A number of years ago, while on vacation, I was taking photographs of a friend’s children. I remember just playing with them at first. It started with me asking them to say the classic line “cheese”. My goodness. How many times have we all said that in the hope of coaxing a winning smile out of reluctant subjects or to get a group to smile at the same time?

By the end of the session, I found that we had evolved to another level and I was directing them to: “Now don’t smile and give me a little more attitude” in the hope of capturing another kind of mood through the lens. It’s funny how these things happen by accident. Later, Saks Fifth Avenue saw these test shots and fell in love with the strength of the photographs and I was fortunate enough to photograph their entire catalogue.

Photographing adults is sometimes difficult and requires time and patience. Photographing children requires more patience, quick thinking, quick shooting and lots of pre-planning. In the past, while photographing children, I’ve learned that it’s best to be prepared with lots of ideas to get children engaged in the photography process.

Sometimes a simple “Let’s pretend that…” will work. Other times more ingenuity is needed. I’ve learned that even if I think that it’s going to be a simple shooting, I bring a lot of activity props that help engage children in natural activities. Things like superheroes, princesses, tea parties, things that spawn curiosity and intrigue like puzzles and finger toys, clothing out of my closet or my boyfriend’s. Over the years, I’ve gotten some great photos of kids “dressing up”. Sometimes animals will work; your child with the family dog may create just the right moment for the perfect shot.

I think the lesson with children is to be well prepared. Remember their attention span is limited and once you reach that limit the shooting is over and it’s not likely that you can coax another good photograph out of them.

So today’s tip is: “Be Prepared.” Don’t expect your child to have the patience because you’re

not prepared and once it’s over, it’s over.