10 tips for Headshot photography for your child

When you've hired a professional photographer to take photos of

your little one, there are a few things you can do to make sure

your child is well-prepared for the experience. As any parent

already knows, sometimes it can be really difficult to get your

child (or children) to stay still long enough to pose for one

picture, let alone dozens. If you follow a few simple rules

though, you'll have happier child, better pictures and plenty of

them!

1: For children under the age of 6, one of the most important

things to do is to make sure they've had a nap before the

photo-shoot. Even if they don't normally sleep during the day,

in this case, make an exception. A tired kid is usually an

impatient and cranky kid. Difficult enough for a parent to deal

with; nearly impossible for a photographer to manage.

2: Feed your child first and have food ready in case they need a

snack during the photo-shoot. For kids of any age (and lots of

adults too), a full stomach makes a lot of difference to

improving a mood and improving the ability to focus for more

than a minute or two.

3: Don't give your kid food or drinks that are proven

hyper-energy boosters... No sugar and no caffeine before or

during the shoot! This means no pop, nothing with ketchup, no

sugary cereals, no cookies and so on. Hyper kids are even more

difficult to photograph than tired or cranky kids.

4: Be sure to explain clearly to your child about the

photo-shoot before you even meet up with your photographer. Tell

them the photographer's name; explain what will be happening and

why the pictures are being taken. Very important to explain, is

that they need to listen to what the photographer is asking them

to do. (Such as how to pose, or to look at the camera or to hold

still, etc.)

5: Never, never, never leave your child unattended with a

photographer, unless it's someone you already know and trust.

Other than the obvious safety reasons, it's just common sense

that a child in a strange or new situation should be accompanied

at all times by a parent or guardian.

6: During the shoot, unless the photographer specifically asks

you to, try not to direct your child too much. Although it's

instinctive that you'll want to, it really is best to let the

photographer be in charge of the situation as much as possible.

Assuming you've hired someone with experience photographing

children, you should be able to relax and trust that they know

what they're doing, and that includes how to direct your child

for the best possible results.

7: Before your shoot, be sure to take a few minutes to let your

child get comfortable being around the photographer before the

camera comes out. Again, an experienced child photographer knows

it's important to establish a rapport with the little ones

before starting the photo-session. Even ten minutes of your

photographer talking to the child - or with very young children,

just getting them used to the sound of a new voice - will make a

big difference in the quality and tone of your child's session.

8: Be sure to give your child a few breaks during the session.

Bring a few of their favourite small toys with you. If you've

booked more than half an hour (most sessions are 60 to 90

minutes at least), then take them for a 5 minute walk halfway

through. If you're somewhere outdoors, let them run and play for

a few minutes. If you're in your home, let them play in their

room or in your yard for a short while. A good child

photographer not only won't mind, they'll encourage you to do

this. Again, a happy child is much easier to take pictures of

than an unhappy one.

9: A simple thing but sometimes an overlooked one, is to be sure

your child has gone to the washroom right before the shoot. And

if they haven't, then be sure to take at least one washroom

break - even if your child doesnt ask for one - during your

session. Many children are too shy to ask to go to the bathroom

if they're around a stranger or in a strange situation. If your

child is still in diapers, make sure they're clean and dry at

all times during the shoot. If they need a diaper change, don't

hesitate to take the time. Child photographers know to expect

this, so don't worry about taking the time to do it.

10: If, despite all your best efforts, your child is in no mood

for a photo-shoot and is fussy, or crying non-stop or just won't

be still or calm, don't try to force the situation. Reschedule.

Your photographer will still need to be compensated for their

time, even if they can't take the photos you hired them for. The

sooner you decide it's better to reschedule, the less time

you'll need to pay the photographer for being in a situation

where they're unable to do their job. Although it might end up

costing you a bit more than you'd bargained for, if the photos

of your child are important to you, rescheduling with the same

photographer will be worth it.

About the author:

Tamea Burd is a professional photographer based in Vancouver,

BC. Known for the warm, artistic style of her images, Tamea

specializes in wedding photography and portrait photography