| One of the most challenging aspects of being a | | | | you spend too long setting up the shot and the |
| commercial photographer is taking quality | | | | camera, you will lose their attention before it is time |
| photographs of children. While children make excellent | | | | to attempt the shot. You need to set up the scene |
| subject matter for photographs, they can be difficult | | | | quickly and do not waste any time before attempting |
| to capture for the photographer because of their | | | | the photographs. The longer children are left waiting |
| short attention span and a natural tendency to act | | | | for you, the more likely they are to lose their |
| up in front of strangers. | | | | concentration and become distracted. When children |
| Thanks to this, a commercial photographer needs to | | | | get bored, they don't take very good pictures! |
| build a good rapport with the children in order to take | | | | Attract their attention |
| some quality photographs. This is not always as easy | | | | This is often the hardest part when commercial |
| as it sounds, and many excellent photographers have | | | | photographers are photographing children. Whilst |
| been left unable to build a strong relationship with | | | | some children are naturally posers, others are |
| their subjects where children are involved, resulting in | | | | naturally shy and avoid the camera. Not all children |
| disappointing photographs. | | | | understand that they need to look at the camera, or |
| Here are some tips for building a rapport with | | | | at a fixed point, for the photograph to work. This is |
| children, thus allowing the photographer to capture | | | | especially difficult when you are photographing more |
| excellent pictures. | | | | than one child at a time, because you can be sure |
| Use props | | | | that when one of them is paying attention, the other |
| It's important to keep children amused in your studio. | | | | will be looking elsewhere. |
| You should make liberal use of props for the | | | | To combat this you can use something to grab their |
| photographs to keep them entertained. Props such | | | | attention when you're ready to take the picture. |
| as a rocking horse, child's chair or a pedal car will not | | | | Perhaps you could use a teddy bear, brightly coloured |
| only keep the child's attention, it will also add to the | | | | doll or a rattle for younger children? By keeping |
| composition of the photograph. | | | | something like this behind your back, you can |
| Keep it light | | | | produce it to ensure that your subjects are looking |
| To get the best out of your subjects you need | | | | when you come to take the shot. |
| them to like you and to be relaxed with you. There is | | | | Finally, remember that they are children and the |
| little point barking orders at them and hoping they will | | | | photography session needs to be an enjoyable |
| understand and give you a natural pose. You will only | | | | experience if they are to open up to you. By keeping |
| end up with awkward looking photography which the | | | | an enjoyable atmosphere in the studio, a commercial |
| parents are unlikely to want to purchase, no matter | | | | photographer will be able to get the best out of the |
| how strong your composition. | | | | children on the day, and this will lead to some |
| Move quickly | | | | excellent photography. |
| As children are noted for their short attention span, if | | | | |