OK, I just went through one of the most frustrating hours of my life, and it is really disappointing, because it was with my kids. I was trying to photograph them for a Christmas photo to send around. I've seen Kiddie Kandids photograph them tons, and they always do well, but at home I can't seem to get them to sit still. Any ideas from the vast majority of photographers out there on how to get small children to sit still, smile at the camera, etc?
I've been told that it helps to have help. Lots and lots of help. :-) And something that will really catch their attention at least for a minute or two.
I have 5 kids and you can always try a bit of bribery....'whoever sits still the longest and smiles gets the lolly!' type thing! I'm sure that would work!
Well its definately a challenge, the thing I like to do with mine is have everything ready for the "good" time of the day for him, in other words when he isnt all wound up, or isnt so tired that he is crabby. I realize that with more then one child that may not be easy. And if they arent yours at all and the time is scheduled in its even tougher. The thing to do, is think like a kid, you have to find something to catch their attention and make them WANT to get their picture taken, maybe even a reward of some sort. Here is one thats going on our Christmas cards this year. And the second one is an earlier attempt when he just wasnt cooperating.
I read somewhere, and this is JM2C, that you (parents) and your home are your children's safety net. They feel safe to be themselves around you and in your home. That's why none of us parents can keep the peace around the house let alone photograph them.
I guess that's why they are (most of the time) angles at places like Kiddie Kandids and the such.
Don't know if that helps but I thought I'd chime in.
How old are they? I have a 13 year old, a 10 year old and a 3 year old. The 13 and 10 are easy as all I have to do is threaten their social or computer time and they will do whatever I ask, HAHAHAH!!! Just kidding, they enjoy sitting for me most of the time, the 3 year old is another story. Quick and dirty and have help. Get another adult involved that can set them, get them looking, etc while you concentrate on getting the shots.
Suggestions:
Try putting stickers on their little fingers. The 4 year old will find it funny and the 2 year old will try to remove it. Keeps them occupied and seated for a few minutes.
Find a stuffed animal that fits the photo. Something new to them that they would be interested in for a few minutes. Yesterday I saw stuffed candy canes with squeakers at the pet store that would work. Have them squeak them for you.
We always dreaded the family photo sessions my dad had of us kids every year. "Sit up straight, smile, hold you chin up." grrrrrrrr. Nothing natural about anything in the photo. Every year one of us kids ended up in tears.
Put them in their cutest pj's and wait until they fall asleep, set a simple background up behind them - you could call it "Silent Night,Holy Night"
i had to do that to a friend's 4yr old... worked! really cute picture.. see'n as how they look innocent when they're sleeping - and not wiggling around.
bribe em. or threaten them. whatever works. lol. seriously though if me or my brothers would act up when we weren't supposed to when we were getting pictures taken my parents would kind of give us the *evil eye* and that was scary enough to imagine...lol
My 1 year old's blood type in "pixie stick" so I knew the traditional sit and smile Christmas card was out of the question. So I took her to my neighbor's yard and used his swing set for 2 reasons. Confinement and I knew she would smile on a swing. It took me a while to time the shots and the one I picked was off center but I think that is why I liked it. Here it is.
I've heard you can put them in the freezer to chill for a while. When you take them out they are sort of sluggish and easy to pose...no, wait...I think that's for insects.
I've heard you can put them in the freezer to chill for a while. When you take them out they are sort of sluggish and easy to pose...no, wait...I think that's for insects.
Well, good luck anyway.
Yes, that's insects, for children, it's duct tape!!!
I've heard you can put them in the freezer to chill for a while. When you take them out they are sort of sluggish and easy to pose...no, wait...I think that's for insects.
Well, good luck anyway.
Yes, that's insects, for children, it's duct tape!!!
Yep, got 'em mixed up. No wonder my insect macros are missing legs and antennae!
