“Do you have any words of encouragement for kids who don’t like being photographed?” asked the slightly frazzled mom of a toddler who clung to his mama’s leg, not wanting to look up?
“How would I ever take pictures of him when he refuses to look at the camera all the time?” she continued.
It was funny because it seems as if my clients assume I have it all together when it comes to photographing my daughter, but in reality I do not.
Yes, I’m a photographer with a daughter’s who though not really camera shy has her own mind when it comes to being photographed. When she doesn’t want her picture taken, she doesn’t. (and she’ll let you know it too!)
If you’re struggling with kids (of any ages), who aren’t cooperating behind the lens, here are some words of encouragement to use when working with kids who don’t want their pictures to be taken.
Words of Encouragement for Kids Who’re Camera Shy
- “Let’s be silly!”
Go for goofiness if that’s what works. Kids who don’t like being photographed will be okay with you clicking pictures as long as they don’t have to “pose”.
So, go au naturel and let them run around, make funny faces, be who they are and you click candid shots of them making the most of being who they are.
That is why I love my iPhone so much. Candid shots are the easiest to click with a phone in your hand. No set up needed.
- “Can you help me please?”
Camera shy kids can be encouraged to help you out.
Invite them to pick their outfits, read a book with you or have them help by playing with the baby and you can actually take photos of them doing all of that with ease.
I absolutely love this image because 5 minutes before she was whining at me not to take her photo. When I asked her to help me come up with a way to be silly (jumping shot practice!) she opened up and I was able to capture a special memory with the backdrop I was hoping for in the first place.
- “Let’s play”
That’s right. Play can be perfect for photography.
You’ll get gorgeous shots of happy smiles, engrossed faces, busy little hands, little heads together as they solve a puzzle. Don’t make a fuss about it. Just let them play and take pictures as they do that.
- “Do you want to take some pictures?”
Nearly every child I know enjoys taking pictures.
How about handing them the camera or phone first to click some pictures of you and then, reversing the role?
Chances are they’ll be enjoying the activity so much they wouldn’t even realize they’re being photographed.
- “Capture memories”
This is more encouragement for you, the mom photographer, who may be getting frustrated at not being able to have a single picture with the kids smiling into the camera.
Remember, you’re capturing memories more than picture-perfect moments. Take in the whole scene rather than focusing just on their faces that don’t want to look at the camera.
On a random family hike at a local park we said ‘yes’ to the kiddo when she asked to get into the water. This quiet moment of her in nature is surely a shot we’ll cherish for years to come.
Remind yourself that the messy hair, the toothy grins, the goofiness, and the quiet moments of contemplation are all what you’ll enjoy looking back at once years have gone by.
Side benefit: you’ll have plenty of shots to embarrass them once they’re grown!
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