Successfully Photographing Shy Children

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Successfully Photographing Shy Children
« on: August 12, 2010, 11:27:52 AM »
Successfully Photographing Shy Children

by Fiona Rogerson

While many children love being little superstars in front of the camera, many run and hide, completely overtaken by their shyness. It's still possible to get amazing photographs of these shy little beings, without forcing them to move outside of their comfort zone.

Patience is the key to any great image, and even more so when your subject just wants to hide! Allow for ample time to get to know the little ones that will be the stars of your shoot. Start by paying little attention to them while chatting with their parent/guardian. This way they'll be able to see that you're nothing to be afraid of. When you feel they've dropped their guard a little try involving them in the conversation between you and their parent.

Another trick is to involve the child in setting up the shooting area. Give them small jobs to do, for example, carrying props to where they need to go. Children love being handed responsibility and they love taking on important roles.

Bring along to your session toys that you know the child will love and get involved with. Or invite the child to bring along some of their own favourite toys that will not only spark animated conversation between you and the child, but they'll also add depth and sentimentality to the final images.

For outdoor lifestyle sessions plan activities that the little ones can get involved in. Once they get involved they'll soon forget they were ever shy to begin with. Bubbles are always a hit with children of any age, and will be the source of much smiling and laughter. A little messier, but still bound to create much excitement is finger painting... an activity that the whole family can get involved in making for a fun shoot, For older children get them into an open pond with gumboots and nets catching tadpoles. Children are often much more confident with parents nearby so get them involved in the shoot too!

No matter what you do, the key to a successful shoot with a shy child is always time. Take time to speak to parents before the session so you have a heads-up, take time to prepare yourself with the right props before you go to the session, and take time to get to know the child and gain their trust when you get there.