I shot this series in about 5 minutes, during a break in a girl’s softball team shoot. This precious little Lucas kept saying there was no way I was taking his picture! His mom stepped out of the camera room for a few minutes, so I quickly grabbed him, told him we could surprise his mom with pictures since there was “no way”she would believe it he did it.
Immediately, it became a challenge and GAME ON! This 4 year old wasn’t about to back down from this game of, “I dare you” to get in front of the camera.
Read on for 5 Amazing tips in getting these adorable, natural expressions from your own child.
- Set up the lighting before you ever invite someone into your space for shooting. If you are a mom and notice the lighting is perfect by your living room window, grab your camera first, then invite your child over to play or sit. Keep reading for the best tip EVER.
- Please please please please please don’t ask them to say CHEESE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THERE, I SAID IT! STOP THE CHEESE MADNESS. Parents always wonder why their kids have a fake smile, well it’s because you make them say a word that does NOT evoke a smile. Try the word, “Hi” . . . I promise you will get better results. Talk to your kids, make them laugh, don’t make them speak! They are not circus poodles. Tell them they better NOT smile, that surely will crack them up. They can rarely hold a straight face when you tell them not to smile. Make a game out of not smiling.
- Be quick! This shoot took 5 minutes, no shirt and voila! This mom will have a wall portrait hanging in her home with NO effort from her! Now, that’s a photo shoot any mom would love. What a great way to celebrate a 4 year old.
- Let them know how awesome they did! Lucas was beyond proud of himself. In fact, as soon as he saw his mom again he said, “I did it mom!” Now, he has a good memory associated with having portraits made, and will not run from me the next time he comes to the studio.
- Reward them! We bake cookies for all the kids at our studio that are old enough to eat them. It seems this works out better than a bribed trip to Wal-Mart. Plus, it puts it on me and takes the pressure off the parents.
THERE YOU HAVE IT, quick and easy tips . . .
If you don’t want to worry about shooting your own “expressions” session, we are offering these at our studio this summer as an affordable way to be a part of our family and capture this precious age of your child.
Suzanne Deaton Photography “Expressions Session” include: One kid, simple clothing, 15 minutes, includes a 20×20 expressions heirloom wall portrait, and COOKIES! These are $300 and are ideal for 3-7 year olds. You DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS AGE!
Our studio is known for being easy to work with, delivering on time, being kid friendly and enthusiastic about children’s portraiture. Call us and we can have some fun! 606-436-1988.
