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 Posted: Sun Nov 12, 2006 7:54 pm
So I took my kids (ages 2 and 1) to get their portraits taken for the holidays. I thought it would make a nice gift for the grandparents, especially since they're so hard to think of gifts for. But it was a disaster! My 2 year old kept running away and wouldn't stay in a pose, and the 1 year old just never smiled and looked mildly annoyed. They're at awkward ages for getting their photo taken.
Does anyone have any tricks or tips they use to get their kids to sit still and smile for photos?
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Posted: Sun Nov 12, 2006 9:03 pm
That can be a toughie! xd
My kids are 4 and 5 and I still have troubles on occasion when I try and get them to pose for the camera.
Some things I try to do is make sure they're in a reasonably good mood before you take them to any portrait place. Also, try and arrange it to where you won't have to wait long before it's your turn. the longer they have to sit in that waiting area, the more antsy and bored they are likely to become. Bring a favorite snack or toy to "bribe" them with if needed. And above all, don't be afraid to dance around and make crazy noises and etc if need be rofl . Sometimes seeing mommy act goofy will draw a smile out of any kid!
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Posted: Mon Nov 13, 2006 1:10 am
Oh man, here I was looking forward to when they were 4 and 5 because I thought they'd listen more! lol
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Posted: Mon Nov 13, 2006 7:09 am
^_^
It does get a little better, but kids will be kids no matter what the age! xd Though they are a wee bit more apt to listen once they're older.
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Posted: Mon Nov 13, 2006 9:10 pm
I dabble in child photography, and I agree with everthing Loki said. Portrait taking is one of those few events where I would strongly recomend bribes. Another thing that is important is to make them feel comfortable. Let them bring a toy to hold or pick a prop to have in the photo. A chair, a wagon, or like a sled, ect. Portrait studios are a strange place even for most adults, try to make it fun.
Also a picture doesn't have to show two perfect smiles to be beautiful. See if you can get them to hug or cuddle up together. If the the pose is super sweet it won't matter if they aren't smiling and sitting perfectly still.
One other tip, never be affraid to ask the photographer at Sear, Walmart, (a studio that gives a preveiw as they take the photos) what have you, to redo a shot until you like it. They may get annoyed, but remember you are paying for these portraits and you want to get your moneys worth.
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Posted: Tue Nov 14, 2006 6:47 am
You know what? I don't take Lauren to the portrait studio anymore. I take all her pictures myself now - usually try to take her someplace where it's beautiful such as a park, the pumpkin patch (for autumn), flower garden, or even my own backyard. I've found my best pictures were in settings like that where there're no strangers hovering around. I've never had to deal with two at once, but I've just found with my one that being in a more natural setting, she's much more likely to smile or be relaxed. And then I'll just keep snapping the camera - I'll end up taking about 15 shots or something and somewhere in there will be my perfect one. With the ability to get 8x10s and 5x7s and whatnot through Walmart and other online photo places, I've just found that to be the best for us - we get the best picture for less expense.
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Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2006 3:15 pm
I work at the Sears Portrait Studio here in town. Your problem is something that we see a lot and I do have a few suggestions for you:
1) Don't offer your child a bribe (such as a lolipop or a trip out-to-eat) unless you plan on sticking to your guns and not giving it to them if they don't behave well. That way, even if things go bad this time they should go a bit better the next visit because your children will know that you mean business. I've seen too many parents bring their kids in and end up giving in and giving the child(ren) the offered toy/visit/food/what-have-you anyway just because of the stress.
2) Come to the studio (which ever you choose) on a week day because weekends are incredibly busy, especially at this time of year.
3) Try to spend a few minutes getting aquainted with the photographer and have your children do the same. If your photographer has an unpleasant personality or is trying to rush you through everything, I suggest you go to a different studio. It's always better for children (particularly the younger ones) to be able to meet their photographer a little bit before the session.
4) Don't be afraid to tell your photographer what you want. It's our job to make sure that you get it.
5) Try chairs or other props to sit on. Younger kids always seem to be able to focus better and smile when they're sitting.
6) Be sure to schedule a lot of time so that you can re-take photos if necessary and not feel rushed. With children your age, I would reccomend setting aside about an hour and a half for the combination of posing, cropping, bathroom visits, wardrobe malfunctions and choosing your pictures.
7) Bring along a second set of clothes for both of them. Accidents happen, unfortunately, even in their best clothing sometimes.
cool (and probably the biggest help of all) DISTRACTION! What it all comes down to in the end, after the posing, is focusing the kids on the camera. Idealy, your photographer will be energetic and her excitement should rub off on your children. If she's able to move around enough and make enough of a distraction, you may be able to get some good pictures. But, PLEASE!!! Don't try to do her job and jump in the way or make sounds. It's only going to make your children want to watch you and she won't be able to get them to look where she needs them to for the picture. So, all you should need to do while you're in the room is tell her what you want and, perhaps, help with posing a bit.
I hope that small novel helped you out some. xd
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