Images to make your heart melt whatever your child's personality
Do you desperately want to get some portraits with the family but really worry that one or more of the kids’ personalities wouldn’t be suit to it? Too shy? Too independent? Too wilful? Too nervous?
I see every type of personality in my shoots (and sometimes within the same family) Some kids love to chat straight from the outset and are very happy to interact and have their picture taken. Others take a bit more persuading and gradually warm to the idea, and others still are way too shy to even look at me when we first meet, and might still be reluctant to let go of mum or dad at the end.
All of these characteristics are absolutely fine and absolutely normal (I myself would’ve been the kid who never let go of mum!).
The last few years of life in a pandemic has meant that younger children have had far less experience of adults than they might have normally have done. It’s only natural therefore that they are a bit more wary of new people. Meeting a strange (ie unknown, rather than weird I must stress!) woman for the first time is a daunting experience, especially when that woman carries a big black box that she keeps hiding behind.
However, I have ways and means of engaging with all kinds of personalities. One thing a lot of kids can’t resist is a peek at the back of the camera, particularly when they learn that it’s a secret between me and them…..strictly no adult peeking allowed! Some children love the idea of being in charge, even if it’s just for an hour. I therefore let them decide where we go or what we look at and it lets them buy into the idea (even if in reality we are suggesting the itinerary to them). This can be a really helpful way of getting wilful personalities on board with the idea. Sometimes though, kids just need a little time to warm to the idea and so I’ll take it slow and let them gradually get used to me from the safety of Mum or Dad.
It’s not often that I’m the one in the picture during a photoshoot but this was captured by this little boy’s dad. I knew I’d been accepted on the shoot when he held my hand and wanted me to follow wherever he went. I love this picture! (Photo credit Jon March)
Sometimes you just need the safety of Dad, and that’s absolutely fine - we will take things slowly
The main thing is that I want everything about your images to be natural and that includes capturing your real personalities. That’s why I’’ll never force you into uncomfortable poses or make you say ‘cheese’, but instead wait for the natural expressions and interactions between you all., whatever they may be.
Before you know it, you’ll all forget I’m there and carry on as normal
Before long, there’s usually too many things to do to worry about being shy.
What to find out more or have a no obligation chat?