How to get kids to stay calm during shoots.

So I'm doing my first family shoot next week and I'm a little nervous taking pictures with kids. I've taken photos of my nephew before and it was easy because he was clam. I need some advice on what to do if it gets out of control and if they won't look into the camera or so. Any advice you guys have, please please share them with me!

As he was clam, was it hard to get him to open up?

Heya,

I ask silly questions.

"What's on my shoulder? WHAT IS THAT?"

"Who's messing with my hair? HEY, WHO'S MESSING WITH MY EARS!?"

They look. They giggle because there's nothing there and they think I'm crazy and silly.

I basically ask them a question often, even 3 year olds, where something is or what something is that is in the direction I want them to look. I find you or parents yelling "Hey!" "Smile!" "Over here!" Just is an exercise in futility. But when I just casually ask, "Woa, what's on my right shoulder!? What is that thing!?" Bam, eyeballs where I want them for just long enough to expose.

I always take props or a game too. Something. So if they get fussy or scared, they have something interesting to fiddle with. Often times it's fruit or vegetables. Corn, cucumbers, squash are amazing and cheap and a nice snack.

Very best,

A little bit, but as time went by, it was better!

Ahhhh!! This is perfect! I didn't think about it! I forget that you kinda have to be silly with them so they can feel comfortable! Thank you so much! I'm gonna look into bringing props!

Heya,

Sounds goofy, but I'm serious, as a parent I had to learn it the hard way.

I'm totally serious about vegetables and fruit. I use them all the time. It keeps their attention long enough to get a chance at a photo. Plus, it's just food. And it's cheap renewable fun.

"Those corn are so silly! They make you giggle! Can you giggle with the corn!? SO SILLY!"

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MalVeauX wrote in post #18210217
Heya,

Sounds goofy, but I'm serious, as a parent I had to learn it the hard way.

Dead serious... the things we do for the shot...

Make it fun.

Very best,

Brilliant advice, well done sir!

THESE ARE AMAZING! I LOVE ALL THE PHOTOS! I'm going to try this out! I'm really excited now to take their photos and try out these new tricks. Thank you again!!!!

I let the parents know its their job to have the smile and eyes where I need it so I can focus on the kids. That away as soon as I get the look I want from the kids I snap the picture and dont have to worry about mom and dad.

Be quick, dont expect a kid to last thru a 2 hour session, or even a 1 hour or heck even a half hour.

I specialize in documentary family session that's lifestyle base. It helps to get them to do something or interact with each other. Also that as you meet the kids you generally get a sense of how camera shy they are. Some are easy and they pose for the camera. In that case, focus on getting the shy kids to ease up. Here are two of my sample galleries for the lifestyle sessions for your reference: http://evolyllaphotogr​aphy.pixieset.com/jenn​ifer-rob-jack-sloane/ ; http://evolyllaphotogr​aphy.pixieset.com …oey-candid-family-photos/. Hope this helps and have fun!

Benadryl. Your welcome.

whenever kids are involved... you can tell right away if they're going to 'play ball' or not...

when not, they just need to burn off some energy or get over their shyness... tell them kid-appropriate jokes (if you have kids, then you know a dozen knock-knock jokes)... ask them to do silly faces, imitate a robot or their favorite farm animal.... once they see you as fun, they'll open up... once they start moving, you're all set....

I bought a toot/fart box. No kidding it works with adults as well. You can really get kids giggling.

Dog squeakers and pretend only they can hear it. They intermittantly look around and look at you to see if you're joking with wonderful expressions.

Whenever kids are involved in photoshoot, i ask their parents when is the best time. Kids usually don't do well when it's close to their nap time, eating time (adults too lol).