so if you're bringing young children along, be reassured that they don't need to sit still or look a certain way - I'm here to capture their beautiful little personality, just as they are.
Mum was worried in this photoshoot that I wasn't getting anything good of little Jax as all he wanted to do was walk the dog. And we let him. Look what we got:
Snacks & Treats (a.k.a. bribes)
Some may call these bribes but whatever you want to call them, they work. I usually come prepared with dog treats if I know there is a dog coming to the shoot, just to help as they respond so well to a treat.
With regards to toddlers, a snack is always good to have on hand, as parents will know. But it won't disrupt our shoot, don't worry about that. We can take 10 minutes so the little one can eat and whilst we're "waiting" we can get some shots of you!
Make it no big deal
One of my biggest tips when it comes to bringing toddlers and young children to a photoshoot is to not over prepare them. The more you tell them they're going to have to sit and smile, the less they're likely to! Simply tell them that you're going to visit your friend Megan and Megan will need their help to take lots of photos of Mummy & Daddy. There's nothing better than making it into a fun game!
Tips for Photographers:
Shutter Speed is Crucial
There is a very minimal chance that any children or pets will stay still for more than 0.5 seconds so a high shutter speed is crucial. There's no such thing as "overshooting" so take as many as you can, you just need a split second to capture something amazing. A high shutter speed will ensure the photos are still sharp despite movement.
A Rough Idea Helps
It's good to have a rough idea of what you'd like to create, so in your mind or on your phone, write a list of ideas, so that you don't go blank. Pressure can sometimes overtake how prepared you are and we don't want that.
BUT
If you don't achieve any of those, it really doesn't matter. Very often, the plans go out the window when you're photographing children.
Add Movement
Focus on making it an enjoyable experience by adding movement to your photos. That way, people will feel more at ease & you won't be stressed because your plan has backfired. It also stops those stiff, posed photos that no one is after.
Try some of these to add movement:
Walking hand in hand
Boys racing their Dad
Piggy backs (not just for kids!)
Tickles if we can't get a smile
Tree climbing (if you've got the right shoes on)
In this family's case, we walked the dog, tickled, had shoulder rides and piggy backs. Do you think it worked?
I hope this has helped to prepare you for your upcoming shoot, whether you're the client or the photographer. Please do reach out to me and let me know what else you'd like me to share!
Meg x
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