Tips from Tracey

As promised, here is the article written by Tracey Clark about what tricks she uses when photographing children. Thanks Tracey!

People often ask me to share some tips on how to better work with children in photo shoots but being the kind of touchy-feely photographer that I am (meaning I intuitively feel my way through a shoot rather than concentrate on any kind of technical formula), I often have a difficult time identifying exactly what it is I do when I’m working. I scratch my head and think,’ I don’t have any tricks’ but upon more contemplation, I realize I do have a repertoire of methods (that are oddly enough psychological more than anything) that I use during every shoot that make my sessions successful. The thing is they have become second nature to me so it’s hard to pinpoint them. But, since Maile asked me to share a few with all of you, I will offer some tips and let you be the judge of whether or not they are of any use to you. Although these points are written from the standpoint of a how I handle my professional sessions, my thoughts can also be translated into tricks you can use while taking pictures of your own children too.

1. I don’t put the pressure on. Although you might be feeling nervous or anxious about the shoot you’re about to start, you can’t let the client know it. This is especially true with kids. Of course I offer them a “hello, it’s nice to meet you” but I tend to sort of ignore them for a while as to let them get used to me being in their space without an assault. And even as I begin to shoot, I’ll let them off the hook in the beginning and assure them, with a “I’m just getting things ready. You don’t have to pay attention to me.” It seems to catch them a bit off guard and puts them at ease. When the children are much younger, I never try to pry them from their parents. I shoot the shots with the parents to start as to build some trust between the child/children and myself. It’s imperative for them to feel like I’m not the babysitter (because that’s one way to really freak a little one out) and convince them that their parents aren’t going anywhere.
2. I have learned a way to coax my subjects into doing what I want without them knowing it. Ah, the tactics of manipulation! The key with kids is making them think that what they are doing is their idea (this is where being a mother has helped me hone my craft). With light conversation, games and challenges, I often divert their attention to anything but what the real goal is. Which is of course me trying to get great photos of them. I put leaves down on the ground and see if they can crunch them with their feet which gets them in the spot I want them, even if only for a few frames. We collect rocks together and then I see if the child wants to line them up in the grass, which means they are sitting or kneeling and it gives me the opportunity to get some good candids. Now, while they are seated, task at hand, I’ll interject something off beat and humorous. I’ll say something like, “Now, what’s the name of that rock? Dora or Diego?” The child will always look up at me and laugh. BINGO! The perfect portrait.
3. I follow my subjects lead. I let them do what they feel like doing and this almost always makes for better photos. I have a telephoto lens to zoom into the active toddler as they are busy running around exploring their surroundings. It’s a lens that really only comes out for the toddlers. It gives them the space they need not to feel invaded and gives me the opportunity to get in closer to them without getting in their face, so to speak.
4. I chat with my subjects. I ask questions, get silly, let them be silly, interact with them not on a patronizing level but in a fun, friendly way. I will ask the parents to help fill me in on the child’s ‘favorites’ and then I use that info as ammunition. Lines like, “I don’t know about you but I think Thomas the Train is really cool.” They are usually quite delighted when they realize I am privy to their world and this will usually get them talking. And if this doesn’t work, I’ll interject something really off base like mentioning the wrong name for one of their beloved favorites. They will immediately laugh and correct me. This makes them feel like the authority and when they need to enlighten you, it makes them feel important.
5. And when I get closer to the end of the session, and I’ve exhausted my clients and my resources, I shoot the last of the family shots and pull a sneezing fit. It’s that most bizarre (and successful) trick I’ve got and it works like a charm. Nothing like a sneezing spell to get the whole family laughing. I have got that one down and I have used it to get a group of 30 people at a wedding to look at me and laugh. It’s takes everyone by such surprise and delight, it’s a no fail trick. Try it!

So, in a nutshell (a big nutshell—wow, that was a long post) a good session has a lot to do with making your subjects feel at ease as you work with them. It’s about having fun, being flexible, and making everyone involved feel comfortable. For me, it works. The end result is a set of photographs that capture my subjects at their best. : ) Tracey

Comments

[tracey]

You are most certainly welcome!

[Ginger]

That was so interesting! I'm using the "Dora or Diego" trick for certain! Thanks Tracey.

[amygeekgrl]

great tips here, tracey. thanks so much for sharing these!!

[island jen]

These are awesome! I love asking children questions, they always get a deep thought look on their face and it makes for really precious thought.
I'm definitely going to remember the sneezing fit tip!!!

[Tracy Green]

Wow, thank you for all the wonderful ideas and tips. I can't wait to put some of them to use the next time I have a photo session involving small children. I would love to read more posts from you like this one, that include your expertise and tips to use on a professional photo shoot. Thanks again!