I’m often asked how I’m able to get kids to cooperate during a photo shoot.
“They never smile for me!”
“How’d you get that shot?”
So many parents are so worn out by the end of a photo shoot. I’m the same way. I laugh at myself when it’s my turn to do our family pics because I’m that worn out parent by the end of it all!
So how do we get past the stress and the freak outs?
Stop!
Don’t force anything! Nobody likes a fake “cheese” smile anyway!
Take a second to snap the shot!
The best way to do this is to just interact normally with the kids.
Talk to them.
Tell them to run around a bit. That’s when we get those free natural smiles we always want! Letting them run around helps get the nerves out, too. Remember that your tone and body language translate to your subjects.
So take a sec. Interact. Tell a joke. Make a silly face. And keep that camera shooting.
It’s amazing how you get some of the best shots when you’re just relaxed and interacting with them. They’ll feel at ease and ready to please!
Oh, and by the way, a lil bribe here and there never hurts!!! Candy on the set works like a charm!
-Jess
About meesh