Portrait Tips for Photographing Children

Having a portrait photo taken is a wonderful way of capturing stolen moments of our children exactly as we know them to be – happy, content and natural. You can expect to have a fun and friendly experience of capturing your little treasures in the best possible way. My photo sessions are very relaxed and informal so don’t worry about tiny tears or tired tantrums as I’m an experience professional. My aim is to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable time. To get the best out of your portrait session, I have compiled a few tips and thoughts for you to ponder.

Children and photographs…

• Children are at their best usually mid-morning so schedule a time when they will be happy and well rested. It’s a great idea to bring along a few favorite small toys so that they feel secure. It is best not to offer food or drink to children during the portrait session as it will distract their attention. However, babies are unpredictable in their natural and if baby decides half way through the session that they need a top up, don’t stress but oblige their needs as we want both Mum and baby to be content.
• Don’t worry about tiny tears or tired tantrums, as a professional child photographer I’m prepared for any eventuality. Any new experience is a daunting one for our tiny treasures and the surprise of flashing lights can be a little scary at first. Children are best handled with love, care and lots of patience so give them a little time to get comfortable. A fabulous way of helping them to relax is to have Mum or Dad sit with them in the photo so that they can see it’s no big deal. Usually after 10 minutes they will be happy to be the centre of attention!
• Mums and Dads are helpful as quiet supporters of their little gems as if we’re both calling for their attention they won’t know where to look. It works really well when parents stand behind the photographer so young children look in the direction of the camera. It’s best not to force children into a pose as the results will be stiff and stilted. Children instinctively know what feels natural and the best results come from laying them on their tummies or sitting with a toy. I personally feel that a child needs to feel that my studio is an extension of their play area and they go home with the memories of an enjoyable experience. Keeping that in mind I’ve found that most parents are thrilled with the results of their precious darlings looking content, happy and simply adorable!

Wardrobe Planning…

• Simplicity is key. As the saying goes ”less is more” and this is true when it comes to planning an appropriate outfit. Solid colours are best. Bright or light pastel clothing looks best in portraits taken against a white or light background. Blues, white, ivory, khaki and salmon are lovely outdoors against green foliage. Burgundy, brown, tan and gray are nice in late autumn. Kids photographed outdoors during Autumn look fabulous dressed in a single colour like for example green against the bright orange fallen leaves or red against the green foliage.
• Avoid large or bold patterns, wording, checks, strips, dots and spots as they draw attention away from the face, as this is the most important part of the photo. Teenagers tend to want to show off their branded or labeled clothing but any obvious brand names will date the photo in years to come and are quite distracting. Try to steer clothing decisions away from branded items by suggesting (subtly of course) a simpler alternative.
• If you are having a group or family portrait taken dress everyone in the same style of clothing but not necessarily the same colour. It’s best not to mix casual and formal attire in the same shot as formal clothing results in more formal poses. If you would like a more relaxed portrait or if you select an outdoor location, choose more casual and comfortable clothing (denim works a treat). Also consider that children look best photographed with bare feet as shoes tend to make their little feet look much bigger, but for Mum and Dad socks are also an important item.

Last things to consider…
If your child does happen to fall ill, it is best to postpone your portrait session until he or she is feeling better. Both parents and child would enjoy the experience far more if everyone is content and happy. Any haircuts are better done several days before the portrait so it gives a more natural appearance. It’s always a good idea to bring along a brush or comb to tidy up and tame any fly away hair.

Most importantly remember to enjoy yourself. We want your photos to be a true reflection of you!