Kiddos off their feet

Working with small children…to create a RELATIONSHIP STYLE portrait.

TIP #4 on our ENEMIES OF CREATIVITY list: GET THEM OFF THEIR FEET!

Remember, when on their feet, THEY WILL RUN!

And, unlike their parents, I don’t believe they ever “run out of energy.” Personally, I have never seen a child get tired of running around the camera room, sit down, and say, “Now I’m ready to be photographed, and I will listen to every word you say!”

So, how do we do it? The first step happens in the *Design Appointment when we talk to the parents about this issue. We ask them to bring their child/children into the studio in their arms on the day of their session. In other words, we tell them to carry their child/children into the studio and go to the dressing room in their arms. Then, we ask them not to let them out of the dressing room until they are again ready to bring them out in their arms. 

Feet do not touch the ground for as long as we can hold it off.

This is when we get the most intimate portraits of children with their parents. They are a little unsure of what’s happening, and they cling to their parents. Now, we all know that the child will start to squirm after a time, but by the time that happens, we have our beautiful and intimate shots complete. 

After putting them on the floor, we do more interactive and funny shots. Caution: after kids are put down, they will NOT want to be picked up again, so make sure you are done with the intimate, snuggling poses before you allow it!

What if the parent is not part of the portrait?

We follow the same principle. We want to get them either seated on a full-size chair so they are up off the ground OR…this is the best tip of the day here!!! If they are standing, we put them off the floor on a short stool or block. What does this do? It keeps them from running and moving around, as they are now a little unsure of what is going on. 

Here is how it works.

We typically stand them on a 12x12 Hanson block that is 3-5 inches off the ground. This keeps them in one place, lowers the wiggle factor, and takes their minds off moving. Bonus...this also raises their body placement, which is great as the sweet spot in most backgrounds is painted at about an adult waist level. 

This does not mean you can work slowly, but it gives you a few quick minutes to get beautiful portraits without chasing children all over the camera room.

I have seen this trick work so often… try it yourself and enjoy the results!

Also, when we place children up on anything, we ALWAYS keep a parent close as a spotter and have an assistant watching. The safety of our clients’ children is our priority!

I hope these tips help make a frustrating session a little easier!