I said Freeze! (Posing Kids)

Ok, so getting your subjects isn’t always the easiest — especially when working with kids or pets.  But, it can be done.  I know from personal experience (I have 6 nephews and a niece — I have to be kid-smart, right?).

The key is to keep your portrait session fun.  Don’t stick with one thing for too long, let the kids have fun, and if need be — I allow them to “explore” the studio.  Keeps me on my toes while I plan the next photograph.

While moms typically want the portrait with everyone smiling, sometimes it’s just because you haven’t talked with them about how cute interactive portraits can be.  So, if you must, try for smiles, but get some interactive shots as well.  And, if all else fails, you can always give up on the group portrait and go for individual portraits of each child.  This will allow mom to get a series of images portraying her children at their best (or… just being themselves).

A word from the wise: don’t go with the old “say cheese!” line.  It’s boring for kids.  Make a new fun game for them instead.  Feather or squeaky toys work well for younger kids — but simply being silly works wonders too.  I sometimes play hide-and-seek from behind my softbox.   Another caveat — candy is not the greatest idea.  Sticky, melty, and the crash after the sugar high might leave you wishing you’d given them stickers instead.

Comic Credit: whattheduck.net