Still Waters Photography: 5 ways to make your child's photo shoot "Mantel Worthy!"

I LOVE doing child photography! I think my background in elementary education and having a litle girl of my own really draws me to this type of photography and working with children. However, over the past three years doing photography I have learned from experience some of the do's and don't's. I want to share some of what I have learned with my past and future clients and even those out there who are working with other photographers! (These tips and tricks can also help when it come to family sessions!)

5. Keep it Simple You will read this saying in just about all of the four other tips too, but it is so important when woring with kids! Keep everything simple and fluid, and organic. If you force it, it will looked forced!! If you are hiring a professional photographer you are wanting a beautiful picture that captures YOUR child's personality not a cookie cutter set up and posed session. Let it be about your child an make it personal! Also, I will add this in too. Keep it simple when it comes to keeping your child happy during the shoot and bring your child's favorite snacks. Having those at a shoot can really help when they start getting grumpy or need a little pick me up! Bringing thier favorite toy can really help when I need them to be in motion. Asking them to go get something or look at something they are familiar with is a great tool to get "effortless looking" photos. I usually bring some small toys with me but have found it works much better when its a toy they already know and love!

4. Clothing! Everyone always wonders what to wear to get their picture taken and I say pretty much the same thing: "Something you feel really good in" and the same is true for children. It is important that the child is comfortable first and foremost. If the clothese are binding it really doesn't matter how cute they are the pictures are going to show the child uncomfortableness. (I think I just may have mde up a word..haha, but you know what I mean.) Simple is always better as well! You want your photos to be timeless so simple rather than trendy or busy patterens will make you love that picture longer. Character shirts are great, but can be really distracting in pictures. My favorite for little girls is a simply dress in a solid color and simple slip on shoes (barefoot is also adorable!) and for little boys comfy jeans, or khakis (pant or shorts according to weather) and a polo or button down in solid or stripes. Also, I suggest keeping the clothes changes to a minimum! For newborns, I LOVE LOVE LOVE just a diaper or for little girls a diaper and bloomers!!!!!!!!

(Perfect example of great simple and comfy outfit!)

3.Timing! Many photographers talk about the "golden hours." That is those hours right after sunrise and before sunset. I agree those are magical times of beautiful lighting and the best times for outdoor photographs. However, when it comes to children's photos no amount of good lighting can help when the kid is in a bad mood or not wanting to partcipate in the shoot! The "golden hours" for children are best known by their Mommy, Daddy or Grandparents and is that time of day when your little one is in a great mood and cooperative. For some children it's first thing in the morning and others after nap, but this is the best time to plan a shoot and will make the whole experience much more enjoyable and the product that much better! For example my little girl's "golden hours" are just before and after lunch before nap! It may be one of the hottest times of day, but the best for her mood. I will talk about how to deal with the heat in the next session.

2.Location! Keep it simple!!! The most important part of your pictures is the people in it! Remember that. Especially when choosing locations for children's shoots. My personal opinion is to do it at someone's home. Whether it is yours, your parents, grandparents, friends, or your friendly photographers means having areas to change diapers, go potty, cool off, get a drink and do indoor and outdoor pictures. All of these things are very important when shooting little children! If you don't think your home is appropriate, think about your friends and family's homes, most likely they will feel flattered if you ask! But, most importantly and I can't say it enough don't worry too much about the background, more about the subject!

(First taken in their front yard with "flower" picked from behind them, Second at her Grandparents helping her Grandmother week the flower bed)

1.Photographer! Obviously, I would love to be the one to capture those precious childhood pictures, but whomever you choose make sure they are versed in working with children. Taking beautiful pictures is one thing, working well with children is completely different! Patience and flexability is a must, especially with newborn sessions. Make sure they are prepared to wait while the child has a melt down, gets a snack, wonders around, gets used to the camera and all the other unexpected things kids will do. Having a photographer that is strict with their time or booked sessions one right after the other might not be the best for unpredictableness (another made up word from me!) of children! As a rule of thumb I also try to do more candid and in the moment photography with children rather thanposed photography (it keeps both me and the kids from becoming frustrated!)