Hello, Moms & Dads!! This week, I’ll be doing another in-depth post on photographing childhood memories. When it comes to pictures, as we get older we begin to relive some of our most amazing moments through these photos. Why not do the same for your children? If your children aren’t as spontaneous and get a little camera shy, there is absolutely nothing wrong with taking them and crafting activity for the sole purpose of taking photos. If you haven’t already, please check out this earlier blog on photography and children’s self-esteem. It’s a great read and can help aid in your child coming out of their shell.

When photographing raw childhood moments rule number one: don’t be afraid of messes. This is always the best part! How can you have authentic childhood photos without allowing authentic messes!

Don’t worry about the hair or the clothes–let your children be children! Taking the kids outside for an adventure always yields spectacular results!!

I keep a lot of expired film around the house, so when I see my children doing something amazing, but they don’t really want to be photographed, I will pick up my film camera with expired film and shoot anyway. I will try to stand back so that they will at least continue what they’re doing. It may take about a week or so to go through the roll, but I can usually catch them off guard and after a little bit of silliness they will settle down and forget the cameras in my hand and continue with what they are doing.

When it comes to photographing childhood there are no rules except to capture the moment. Your children may not always want you to photograph them. They may run from the camera, hide their faces or cry. Snap a photo and put down the camera if you must. But try to capture something. I make it my mission to take a picture of the children randomly at least once a week. I like to capture them as they grow. And to be honest, my children are pretty amazing with a ton of unique quirks that I just have to photography. Remember, your capturing your family’s story. Tell it like it is!!

tips for photographing children when they don’t want to cooperate:

1. Capture their frowns, smiles and even running away.
2. Be patient (if it’s not working, walk away).
3. Let them guide you.
4. Get down to their eye level.
5. Capture them in their element.

when they don’t want to face the camera use props

If they are being shy and don’t want to face the camera, but really want to take pictures (yes I know it’s weird, but it happens. I’ve photographed over 3,000 children and trust me, this is a thing!

Give them something to hold and place peek-a-boo. These confetti balloons are all the rage now, so head over to your favorite store and pick one up.

This balloon was the perfect icebreaker when Audrey was getting into one of her rare shy moods.

In no time she was warming up and beginning to cooperate.

let the kids…..

I love when my children want to pick out their own clothes and ask for a quick photo session. Audrey is really getting into the habit of creating various outfits and starting to embrace her own fashion sense.

Camera Gear: 

I use a variety of digital and film cameras for my work and personal photography. If you are interested, my gear is listed below. I’ll discuss more my film photography in a later post.

My camera bag:

Canon 5D MK III

Canon 50 1.2L

Canon 85 1.2L

Sigma Art 35 1.4 for Canon