TIPS for KIDS PORTRAITS Photography (outdoor with natural light)

Whazzup everybody! Since last October 2018 I've been shooting portraits of kids with my team (Shutter Up Studio - A Photo Phactory). It's a different experience not because my girlfriend and my best friend are part of the team (in that level, it's different cause it inspire me a lot), but it's because I am shooting with kids. Kids differ from teens and adults. Taking portraits with kids are tiresome but very addicting. . . and rewarding. It's tiresome because you have to exert extra effort within you so that you can draw the attention of your subject to you, as well as you can connect yourself to your subject compared to shooting with teens and adults were you can direct them.

It's challenging but it's really fun especially when you view your shots on your big screen (computer monitor). . . I enjoyed a lot watching our shots and sometimes found my self smiling or laughing alone looking at our shots.

If you want to to shoot kids, here are some of my thoughts and learning about shooting kids outdoor portraits based on my/our experiences

1. THINK & CLICK FAST

Taking photos of kids are very challenging because of their attention span. Kids loves to play and run around. They change mood unpredictably or predictably. So be fast to visualize/compose your creative shots because every moment counts. No "Do it again" time when shooting kids. Think & click fast enough!

2. SHOOT THEM AS WHO THEY ARE

Take photos of kids as who they are. Let them be kids. Do not force them to do something you want them to do.

3. AVOID DIRECTING THEM TO POSE

In connection with No. 2, let them be who they are during the shoot. It's okay to make them stand or sit for a while, but if the kids don't, again go back to No. 1, think fast and click fast.

Remember kids love to play and it will come a long way during the photo session. Just go with the flow.

4. CAPTURE EVERY MOMENTS

Take candid shots during kids portraits. Capture every moments or let me say every emotions, especially the silly ones.

5. DON'T TIRE THE KIDS

Kids loves to play, do not treat them like adults during the shoot. As a photographer, be a kid too, get down to their level and make your photo session like playing with them. It's fun I tell you. Once the kids show that they are tired in the middle of your session, stop. Let them rest then continue. 1 to 2 hours of photo session with kids is enough already.

6. NATURAL LIGHTS IS THE BEST

I find it best to use natural light during kids portrait.

Here are my reasons:

Since it is an outdoor session, you have the best light you can have.

Using external lights might be good but not recommended at all times because it takes time to setup, your subject loves to play and run around (remember it's outdoor), your external lights might be of no use, or worst, accidentally damage.

7. ENJOY HAVE FUN.

Have fun while working with kids!