I am launching my Friday Photography Tips where I am going to share my experience, knowledge and thoughts. Today I am going to share Three Tips and illustrate them with an adorable photoshoot I did recently in Bronte. Feel free to leave comments, ask questions and share your thoughts.

The great comedian W.C. Fields once said “Never work with children or animals”. Even though some might think that childrens photography is easy, because children are naturally cute and sincere, they should remember that kids could also be unpredictable and very quick! Here are few tips how you can control the situation and make the best shots.

Create Action

Kids are little energy balls. You can’t expect them to strike a pose, sit still and smile. And we don’t want those blank-out expressions and constrained smiles, do we? There are three main components to a successful children’s shoot: make a plan, think of a game and be quick. Unfortunately just a pretty location is not enough and on-camera toys and whistles can work only for a short amount of time. So, think like a child “What can I play with here?” Movement is everything and during play you can get those real emotions and genuine smiles from every child.

Use Props

Leave everything that can’t be touched or get dirty at home. The last thing you need is to stress about that precious vase or expensive dress. It is just going to kill all the fun and break the continuity of the game and photoshoot. Children are inventors and explorers. They love to touch, bang, throw and use things in the most unexpected ways.

Get Involved

Before you even start taking pictures, talk and play with the little one. And only after the child understood what it is all about and started having fun take your camera out. However you can’t start just silently taking pictures. The child instantly will understand that you “tricked” him/her. Keep talking, playing and taking pictures in between. Just have fun and click 🙂

Take a look at this fun and colourful shoot!

Idea and Photography by me

Location: Bronte, NSW, Australia