A Beginner’s Guide to Photographing Small Children

**Disclaimer: The photos in this post are stock photos. I do not want to post photos of my own children from 2010-2014 for personal reasons and my skills have greatly improved since then and don’t fully represent my photography skills today.

Photographing small children can be both a joyous and challenging experience for new photographers. As budding shutterbugs, we’re often drawn to the innocence and spontaneity of childhood moments, eager to capture them in timeless images. However, working with young subjects requires patience, creativity, and a willingness to embrace the unpredictable. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explore some tips and techniques for successfully photographing small children and creating memorable images that truly capture the essence of childhood.

1. Get Down to Their Level: When photographing small children, it’s essential to get down to their eye level. This perspective allows you to capture their world from a more intimate and engaging angle, resulting in images that feel more personal and authentic. So, crouch down, kneel, or even lie on the ground if necessary to ensure you’re at eye level with your young subjects.

2. Tell the story: What adorable antics is your little one up to? Are they playing dress-up, splashing in the pool, or simply sitting with a smile? While a sweet smile is always charming, capturing the narrative of their childhood is just as valuable for reminiscing in the future.

3. Be Patient and Flexible: Children are naturally curious and full of energy, which means they may not always cooperate or sit still for posed shots. Instead of trying to force them into unnatural poses, embrace their spontaneity and go with the flow. Be patient, flexible, and prepared to capture candid moments as they unfold. Sometimes, the most authentic and charming images are the ones captured in the midst of play and exploration.

4. Use Props and Activities: Incorporating props and activities into your photo sessions can help keep small children engaged and entertained, resulting in more natural and expressive photos. Consider using toys, balloons, bubbles, or other interactive props to spark their interest and create dynamic compositions. Encourage them to play, laugh, and be themselves, and be ready to capture those genuine moments of joy and wonder.

5. Embrace Natural Light: Natural light is your best friend when photographing small children. Avoid harsh overhead lighting or direct sunlight, which can cast unflattering shadows and cause squinting. Instead, seek out soft, diffused light sources such as window light or shaded outdoor areas. Golden hour, the hour before sunset or after sunrise, is particularly magical for capturing warm, flattering light that enhances the beauty of your subjects.

6. Focus on the Eyes: The eyes are the window to the soul, and this is especially true when photographing small children. Aim to focus on their eyes to create images that are sharp, engaging, and full of emotion. Use a wide aperture (low f-stop number) to achieve a shallow depth of field, blurring the background and drawing attention to the child’s eyes. Be patient and wait for those fleeting moments when their eyes light up with wonder or mischief.

7. Keep It Fun and Playful: Above all, remember that photography should be fun, especially when working with small children. Create a relaxed and playful atmosphere during your photo sessions, encouraging laughter, silliness, and genuine expressions. Be prepared to act like a big kid yourself, engaging in games, jokes, and playful interactions to bring out the best in your young subjects.

Photographing small children as a new photographer can be both challenging and immensely rewarding. By getting down to their level, being patient and flexible, using props and activities, embracing natural light, focusing on the eyes, and keeping things fun and playful, you can capture beautiful images that truly capture the magic of childhood. So grab your camera, embrace the chaos, and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime.