Whether you’re a professional, a parent, or a doting grandparent, you know that taking really good pictures of children can be a challenge. They don’t play by the rules: they stand on their heads when you want them to sit still, they run when they see your camera, or they immediately put on their “camera face.”

When you want to capture the essence of a child, the second two of these can ruin a good image. Why not the first one? Because you can get a great image if you don’t try to fit them into a role in front of a backdrop but rather let them be themselves in front of the camera—and maybe that headstands!

Tip #1: Relax!

Kids only offer authentic smiles when they’re relaxed and they won’t relax until you do. Don’t chase, cajole, beg, bribe, or threaten to get them to look at the camera and smile—you’ll only get strained, stressed, fake looks which are more like masks than a true representation the child.

Tip #2: Have some fun

As you get more frustrated with the squirrely, wild, goofy behavior, the kids are going to be less and less engaged and capturing a great image will get harder and harder. Instead, join in the fun. Don’t worry about anyone’s hair getting messed up or clothes getting dirty. Just look for that genuine smile that comes from a relaxed, happy moment of connection.

Tip #3: Don’t fake it

In general, kids prefer imperfection over inauthentic so it’s always better to be yourself than to pretend to be someone you’re not. That being said, like adults, most kids respond best to kind, happy, easy-going people.

No matter who you’re photographing you can count on Photolab for high quality prints. Call us anytime with questions about our process, services we offer, and tips for getting the most out of your photo shoot.