As a candid children's photographer from Pasadena, I've learned what I believe to be the singular most important aspect of establishing rapport with my subjects. When I know a child's personality type, I can bring out their best qualities for that spectacular shot.
The Entertainer. This child will do everything to take control and run the photo shoot. You're sure to witness plenty of corny expressions and unabashed drama. This may seem like an easy shoot, right? Not so fast. This child's parents probably have every one of those expressions recorded at home. They see them everyday.
Engage the entertainer in conversation. Talk about him or her, and don't do all of your talking from behind the lens. Lower the camera, make eye contact, and reply with comments that say you're listening. This will conjure some of those great introspective shots that you're looking for.
The introverted child might open up gradually, or might remain clammed up for the entire session. Be careful with loud speech and inflated motion. This could alarm the child, or cause anxiety and further withdrawal. Give this child the breathing space to make her comfortable.
The introverted child's face will tell all. Her deep emotions will not be lost on the lens, but will be showcased as the focal point. When she's looking away, or following you cautiously with her eyes, grab that expression. Her parents will see how you've captured the essence of their child.
The Conversationalist. The conversationalist loves to share knowledge. He or she will throw out facts that are meant to impress you, and will enjoy gathering information from you. Engage this child in conversation, and be ready to capture the thoughtful expressions that result from your comments.
Ask the conversationalist child to act out his favorite movie scene, or show you how his favorite animal behaves in the wild. These activities will create some priceless poses the show this child's true colors.
The introductory portion of the shoot is important to the conversationalist. If you jump right into the photography session, you could easily isolate the child and ruin your chances of great shots. If you spend too much time conversing, opportunities could pass. Move slowly through conversation, shooting throughout. Then move on to the meat of the shoot, to gather a variety of snapshots.
The Observer. The observant child will watch closely, take in his or her surroundings, and may be hypersensitive to uncomfortable clothing and poses. He or she will also display expressions that seem to show a number of emotions all at once. This type of child will respond well to your attention and plenty of forewarning about what's coming next. Abrupt interruptions of activities will annoy or alienate this child.
The Sick One. When you invite a sick child into your studio, you risk poor photogenic expression, as well as the spread of illness. A children's photographer can shoot a sick child and be satisfied with the results, but that child's parent will always view that photo as a "sick photo." A parent can read deeply into a child's expression.
A drowsy child is unpredictable and sometimes unexpressive. Block out entire mornings or afternoons for children's photography clients, and be accommodating. Let parents know that if a nap is missed, you'll be available after a makeup snooze.
The tantrum throwing child can be an interesting subject for a children's photographer. Encourage the parents to allow you to gather some of these shots, as well as allowing the tantrum to run its course.
Remember to remove yourself from responsibility for the outburst. It is not your place, or in your best interest, to intervene. If your equipment, other people in the shoot, lighting, etc. is causing the outburst, regroup to preserve the child's mood.
My work with black and white photography in Pasadena has taught me to use personality determinations to capture some of my best shots. Parents can easily recognize when you've taken the time to get to know their child, and they always appreciate a professional who can grasp the introspection, laughter, or wonderment that is unique to their child. - 30224
The Entertainer. This child will do everything to take control and run the photo shoot. You're sure to witness plenty of corny expressions and unabashed drama. This may seem like an easy shoot, right? Not so fast. This child's parents probably have every one of those expressions recorded at home. They see them everyday.
Engage the entertainer in conversation. Talk about him or her, and don't do all of your talking from behind the lens. Lower the camera, make eye contact, and reply with comments that say you're listening. This will conjure some of those great introspective shots that you're looking for.
The introverted child might open up gradually, or might remain clammed up for the entire session. Be careful with loud speech and inflated motion. This could alarm the child, or cause anxiety and further withdrawal. Give this child the breathing space to make her comfortable.
The introverted child's face will tell all. Her deep emotions will not be lost on the lens, but will be showcased as the focal point. When she's looking away, or following you cautiously with her eyes, grab that expression. Her parents will see how you've captured the essence of their child.
The Conversationalist. The conversationalist loves to share knowledge. He or she will throw out facts that are meant to impress you, and will enjoy gathering information from you. Engage this child in conversation, and be ready to capture the thoughtful expressions that result from your comments.
Ask the conversationalist child to act out his favorite movie scene, or show you how his favorite animal behaves in the wild. These activities will create some priceless poses the show this child's true colors.
The introductory portion of the shoot is important to the conversationalist. If you jump right into the photography session, you could easily isolate the child and ruin your chances of great shots. If you spend too much time conversing, opportunities could pass. Move slowly through conversation, shooting throughout. Then move on to the meat of the shoot, to gather a variety of snapshots.
The Observer. The observant child will watch closely, take in his or her surroundings, and may be hypersensitive to uncomfortable clothing and poses. He or she will also display expressions that seem to show a number of emotions all at once. This type of child will respond well to your attention and plenty of forewarning about what's coming next. Abrupt interruptions of activities will annoy or alienate this child.
The Sick One. When you invite a sick child into your studio, you risk poor photogenic expression, as well as the spread of illness. A children's photographer can shoot a sick child and be satisfied with the results, but that child's parent will always view that photo as a "sick photo." A parent can read deeply into a child's expression.
A drowsy child is unpredictable and sometimes unexpressive. Block out entire mornings or afternoons for children's photography clients, and be accommodating. Let parents know that if a nap is missed, you'll be available after a makeup snooze.
The tantrum throwing child can be an interesting subject for a children's photographer. Encourage the parents to allow you to gather some of these shots, as well as allowing the tantrum to run its course.
Remember to remove yourself from responsibility for the outburst. It is not your place, or in your best interest, to intervene. If your equipment, other people in the shoot, lighting, etc. is causing the outburst, regroup to preserve the child's mood.
My work with black and white photography in Pasadena has taught me to use personality determinations to capture some of my best shots. Parents can easily recognize when you've taken the time to get to know their child, and they always appreciate a professional who can grasp the introspection, laughter, or wonderment that is unique to their child. - 30224
About the Author:
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