Dynamic Expressions
I love the unsure look in the child’s eyes and the candid feel of this image (above). Children this age can be difficult to photograph because of their energy and short attention spans—plus, they have no inhibitions. However, the beauty of this age is that they can provide the most dynamic expressions, the most incredible moments, and the most unique feelings. If you do not get discouraged by the difficulty of photographing an active and unpredictable child, you’ll find that sessions with these children will produce some of your most creative imagery.
Don’t Push It
I believe that clients judge a photographer as much on how the session ends as how it begins. If the child is pushed until there is a meltdown, the parents will never put their child through that again. However, if you are able to finish within a reasonable amount of time, you may find that these are your best images and you will create loyal clients who go out and sing your praises.
Stacking the Deck in Our Favor
This little guy would not sit or stand still, which gave me a short window to capture images. This is one place where our defined style is a big advantage.
Since the clothing and background are determined before the session, there is only one outfit to worry about. That lets me I accomplish greater imagery than if the child’s clothing needed to be changed (which can make them lose patience). I just have to work on expression, relationship, and intimacy without thinking about his next outfit.
Also, If this little boy came dressed in a white shirt, bow tie, and a checkered sport coat, the coat would have been pulled open and the tie would have been crooked. Even if the parents liked his expressions, they might have thought that his clothing looked too messy to invest in a wall portrait.
We often do not have minutes or even seconds to capture that wonderful expression; there is no time to adjust clothing or worry what the child might do. Our style allows for the best possible images with each session. A two-year-old might be your best friend—but as an artist, you must define that which makes your art withstand the spontaneity that a toddler will present.
“Even if the parents liked his expressions, they might have thought that his clothing looked too messy to invest in a wall portrait.”
Additional images from the same session.