When photographing people, I often times get to direct the session. I tell this person to tilt their head to the right, and then tell that person to put her hand on his shoulder. Well, I am normally the one calling the shots, but when there are children… When there are children, there is no formula. You may try something and it just doesn’t work. Or you may encounter a child with their own agenda… Whatever situation you have, you just have to be flexible, and let the kids be kids! In order to let the children be themselves, I will often incorporate the things they like into the set. For example, we used a toy guitar with one boy today, and in another session, we used candy. I often like to let children run and jump and take a couple of pictures with their silliest faces. I will work with them in exchange for their cooperation with me!
Interestingly enough I have to employ some of these same approaches when I am in the classroom. I found something that a child identifies with, and then I use that thing to help them grasp a concept or do what I need them to do. Just this past week, I was observing in a Pre-K class where a little boy was not eating a Lunchable that his mother packed. I had already observed that he had some fascination with Spiderman because Spiderman was on his backpack, his lunch bag, and his jacket. So I started speaking with the little boy, and I let him know that in order for Spiderman to be able to jump from building to building, he has to eat his food so that he could get strong. Thankfully this approach worked for the 3-year old, and I later used the same Spiderman appeal to help him stop crying after he got the “books” sticker when he wanted the “basketball” sticker.
Back to Photography :: Recently, I had the opportunity to photograph a mother and her son in Maryland, and let me tell you, her son was full of all the zeal and energy that little boys have! My favorite shot from the session was when we used the candy that he was eating in the photos. I had he and his mother throw the candy up in the air and then try to catch it. Again, I did not use a formula! I just let the boy do what boys do! … and that’s play! See select photographs below.
By the way, if you see something you like, PLEASE leave a comment below!
