I’m so done with photographers who rely on bribery to get kids to pose for photos. You know, the ones who promise candy or toys if they just say cheese and smile. It’s like, what’s the point of even taking a photo if it’s not genuine? I think that’s why I love the work of Annie Leibovitz – she’s got this incredible ability to capture the essence of her subjects, even when they’re kids¹. Her photos are never forced or fake, and that’s something I strive for in my own work.
When I’m photographing children, I want to see their real personalities shine through. I don’t want some sugary snack to be the reason they’re smiling – I want it to be because they’re actually happy. So, I’ve developed a few techniques over the years to help me get those genuine shots without resorting to bribery. First of all, I always try to get down to their level. Literally. I mean, who likes being photographed from above? It’s intimidating and uncomfortable. By getting down low, I can see the world from their perspective, and that helps me connect with them on a more personal level.
It’s all about building trust. If a kid feels comfortable with you, they’re more likely to relax and be themselves in front of the camera. I remember this one shoot I did with a little boy who was absolutely terrified of me at first. But I took the time to talk to him, to play with him, and to show him the photos I was taking. By the end of the shoot, he was laughing and joking with me like we were old friends. And the photos? Absolutely stunning. I was using my trusty Nikon D850², which is just incredible for capturing high-quality images, even in low light.
I believe that’s the key to photographing children without bribery – taking the time to connect with them, to understand what makes them tick. It’s not just about pointing a camera at them and hoping for the best. It’s about being present, being patient, and being genuinely interested in who they are. Look, I know it’s not always easy. Some kids can be tough to crack, and that’s okay. But with a little patience and creativity, you can get some amazing shots without resorting to bribery.
One technique I like to use is to give them a task to do. You know, like building with blocks or playing with playdough. That way, they’re focused on what they’re doing, and they forget all about the camera. It’s amazing how natural and relaxed they can look when they’re in their own little world. I’ve also found that using a prime lens, like the Nikon 50mm f/1.4³, can help to create a more intimate and natural look. It’s all about experimenting and finding what works best for you and your subject.
I’ve learned a lot from other photographers, too. Like, have you seen the work of Sally Mann? She’s an incredible photographer who’s known for her intimate and often provocative portraits of her own children⁴. Her photos are never sentimental or sugary – they’re real, and they’re raw, and they’re absolutely beautiful. I think that’s what I love most about photographing children – the opportunity to capture their beauty and their uniqueness, without resorting to tricks or gimmicks.
It’s not just about the technical stuff, either. I mean, sure, you need to know how to use your camera and how to compose a shot. But it’s also about understanding how to work with kids, how to communicate with them, and how to make them feel comfortable and relaxed. I’ve found that using a reflector, like the Westcott 5-in-1⁵, can be really helpful in softening the light and reducing harsh shadows. And, of course, it’s always a good idea to have a few tricks up your sleeve – like a fun game or a silly joke – to help break the ice and get the kid laughing.
Sometimes, it’s the unexpected moments that make the best photos. Like, I was shooting this one kid, and he just started making these hilarious faces at me. I mean, they were ridiculous – crossing his eyes, sticking out his tongue, the whole works. And I just started laughing, and he started laughing, and the next thing you know, we’re both cracking up. It was one of those moments where you just click the shutter and hope for the best. And, honestly, it was one of the best photos of the whole shoot.
You can’t force those moments, though. You just have to be ready for them. That’s why I always try to stay alert, to stay focused, and to be prepared for anything. It’s like, you never know what’s going to happen when you’re photographing kids. They’re unpredictable, and that’s what makes it so much fun. I’ve been inspired by the work of photographers like Anne Geddes⁶, who’s known for her beautiful and intimate portraits of children. Her photos are always so soft and natural, and that’s something I strive for in my own work.
When it comes to photographing children, I think it’s really important to be respectful of their boundaries. You know, some kids might not want to be photographed, and that’s okay. You have to respect their wishes and not push them to do something they’re not comfortable with. I’ve had kids who just didn’t want to be photographed, and that’s fine. I just move on and find something else to shoot. It’s not worth stressing them out or making them feel uncomfortable.
I’ve learned so much from my own experiences, too. Like, I used to think that the best way to photograph kids was to use a lot of props and backdrops. But, honestly, that just ends up looking cheesy and fake. Now, I prefer to keep things simple – just the kid, and the camera, and the light. It’s amazing how much more natural and authentic the photos look when you strip away all the extraneous stuff. I’ve been influenced by the work of photographers like Richard Avedon⁷, who’s known for his simple yet powerful portraits.
It’s all about simplicity, I think. Not just in the composition of the photo, but in the approach, too. When you’re photographing children, you have to be willing to slow down, to wait, and to observe. You have to be patient, and you have to be gentle. It’s not about forcing them to pose or to smile – it’s about capturing their essence, their spirit, and their beauty. And, honestly, that’s the greatest reward of all.
As I look back on my own experiences, I realize that photographing children is not just about taking pictures – it’s about capturing a moment in time, a moment that will never come again. It’s about preserving a piece of childhood, and all its beauty and wonder. And, for me, that’s what makes it all so worth it.
References:
¹ Annie Leibovitz, Annie Leibovitz: Portraits 2005-2016 (Phaidon, 2017)
² Nikon D850, https://www.nikon.com/
³ Nikon 50mm f/1.4, https://www.nikon.com/
⁴ Sally Mann, Immediate Family (Aperture, 1992)
⁵ Westcott 5-in-1 Reflector, https://www.westcottlighting.com/
⁶ Anne Geddes, Down in the Garden (Penguin, 2003)
⁷ Richard Avedon, Richard Avedon: Photographs 1946-2004 (National Gallery of Australia, 2005)
