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11/28/2007 11:28:11 AM · #1 |
I've seen some ads for Christmas photographers(you know, the type that take photos of kids with Santa in malls) and was thinking about applying. However, they want people that are really bubbly and so forth, but with me being a pretty serious person and not having much experience with young children since I was one myself(lol), I thought that I might find it hard.
Has anyone here done this type of work(or similar) before? And if so, how did you go about it and what tips could you give for working with kids? Especially ones that are shy, in bad moods, et cetera. What did/do you say them? How do you act around them?
Many thanks in advance!! |
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11/29/2007 04:43:50 PM · #2 |
IMHO, if you have to actually ask the question, then it probably isn't for you. A good kid photographer already knows how to deal with the situation. Kids can be pretty unwieldy, and lots of parents will expect you to fix them!
The ones I see that are doing well have a natural ability to interact with kids, set them at ease, speak softly and directly and make it a fun experience for the kids. It can be extremely stressful at times, and it can be very rewarding other times!!
Be prepared for kids who will run away, trip over cables, scream uncontrollably, poke at other kids, refuse to smile or interact at all, soil themselves on your backgrounds, etc., etc...all while the mom looks at you like it's YOUR fault LOL..good luck! |
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11/29/2007 04:50:34 PM · #3 |
It would indeed be a bit tricky to do this if you're not used to being around kids, in all honesty. I think it's really important to make kids feel comfortable when they're getting their pictures taken, much more than it's necessary for adults.
I recently did shots of some pre-schoolers, and I made a point of introducing myself to each of the kids, talking to them about their interests, etc., just to try to keep them from being apprehensive of me. I can relate to kids pretty well since I'm basically on par with them, maturity-wise :)
I found it was really helpful to have help from the pre-school teachers, who obviously know all the kids really well. They were able to help get smiles out of them, and I got at least one really good keeper of each kid.
Soooo... I'd either get a friend to help out (someone who has kids, preferably), or maybe encourage the parents to help you get them to smile, etc., during the shoot. |
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11/29/2007 05:14:09 PM · #4 |
Six months ago I had never photographed or interacted with a kid. I got my job where I'm at now doing primarily family portraits, most of which have young children. You definetely have to try to relate and connect with the kids. I always give them fives when I meet them, a little poke or tickle while I'm posing them.
During the shoot, the goffier you are, the better your off. We have one particular trick that almost always gets the little ones smiling. A little bean bag dog that I'll sit on top of my head and have him "accidentally falling off", sneezing and shooting him off my head, things of this nature. Seems ridiculous but it works. Just the other I day I had an adorable little 2 year old girl balling b/c she didn't want to take her shoes off or sit down, both of which mom made her do. Sure enough though that dog turned those tears into smiles. You learn quick to just drop your pride and go for it. Parents will definetely respect your for trying whether it works or not.
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11/30/2007 10:41:10 PM · #5 |
Not much more I can add here, I blow raspberries at them, poke my tongue out, pull all sorts of funny faces, raise and lower the pitch of my voice, play with the props with them, all sorts of stuff. If you need to get their attention always, ALWAYS use their name, along with clicking your fingers or clapping your hands. One trick I have with younger kids is to hide behind the camera and go "aaaah BOO!" as I pop up. Works most times but be careful not to be too scary. Keep it lighthearted.
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11/30/2007 11:08:53 PM · #6 |
| I haven't actually had any formal experience photographing kids but I teach kindergarten kids and just have a couple of general tips that I find useful. Always appear to be comfortable, realxed and confident (even if you're not :P) - kids can sense if you are distressed and will mirror that feeling. Also, always use positive reinforcement - if they're doing well then let them know. |
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