Photographing Children-How to Get the Money Shot
ByI know some photographers, for various reasons, are very uncomfortable photographing children. That can change quickly with today’s tip:
Don’t over coach them; they are brilliant all by themselves!
My favorite image of one of my recent sessions, shown here, just jumped out and grabbed me! It is definitely the money shot. Since he is a five year old, I could pose him just a little bit. All I asked this young fellow to do was put his elbows on the box, and he did the rest.
But if you overdo it and start giving a lot of directions you will lose their attention quickly. You definitely need to be ready to shoot or you will lose the precious moment. Have all of your lights metered,
Remember that moms are pretty excited and nervous about photo sessions. Of course they want everything to go well. Sometimes they are a great help to you by engaging the child in a wonderful discussion that creates all kinds of expressions. And sometimes they are a distraction to the child by over coaching or using negative feedback.
If a mom is interfering it is best to ask her (tactfully) to wait. I have even asked some parents to leave the room but you have to be really careful how you word that request.
The “money shot” is usually the very first picture or near the end once the child is warmed up. It is also a good idea to know when to quit. Quit on a good note and as soon as possible as to keep the experience a positive one.
