Here are some tricks up my sleeve, out of the hat, directed straight to my subject.

If you want to take a children’s photo, the photographer’s role goes beyond capturing that special moment. But, processing the sensitivity to perform with gentleness is a double duty with loads of patience.

Do not talk down to them. Make them feel equal. Pick a subject and have a conversation. For example: what is your favorite color, ice cream, etc.? Or let’s tell jokes. Interesting enough the child in you will appear and you will bond with a playful rapport. Thus simultaneously you can capture the moment – Bingo!

For babies & toddlers, put a sticker or Scotch tape on their fingers. It keeps them distracted and when you call their name… Wow! You have the shot. Babies are fascinated by light – pocket flashlights, etc. I was on a TV commercial spot and we used sparklers. Their bright eyes were really focused on the camera, with a smile.

Another tool from my goodie bag are whistles, maracas and feather dusters to capture the attention of the young ones. Another attention getter would be to put a squeaky toy over the camera. Anything Barney or Elmo’s World. The best of success: bubbles.

Sometimes a prop can be a familiar support system like a security blanket. They could bring their special Superhero and Care Bear to achieve their comfort zone. Don’t forget the family pet brings out the best in all of us. This is a wonderful way to get the candid shot.

Keep your set up simple and safe, so they’re not scared of the lights or wires. My best approach, I recommend, for a picture perfect shot is to be prepared, work quickly and keep shooting. Remember children’s attention spans are limited. If your child holds a pose too long, it looks stiff and stale. Avoid them squinting at all times. Outside, do not shoot in direct sunlight. Use open shade or backlight. Inside, avoid hot lights. Plan their best times of day and schedule accordingly. Work around naptime and breastfeeding time.

Try to make it a game, so it’s play, not work. Make it like an adventure (because photographing kids is an adventure!). Some of my favorite requests are playing Simon Says, peek-a-boo, dancing and musical chairs. If all else fails, reverse psychology works like a charm. Key words: Don’t smile. No laughing. Look mean. And they crack up with giggles.

Happy snapping! Don’t forget to upload that pic to the CuteKid contest!

Professional Vocabulary: Your Guide to the industry; Please learn these terms in order to speed communications as you and your child begin your new journey.

Booker: Your Contact; at your model agency. The booker gives you your agenda for the day and is the link between you and the photographer/client. Their job to send you to casting calls and to see various clients – (Go-sees: note below).

Go-sees: Casting Calls; to meet and greet the photographer, cast director and or the client. Your child (model) auditions for a specific project.

Backup: Another Child; booked for the shoot; an alternative model if any problems occur with the principle model.

At the “Go-see” a professional photographer takes shots of the backups to present the client with options. When shooting newborns to five year olds, backups are mandatory.

Depending on the assignment, editorial, catalog or a national advertisement, photographers tend to book two to three extras – “backups.” Young children are unpredictable For example: the model is perfect at the casting, but, one week later, starts teething or their front tooth fell out.

Professionals cannot risk the client’s expectations under any circumstances. All the models receive their model fee. But the selected model who appears in the campaign, might be rewarded a bonus fee depending on the negotiations.

Shoot: Shooting Session; a period of time at a specific location where you photograph or film the campaign.

Wrangler: Baby/Child Wrangler; Their role is to maintain the safety of the model and to secure a happy studio ambience by keeping the child’s attention and stamina focused while entertaining the model with their goody bag of tricks. As a result, the photographer captures the awaited “magic moment” working as a team. Bingo! Got it!

Set: Designated Area; where the lights and camera equipment are set up for the shooting.

Wrap: The Last Shot of the Day; and the client terminates the shoot. Everyone is satisfied with the results. The photographer announces “It’s a wrap, strike the set” everyone packs up and leaves.

Model release: Legal document; that releases the rights of the photos to the photographer as a signed agreement by their guardian.

Voucher: How you get paid; it is a itemized receipt documenting your job description and negotiated fees. You must secure this receipt for your records, signed by the client or producer. There are three copies: one for the model, one for the model agency and one for the client.