Photoshop

As a candid children’s photographer from Pasadena, I’ve learned what I believe to be the singular most important aspect of establishing rapport with my subjects. When I know a child’s personality type, I can bring out their best qualities for that spectacular shot.

The entertainer will practically orchestrate the photo session for you. She’ll suggest poses without a hint of self consciousness. She’ll make sure that you notice and remember her. But don’t count your pictures before they’re developed. You’ll be faced with the challenge of seizing an expression that her family doesn’t see every day.

Start a conversation with the entertainer. You’ll probably have the best luck if the conversation is all about him. Look into his eyes and let him know that you’re truly interested in what he has to say and do. Your replies will make him think, and those moments are priceless.

The introverted child might open up gradually, or might remain clammed up for the entire session. Be careful with loud speech and inflated motion. This could alarm the child, or cause anxiety and further withdrawal. Give this child the breathing space to make her comfortable.

The introvert’s emotions will manifest on his or her face, which is a benefit in children’s photography. Don’t miss a chance at a downward gaze or a glance of inquisition. If a giggle or smile does surface, don’t miss that either. The parents will recognize this as rare.

The conversationalist will talk for most of the session. She’ll retell stories and do her best to impress you with facts about most every subject. But don’t be shy about sharing your knowledge with her. She’ll commit what you have said to memory, and while she’s thinking about her responses, the contemplative looks that result will be winners.

The conversationalist might also enjoy imitating a favorite animal’s behavior or a movie scene. Capturing spontaneous poses from these activities will produce some real gems.

The introductory portion of the shoot is important to the conversationalist. If you jump right into the photography session, you could easily isolate the child and ruin your chances of great shots. If you spend too much time conversing, opportunities could pass. Move slowly through conversation, shooting throughout. Then move on to the meat of the shoot, to gather a variety of snapshots.

The Observer. The observant child will watch closely, take in his or her surroundings, and may be hypersensitive to uncomfortable clothing and poses. He or she will also display expressions that seem to show a number of emotions all at once. This type of child will respond well to your attention and plenty of forewarning about what’s coming next. Abrupt interruptions of activities will annoy or alienate this child.

A sick child does not belong in your studio. The illness could easily spread to you and other clients. Plus, a parent can always read fatigue in their child’s face. Remind parents that they will always view those photos as the ones taken when he was sick.

A drowsy child is unpredictable and sometimes unexpressive. Block out entire mornings or afternoons for children’s photography clients, and be accommodating. Let parents know that if a nap is missed, you’ll be available after a makeup snooze.

The disruptor has the potential to turn your photo shoot upside down with a tantrum. But it doesn’t have to happen that way. Allow the tantrum to run its course, and encourage her parents to do the same. Outbursts can actually provide some great material for candid shots. Ask the parents if you may capture some of these images while you all wait for the upheaval to subside.

Understand that you are not responsible for starting or ending a child’s tantrum. Do not interfere unless your props, people, or lighting are causing the disturbance. In that case, understand that your subject’s mood is more precious that the background you’d had in mind.

You have the chance to capture the candid shots that parents can’t or won’t. Get to know your subject, and you’ll give yourself the ability to capture that expression, that sincere moment, or that unadulterated giggle that might otherwise have been lost forever.