family portraits and shooting children

[thenimirra]

I took my first shots of a family last night. There were four children, ages 16, 10, 2 and 8 months, and the parents.

The 10 and 2 yos refused to be photographed! The 10 yo warmed up and little and by the time the shoot was done two hours later, she was "ready for a family photo!" I couldn't believe it.

It was a lot of fun and I tried a variety of things to get the kids to have fun. I got some great candid shots...

Any thoughts on how to make this process easier? Wouldn't want to go to jail for stringing up a quarrelsome child...

[canoflan]

About children, the parents must help you out there. They haven't hired you to baby sit, but to perform a service. I ran into the same thing this past weekend with some children from age 12 to age 2. I would advise the parents, if they are not trying to help, that you will either have to charge additional for the time it takes to get a decent photo of their child(children), or to assist you in getting the child situated. Additionally, take as many photos as you possibly can until something turns out. I know at times it seems that a child may not ever want to cooperate, but sometimes there is a split second where everything lines up and this is when you have got to be ready to roll.

I wish you the best,
Pat

[thenimirra]

that's great advice! thank you. It was also good to be able to vent a little too...:)