As a child and family photographer, I am frequently asked how to take better children pictures? Are there any tips for successful kids photography? What are the best ways to get authentic smiles from kids when they are not cooperating?
The best tip for kids photography is to understand the child and not force them to be or act unnaturally. Get down on their level and capture the authentic moments.
As Sacramento’s premier children portrait photographer with more than ten years of experience, we have developed some tips and tricks to help us throughout a kid’s photoshoot. Being a father of three kids myself, I’ve learned a thing or two on children’s personalities and preferences. I know what to expect from kids at certain ages and how to get their most genuine expressions.
It’s impossible to summarize everything in one sentence answer. Therefore, I’ve put together a list of tips for successfully photographing kids, even if you are not a professional photographer.
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Camera: Canon 5D Mark III | Lens: Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM
Sky Natural Light | f/1.2, 1/640s, ISO 200 | Photo by © Sergey Bidun
GEAR USED TO CREATE THESE IMAGES
For the images listed throughout this post, different photography gear and lighting equipment were used.
- Camera: CANON EOS 5DS R
- Lenses: Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM
- Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens
- Lighting: Profoto B1 500 AirTTL Location Kit
- Retouching tablet: Wacom Intuos Pro Medium Drawing Tablet
- Software: Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom
- Computer: Apple iMac, 27-inch Retina 5k display
1. GET TO KNOW THE CHILD BEFORE KIDS PHOTOSHOOT
One of the first tips that you should implement is to get to know the child or siblings that you will be taking pictures of. Children feel emotions much more in-depth than adults. It means that the right steps can create gorgeous expressions and smiles. Meanwhile, the wrong ones can turn into tears.
Each photoshoot requires preparation time from both the photographer and the parents. A strong communication line must be established between them to get optimal results from the kid’s photoshoot. Photographer will be discussing a child’s personality and talents, photoshoot location ideas, outfit choices, prop options, and everything else in between.
Read more of our tips on how to properly prepare for a portrait photoshoot here.
LEARN ABOUT CHILD’S PERSONALITY
Before you start shooting, you must have a general idea of the child’s personality and preferences. Find out from the parent what children like and dislike, whether they play sports or have a favorite toy. These types of details will significantly help during photoshoot time. It will give you something fun to talk about with the kid, and keep them more engaged in the photo-taking process.
Taking great portraits of kids is about understanding each child’s unique personality. It is something you must consider when planning out your shots. To get the most genuine expressions from a child is going to depend on their age and personality.
The younger the child – the shorter their attention span is. As a photographer, you must be very creative and not lose any time. Understanding the key factors of successful kids photography can help you capture authentic and timeless children pictures.
FIND OUT WHAT KIDS LIKE & DISLIKE
Once you know a few likes and dislikes of the child, it will help you prepare for the photo session. The whole process will go much more smoothly..
At the start of the photo session, spend some time talking or playing with the kids. Doing so will make them feel more comfortable around you and in front of the camera. Kids love it when they get a higher level of attention and are treated as grown-ups.
Camera: Canon EOS 5DS R | Lens: Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM
Back Sun Light | f/1.4, 1/1200s, ISO 200 | Photo by © Sergey Bidun
2. LET CHILDREN RUN THE PHOTOSHOOT | DON’T CONTROL IT
For beginner photographers, it’s often easier to photograph kids in an outdoor environment. Outdoor locations always have exciting features and help kids be more relaxed and enjoy the photo session.
Depending on your session’s location, discuss with parents the outfit ideas that would complement the given site. A carefully planned out outfit can make or break the whole photoshoot.
It would be completely off for a little boy to wear a formal suit to a kid’s photoshoot at the beach. The same way you wouldn’t want your kids to wear anything too casual or have outfits that don’t match their personality.
I’ve discussed this topic in more detail and visual examples in my Outfit Ideas for Family Pictures article.
LET CHILDREN GET FAMILIAR WITH THE AREA OF PHOTOSHOOT
For on-location/outdoor photo sessions, I would suggest letting the kids explore the area a bit first. Let them run around and see everything that they wanted to look at in this location. It will get their curiosity and energy to settle down slightly. Meanwhile, you, as a photographer, can use this time to chat with the parents.
If possible, this can also be an excellent opportunity to capture a few candid and unposed photographs. It’s best to document kids when they are their most natural selves – running, jumping, and giggling with one another.
BEFRIEND YOUR LITTLE CLIENT
After you’ve let kids get familiar with the area, it’s time for them to get comfortable with you and your camera. It’s always a great idea to schedule the outdoor photo session slightly earlier the desired shoot-time. It will allow you enough time to befriend your clients.
The best time for outdoor photoshoots is an hour before sunset time or slightly after sunrise. This time is called the golden hour among photographers. The sun gives off a really soft and diffused light that is perfect for photoshoots.
Read our article where we discuss more Outdoor Natural Light Photography benefits and how different time of day affects the outcome of your photo session.
Some of the best ways to befriend clients are by making small talk with the child. You can also ask them about their favorite toys and games. Or just share something interesting or funny about yourself. It might be a great idea to show the child a few images that you’ve taken of them. You will gain even more trust with them.
DON’T CONTROL KIDS ACTIONS
For a successful kid’s photoshoot, let them run the course and don’t try to force or control it. Your session may take a downturn if you are forcing them to do something they are unwilling to do.
For example, if you ask a child to sit still and look into the camera – most often than not, they wouldn’t want to do it since it doesn’t sound like a fun activity for them.
You shouldn’t force children to do something if they already told you no. This can only lead to the kid getting irritated and aggressive with the photographer.
DON’T GET FRUSTRATED WITH KIDS DURING PHOTOSHOOT
Another big tip is that you shouldn’t get frustrated with kids if they don’t follow your photoshoot plan. You really don’t want to have a child crying and being upset with you. It might lead them to be fearful of you.
With kids photography, you must understand that the child is in charge and will run the photo session. The sooner you accept that, the more fun everyone will have at this shoot.
The photographer must be able to go with the flow, adapt, and capture whatever moments happen during the photo session. Photographers will also give some direction and guidance as necessary. This is the only way to get kids in their natural element, and more laughter and genuine smiles.
Camera: Canon EOS 5DS R | Lens: Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM
Back Sun Light | f/1.4, 1/1600s, ISO 125 | Photo by © Sergey Bidun
3. GET DOWN ON KIDS LEVEL
When photographing kids, doing so from an adult viewpoint makes them look even smaller. Try getting down to their level, to be on equal ground. Your photos will look completely different and unique when you are on the same level perspective.
Bend your knees to get to a lower level, or even lay down in the grass for a better angle. Don’t stand over the top shooting down.
As a child photographer, you need to be creative and able to get down to their level literally and figuratively. Don’t be embarrassed to act like a child yourself. It’s ok to be a little childish, knowing that this behavior will let your subject relax and gain your trust.
EVALUATE CHILD’S COMFORT LEVEL
I would also suggest starting the photo session with a telephoto lens, such as Canon 70-200mm f/4L Lens USM. The child can be intimidated by the large camera or your professional lighting at the photo session. That’s why we want to start shooting with a little bit of distance between the photographer and the subject.
Our job as photographers is to be able to evaluate our subject’s comfort and trust level during introductions.
All children are different, and with their varying personalities come different comfort levels. Once kids seem to get more comfortable with the photographer and the camera, you may switch to a portrait lens to create a bigger variety of portraits.
Some of my all-time favorite children’s pictures were taken with a telephoto lens when they were not expecting. When I got down low on the kids’ level, I was able to catch a candid moment.
Camera: Canon EOS 5DS R | Lens: Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM
Back Sun Light | f/1.2, 1/1600s, ISO 100 | Photo by © Sergey Bidun
4. BE READY TO TAKE KIDS PICTURES
When photographing kids on location, one of the essential aspects is to be ready to click the shutter at any time. As someone once told me: expect the unexpected and be prepared to capture it.
Has it ever happened to you when you try to set up a photo and put your subject into the desired spot, but the kid is refusing to do it? Then just a couple of moments later, the child gets into this adorable pose at the right location with perfect lighting. You must quickly snap this shot before the moment is gone.
Working with younger kids has some challenges. If you prepare yourself to be ready for any shot at any given time – your photo session will be successful. Once you have more practice in kids photography and just being around kids, you will understand their mentality better.
If you learn to predict what might happen and where you need to be to capture the moment, you are ready for the kids photoshoot.
Photographing children is about being ready and alert for anything at any given moment. Have your camera and equipment available, and be prepared to move fast if the action happens.
Capturing those spontaneous moments is what fuels me during child photo sessions. Frequently, these images turn out to be some of the most favorite ones for the parents.
My suggestion to anyone starting in kids photography: be alert during the session. Don’t pass up the opportunity for authentic and creative portraits that will serve as lifetime memories for these families.
Camera: Canon 5D Mark III | Lens: Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM
Direct Sun Light | f/1.2, 1/800s, ISO 100 | Photo by © Sergey Bidun
5. DISENGAGE MOM AND DAD DURING KIDS PHOTOGRAPHY
And finally, my fifth tip for photographing kids is the importance of disengaging parents during the photo session. With some families, this point is more important than all the others combined. Often parents are tempted to engage in trying to help force get their kids to cooperate and act or look a certain way.
The last thing I want to see from parents is their frustration with their child. It will undoubtedly bring either tears or the types of expressions that the kids are trained to give for mom and dad – the fake cheesy smiles.
If you are like me – looking to create original and timeless images, you should avoid all fake expressions. This applies to the children and any other types of portrait sessions.
HOW DO YOU POLITELY DISENGAGE MOM AND DAD?
During our pre-consultation and at the beginning of the photo session, I explain to mom and dad that I’ve got them covered. They are free to sit back, relax, and enjoy the photo session from the side. They are welcome to be present, but they aren’t allowed to intrude between the kids and me during the shoot unless I specifically ask for their help.
This not only ensures I have the opportunity to connect and build trust with their kids the way I’m hoping to, but it also relieves a lot of pressure from mom and dad. At the end of the photo session, parents are always astonished how smoothly and naturally everything went, and how excited they are to see all the images.
Camera: Canon EOS 5DS R | Lens: Canon EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Back Sun Light | f/2.8, 1/2000s, ISO 800 | Photo by © Sergey Bidun
MORE TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL KIDS PHOTOSHOOT
Even thou we discussed my top five kids photography tips above, there are a few other aspects to consider for a successful photo shoot. Knowing how the child’s mind works, and what to expect from them at different ages is crucial, but let’s discuss some other important factors contributing to a photoshoot.
LOCATIONS FOR KIDS PHOTOGRAPHY
Locations, photoshoot themes, and outfits play a significant role in any photoshoot. During the early stages of photoshoot preparation, the photographer must discuss each of these points with the parents.
If the child’s parents have a preferred location where they want to take pictures, it’s great, but a professional photographer must be ready to share his/her suggestions as well. A correctly picked out location can set the mood for the entire photoshoot.
Different seasons of the year will offer completely different photoshoot backdrops. It’s helpful to know the client’s preferences so that the photographer can make suggestions on the location.
SPRING PHOTOSHOOT LOCATIONS
Springtime is rich with greenery and gorgeous backdrops. If you have an early warm spring like in California, you can start scheduling outdoor photoshoots as early as February. Some of the most exclusive areas for kids photography are in the orchards, by the river or a creek, in the forest, in a city park, or out on a wildflower field.
Keep in mind that locations such as orchards and wildflower fields are strictly seasonal with a very short blossom period. Plan to schedule such photoshoots at specific times to not miss the opportunity for the optimal shoot time.
SUMMER PHOTOSHOOT LOCATIONS
Summertime is an excellent time for kids pictures, as the days are long and evenings are warm. I won’t be mistaken to say that the most sought after summer photoshoot locations are places near the water. Wouldn’t you also love to cool off your feet in the water on a hot summer evening?
Kids’ pictures on the beach is a wonderful idea for a photo shoot. This relaxing setting will be an exciting place for children not to feel pressured to pose for the pictures. Other amazing locations include local parks, a pony ranch, urban areas, and some flower fields such as lavender or sunflower.
FALL PHOTO SESSION LOCATIONS
Fall photoshoots are also very popular due to the gorgeous colorful backdrops. It is the most preferred time for families to get their annual family portraits taken as it’s closer to the winter holidays. One way of getting updated children’s pictures is during the family’s photoshoot.
Fall photoshoot locations can be any place with beautiful golden trees in the background. You can use standard poses while utilizing the surrounding beauty of nature. Colorful and golden leaves will serve not just as unique backdrops but also as props. We can make a little leaf bouquet for holding, or throw the leaves up in the air, or even have a leaves fight among the kids.
WINTER PHOTOGRAPHY LOCATIONS
Winter photoshoots must include snow. In Sacramento, California, where Bidun Photography is based, we never get snow, but it does fall within 1-2 hours from our area. Many families love to travel up to the mountains to enjoy the real winter and get professional pictures taken.
Whenever kids see snow, they are immediately drawn to playing with it. They start having a snowball fight, building a snowman or other figure, and just sliding down on a sled. The photographer will only need to capture all the activity that’s happening.
Some of the beautiful scenic locations for winter photoshoots are in the forest, on the deck of a lake, and even in the city between historic buildings.
For more photoshoot ideas, read our post on Family Photo Session Ideas.
INCLUDE PETS IN THE CHILDREN PICTURES
Kids and pets are best friends a lot of times. Why not capture this special bond with beautiful and memorable images? If your little clients have a dog that they want to include in their photos, definitely go for it. There are so many awesome photo ideas you can do with dogs or other pets. Playing with the dog, petting him, playing a chasing game, or simply just cuddling with the furry friend. These images will be super special for the child and their family over time.
For more ideas and tips on how we photograph pets, read our post 7 Best Pet Photography Tips.
HOW TO CHOOSE OUTFITS FOR KIDS PICTURES
A lot of times, moms already have a special outfit for their son or daughter to wear. But not all the time that outfit will match the photoshoot theme and location. As professionals, we photographers must be able to guide the parent toward choosing an outfit that complements the child’s photoshoot.
For the best photoshoot outcome, it’s important to pick a theme of the session. A well planned out photoshoot theme will have a photoshoot location and client’s outfits creatively complementing each other.
Children’s outfits should not be some everyday clothes, but also not overly formal. It’s crucial to find the golden middle ground. Some of the best places to find ideas and inspiration are Pinterest, Instagram, and Google. We can find excellent references for kids’ outfits, hairstyles, props, and photoshoot themes.
I recommend you see our detailed guide Family Pictures Outfit Ideas for more tips on choosing the right outfits for different photoshoot locations.
TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE OPTIMAL KIDS PHOTOGRAPHY TIME
One of the many differences between studio and outdoor photoshoots is the amount and type of lighting the photographer will be working with.
Studio photoshoots can be held at any time of day, and no weather conditions can impact it. This convenience can be an important factor for some families. If working with a set of twins or young siblings, sometimes it may be easier to have them in a closed out area. In this case, we must utilize different photography props and just be creative with posing the children.
GOLDEN HOUR PHOTOSHOOT
Outdoor photoshoots are best to be done at sunset time. The beautiful warm golden light is just what we need for producing gorgeous children’s pictures. Natural light is the best lighting for outdoor portraits, and we just need to schedule sessions around that time.
With that being said, we must not forget that our clients are children, and children may be on a completely different schedule. Younger kids get tired and hungry more quickly than adults. They also take naps throughout the day – that’s very important for little kids. If the child misses a nap or is awaken halfway through their naptime – they will be cranky for the entire photo shoot.
If the child’s napping schedule contradicts with the photoshoot time, then we need to get creative about it. The child’s napping schedule is something that needs to be discussed during the parent consultation meeting. Based on that, the photographer will choose the most optimal photoshoot time.
An early sunrise could be a great photo session time for some families – and it happens to be the perfect time for pictures as well. If neither of the golden hours work for the family, we will need to shoot closest to the golden hour. The photoshoot location will need to have plenty of shadows so that the pictures won’t turn out overblown or with harsh lighting.
For more of our ideas and tips for Natural Light Photography, read our post. This detailed guide will improve your outdoor portraits by teaching how to bring attention to the subject in the photo.
CONCLUSION
Here is my list of top 5 kids photography tips for outdoor photoshoots. I hope it may be useful for some of you as you are starting out in children photography. If you want to photograph what’s real and authentic, you must follow these tips.
The key to getting great expressions and keeping kids engaged is to make photo session time a fun experience for them. I want to photograph what’s real and authentic, shooting at their level all the candid moments that are happening.
Keeping kids engaged and entertained with games and jokes will loosen them up and get them more comfortable in front of the camera. Once they are having a great time and giving you natural expressions – be ready to capture those moments with the right lens at the correct location. Have parents present at the session, but not interfering with the whole process, it will only benefit their children’s pictures.
Please let me know what you think about these tips for kids photography in the comments.
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Photographer: Sergey Bidun
Written by Maria Bidun
Sergey is amazing at capturing children’s at-whim moments. The child would just be minding his own business and from it he creates beautiful masterpieces.
Great post! Did not know that it’s better for us as parents to be unengaed in the photo session to get more genuine pictures! Will keep that in mind for our future photo sessions! With you of course! 😁
Thank you for reading our blog and leaving your feedback. This helps us to keep working in producing helpful info for others.
Love how you shared all your tips, it’s not as easy as it seems to take pics of kids, kids grow up but memories and pictures of kids last a lifetime! You are great at what you do, keep up with your awesome work!
Thank you for the kind wishes, we strive to share at least some strategies that have been working for us.
Those are great tips. Children are extremely fickle and don’t like to cooperate. Thank you for sharing your secrets with us. They are great even for taking candid photos of kiddos with your phone camera, for those who are not planning to be a professional photographer but still would love to preserve the memories, like me for instance. I greatly appreciate the tips. Thank you.
Hi Natalia, thank you for your honest feedback! Kids are definitely tricky to photograph, so having a few tricks up your sleeve is never a bad idea. Thank you for taking the time to read our article!