{"id":69290,"date":"2021-04-06T10:14:42","date_gmt":"2021-04-06T14:14:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/?p=69290"},"modified":"2021-04-01T09:15:24","modified_gmt":"2021-04-01T13:15:24","slug":"kids-photography-ideas-for-creative-photos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/kids-photography-ideas-for-creative-photos\/","title":{"rendered":"12 Kids Photography Ideas For Creative Photos"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether they belong to you or your clients, kids present a unique challenge (and opportunity) for photographers. How they respond to directions varies with age, not to mention personality, but it\u2019s entirely possible to capture incredible images of any kid who happens to get in front of your lens. The \u201ctrick,\u201d really, is to think of photographing kids as an exercise in creative photojournalism. Set up a general plan and then be prepared to pivot and go with the flow while adding your own creative perspective.<\/p>\n

Here are 12 kids photography ideas for creative photos you can use whether you\u2019re photographing an only child, siblings or friends, or even a family. These are tips that pros and non-pros alike can use to take better pictures of kids. (Note: A number of the images that accompany the following tips were captured and edited on an iPhone, although you\u2019ll probably want to stick with professional gear when working with clients.)<\/p>\n

12 Kids Photography Ideas for Creative Photos<\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. Let Go of Perfection<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. Keep Your Energy Up<\/a><\/li>\n
  3. Be Prepared to Use Bribes<\/a><\/li>\n
  4. Know When to Say When<\/a><\/li>\n
  5. Start the Session with Posed Photos<\/a><\/li>\n
  6. Get \u2018Em Moving<\/a><\/li>\n
  7. Lean In for Sibling Snuggles<\/a><\/li>\n
  8. Look for Reflections<\/a><\/li>\n
  9. Use Props<\/a><\/li>\n
  10. Share an Unusual Perspective<\/a><\/li>\n
  11. Get Fitted for Water Hats<\/a><\/li>\n
  12. Tell a Story<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    I\u2019m going to start with a couple of general tips for photographing kids and then I\u2019ll jump into specific kids photography ideas for creative photos. Let\u2019s go!<\/p>\n

    Kids Photography Ideas for Creative Photos, Tip #1: Let Go of Perfection<\/h2>\n

    This is one general rule I follow whenever I photograph kids and it always seems to work. For many people, it\u2019s easier said than done. We tend to stress more with delivering perfect photos for paying clients, but I\u2019ve found that if I worry less about capturing a perfectly posed photo and focus more on capturing fun, authentic moments, I always end up with better images. In fact, creating more opportunities to capture creative photos usually allows me to build a good enough rapport with the kids to get them to pose for a few traditional portraits as well.<\/p>\n

    Tip #2: Keep Your Energy Up<\/h2>\n
    \"children
    To get this reaction, dad simply tickled the girls when cued<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Keep your energy up throughout the session. More often than not, kids will match your energy and fizzle out quickly if you\u2019re not keeping them engaged. This will show in the photos. It helps to interact with the kids as more of a playmate and let them know that you plan to have fun together.<\/p>\n

    Throughout the shoot, ask them silly questions, as well as getting-to-know-you stuff like their favorite food, ice cream, color, shows, interests, and so on. You\u2019ll quickly learn that most kids enjoy talking about themselves (not unlike adults). You can then use that information to help inspire a reaction from the kids when you need it.<\/p>\n

    Tip #3: Be Prepared to Use Bribes<\/h2>\n

    We all work for something, don\u2019t we? It has been my experience that kids are more likely to cooperate during a photo session if they know they\u2019re going to get \u201cpaid.\u201d The price? You can usually get kids on board for the shoot (at least for a while) with a handful of candies (jelly beans, gummies, smarties, etc.), dollar-store prizes, or promises of treats later, assuming parents are up for it. Just like adults, kids may grow to expect higher wages the longer they work for you, so be prepared to deliver.<\/p>\n

    Tip #4: Know When to Say When<\/h2>\n

    \"kid<\/p>\n

    Sometimes, even bribes don\u2019t work. If you\u2019re trying to capture a particular shot and it\u2019s just not working out, perhaps to the point of causing a meltdown (either your own or the kid\u2019s), you have two options. Spoiler alert: neither of the options include keeping at it, at least not right away.<\/p>\n

    Instead, you can either move on to a new pose or scenario, or you can take a pause from shooting and play some games. Clocking out for a minute to play some games and \u201cget the wiggles out\u201d can do wonders for the session and bring the kids back into the session. It might even create an opportunity for great photos that you weren\u2019t necessarily planning on getting. In the event that you do experience a meltdown, however, go ahead and capture a couple of those images, too. Parents often love having at least a couple of these moments included in the set. It may not be funny that second, especially for the kid, but they\u2019re usually good for a laugh or two later.<\/p>\n

    And now we get to specific kids photography ideas for creative photos.<\/p>\n

    Kids Photography Ideas for Creative Photos, Tip #5: Start the Session with Posed Photos<\/h2>\n

    \"posed<\/p>\n

    Even when your goal is to creatively capture candid moments, I recommend starting out with a couple of gently posed \u201csafety\u201d shots. This is mostly for paid shoots. Some photographers call these traditional posed photos \u201cmantle\u201d shots, the pictures most likely to get printed, framed, and placed on the mantle. In these pictures, the subjects typically look at the camera with a soft smile. If you\u2019re having trouble getting their attention, you can try a number of techniques to get them to look at the camera, including the following:<\/p>\n