Working with child-friendly event photography can be so much fun! Kids are always eager to show-off their happy faces, funny expressions, and creative poses.
However, as every photographer may know, a little bit of patience, a good eye, and some understanding of children’s behaviors is equally important. It’s imperative to keep in mind that genuine shots consist of an element of spontaneity, as opposed to a staged or over-posed appearance.
Finding the Perfect Event
The initial step in child-friendly event photography is finding the right event to photograph. There are loads of opportunities to capture kids at their best, including graduation parties, birthday celebrations, holiday events, and other special occasions where kids have the opportunity to shine.
When it comes to choosing the right event, look for venues and settings that are appropriate for a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. It’s important to understand the unique vibe of the event and to be mindful of the number of attendees so that all the key moments can be captured.
Comfort and Safety Come First
No matter what type of event you are photographing, always put the safety and comfort of the children first. Engage with the children as much as possible to make them feel at ease and to help you to really capture the magic of the moment.
Taking a few moments to get to know the kids and understand their personalities before the event begins can go a long way in helping you to capture unforgettable shots. As a child-friendly photographer, always be respectful of parental boundaries and never take photographs without permission.
Timing and Pacing are Crucial
Children are always on the move and can often be quite unpredictable and difficult to manage. In order to capture the best shots, be patient and pay special attention to the timing and pacing of the event.
It’s important to understand the best times to capture photos, as well as to be mindful of your limitations and the possible negative impacts an over-energetic or uncooperative child might create. It’s also important for a child-friendly photographer to be aware of the rapid change in children’s moods and activity levels.
When it comes to events with formal ceremonies, such as weddings and graduations, it’s important to be ready to capture the candid shots in between. It’s always a good idea to inform the parents or event hosts that you are there to capture spontaneous moments in order to obtain cherished memories for everyone in attendance.
When photographing a more informal gathering, such as a birthday or holiday party, taking digital pictures can be a great way to capture those fleeting moments without having to pose everyone. Remember to always be prepared, as young children can have a surprising ability to instantly change the mood of the room.
Shooting Techniques That Work
When you’re photographing kids, you want to capture their individual personalities and the unique moments that make them so endearing. One of the best ways in which to achieve this is by using various camera angles and playful shooting techniques.
Photograph kids from different angles to create the most interesting and dynamic shots. Great angles to try include lying on the ground to capture shots from below, standing up to capture shots from above, and using different backgrounds to highlight the overall composition of the photograph.
Going with a more casual shooting style can also be effective when it comes to photographing kids at events. Avoid over-posing children by letting everyone get in their natural surroundings and taking pictures as they are. This technique can create a more authentic result and truly capture the moment.
Editing and Printing
After you have captured the best photos of the day, the editing phase is an opportunity to create memorable keepsakes. Children have a natural beauty that shines through even in the most candid pictures, so keep the editing process minimal to truly showcase their essence.
Focus on capturing the color and individual features of each child’s face, and avoid overly enhancing the pictures with filters and special lighting effects. Once you have edited the photos, make sure you print a few for each child to take home so that they can have a physical reminder of the event.
In Conclusion
Child-friendly event photography is a great way to capture unforgettable moments in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Keep an eye out for the perfect venues and settings, remain respectful and accommodating, stay patient, and practice unique shooting techniques for the best results. Remember to always be mindful of the children’s safety and comfort, and do all possible to ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone involved.