Authenticity and Genuine Expressions
Do you struggle to get genuine expressions from children when taking their photos? Let's face it, at a certain age, most children will give you a "forced" "cheesy" smile or expression when standing in front of the camera. They think they are giving you their natural, genuine expression, but most of the time, they are not!
Whether you are a photographer or a parent trying to take a photo of the kiddos, what do you do? The number one thing said to a child is "Say cheese!". What kind of expression do you think you will get?
We have found that most of the time, that does not work. We have found several tricks, though, that work pretty well to help you get a more authentic expression from your child and to help them feel more comfortable!
Talk to the Children
We like to begin our sessions by saying hello and truly complimenting the child on something. Depending on the child's age, engaging him or her in conversation and asking questions is a great way to establish rapport. Saying "I love your glasses!" or, "Your shoes are so colorful!" usually starts a conversation and you can learn more about the child to continue the conversation. As you listen, the child becomes more comfortable in the situation and with you! You are more apt to get genuine expressions when the environment is more relaxed and at ease!
Getting Set up for the Session
As you are talking, ask about friends, school and activities. Always ask open ended questions that do not require a yes or no answer. These types of questions usually start with How, When, What, or Where! Once you get your answers, you can continue the conversation and actually get set up for the session. Tell the child you want to see some silly faces, or that you want to photograph their shoes, for example. (this usually helps with children that are a little more shy). As you continue conversing and listening, the children will start to feel more at ease so when it is time for posing, they will be ready to go!
Include a Special Item
Often, having a familiar item to hold helps the child feel more comfortable and at ease right away. A stuffed animal or favorite toy will help get those genuine expressions that are a part of the children's true self. Often, natural expressions will naturally occur because the child might have a favorite way to play with the special toy and you might even get some fun action shots!
Say Silly and Unexpected Things
Often, children will give the most silly expressions if you say the most unexpected, crazy things. At first, they might look confused and not understand! That certainly can happen. But, if you are silly enough, they might mirror your happy attitude and eventually laugh and genuinely smile!
I use my favorite special item in sessions, a Winnie the Pooh stuffed animal. I often use Winnie the Pooh as a special item for the children (especially if they know who Winnie the Pooh is), and I often use Winnie the Pooh to "give mom and dad a kiss", tickle them, or even do the same to the kiddos. Being a little crazy helps create a very fun atmosphere which usually produces fun expressions from the kids!
The Main Thing
The main thing to remember, though, is in order to achieve natural, genuine expressions, the children need to feel relaxed and comfortable. If they are interacting with people they know and if they do not feel put on the spot, they will give you their best natural expression, and that is what is most important!
Personality will play a big part in what you will see, too. A child that is more reserved and frightened of new things will need more time to warm up. He or she might never give you a genuine, natural expression, and that is ok. This child can be him or her self and every image will be just as beautiful.
Think about mirroring the child once you know if they are more of an extrovert, or if they need some quieter, not so crazy interaction. If you are acting loud and crazy around a child that needs low activity and less stimulation, the session will not go as well. If the child is very extroverted and loves attention, then the crazier the better, usually!
The main thing is to do the best you can to interact with each child according to who they are. Talk to them, get to know them, and help them feel at ease so you can have the best session ever.
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