Bubbles, Barney and… Bingo!
Written by jade on July 6, 2009 – 10:23 am -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!
Tags: camera, children's photographer, photo tips, photographer, safety
Posted in Uncategorized | 25 Comments »
July 12th, 2010 at 6:23 am
Must admit that you are one of the best bloggers I ever saw.Thanks for posting this informative and useful article.
April 19th, 2010 at 5:20 pm
Good blog post, I will be sure to bookmark this in my Reddit account. Have a good day.
April 16th, 2010 at 6:14 am
I totally support your point of view! Keep it up that way!
April 9th, 2010 at 1:32 am
I totally support that! Continue that way!
April 7th, 2010 at 5:43 pm
This an Fantastic write up, I will bookmark this post in my Diig account. Have a great evening.
March 27th, 2010 at 3:20 pm
Good blog. Can’t wait to start my own blog.
March 12th, 2010 at 9:40 am
I enjoyed your blog.
November 30th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
great blog
October 27th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
Good blog. Can’t wait to start my own blog.
October 13th, 2009 at 11:26 pm
I wrote a similar blog about this subject but you did a better job
October 8th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
I was going to write a similar blog concerning this topic, you beat me to it. You did a nice job!
September 29th, 2009 at 2:38 am
Great tips from a hot-shot child photographer here.
August 10th, 2009 at 10:14 pm
Jade, I just wanted to thank you for how kind and helpful you have been to us. when I emailed you, I really didn’t even think I would get a reply but you have went far and above just one reply. You have taken time from I am sure a very busy schedule to help us. You are a wonderful person and valuable member of the cute kid community. I hope we get the chance to work with and meet you while we are in NYC.
Kelly, Hunter & Parker
July 28th, 2009 at 7:15 pm
P.S. Would it be unwise to enter a black and white photo into the contest?
July 28th, 2009 at 5:57 pm
We are looking for reputable companies to work with on behalf of our baby and toddler… do you have any suggestions? We live in the Seattle area. Thank you! : )
July 28th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
I am Definatly going to try every one of these tips. I have submitted a couple of photos to cute kids but they have not been choosen. I must not being doing something right, because i know my baby is gorgeous..:)
July 24th, 2009 at 8:41 am
Hi
I was responding to Heather’s comment before not mrs Albert. Sorry Jade.
July 10th, 2009 at 8:19 am
Jade is a star photographer and with her advice will you will definitely make a great picture of you child..
July 10th, 2009 at 5:33 am
Love the sticker/tape on the fingers idea, will have to give that a try. I have seen the bubbles idea before and it did work great. However I think you need a second person to blow the bubbles while you take the shot.
As for Mrs Albert dont be too pushy with your child, some average children can take stunning photos while other “more attractive” children take pretty ordinary photos. I have never heard of people stopping someone to tell them they have an unattractive child. If you want your child to be a part of the industry get some great shots and maybe get them into dance and drama lessons.
July 9th, 2009 at 6:12 pm
Hello Jade,
Fist, I would like to Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to share such valuable tips & info! People are constantly stopping us to comment on how beautiful & full of personality my 11-month old daughter is. If you don’t mind when you get a moment, would you Please take an honest look and let me know your professional opinion if you think my daughter has “it” to pursue child modeling on a professional level? She is a Cute Kid member & her name is Ja’lyla Austin… ~Thanks In Advance, Alisa~
July 8th, 2009 at 11:09 am
i could see a toddler playing on the little poppy,how amazing.
July 8th, 2009 at 7:53 am
great tips
July 7th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
I don’t shoot children but my husband and I had our first baby 10 months ago. These are incredible suggestions. One of the parents of one of my models sent me this link. I’m so happy she did. It is a fantastic read. I’ll have to try these tips when she wakes up.
July 7th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
[...] however today they sent me something useful. A “top” child photographer talks about her tricks for getting the [...]
July 7th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
Mrs. Albert,
Hi, I know you must be very busy, but sometime in your spare time, please if you could take a good look at my daughter’s photo and tell me if you think she has the look that it takes to be in the biz. Everywhere we go people stop me and tell me how beautiful she is. Her name is Jayla Vallejo and we are cute kid members. Thank you so much!
Heather