When it comes to photographing children, you have more options available to you than you have with infants and with toddlers.  After all, a child that is four or older can be prompted to pose in certain positions for your photograph.  Nonetheless, the trick is getting the child to pose in a way that appears natural.  Similarly, if you want the child to smile in the photograph, getting him or her to smile in a way that doesn’t look forced or otherwise contrived can be difficult. 

The Tight Crop

One way to get great results when taking a photo of a child is to crop tight on your subject.  With the tight crop, you can zero in on the child’s expression and really bring the focus on the subject.  In the photo below, for example, notice how the photographer was not concerned about cutting off the top of the subject’s hair.  In addition, the photographer didn’t worry about having the subject look at the camera.  Nonetheless, it is a beautiful picture with a very natural, innocent and childlike expression on the boy’s face.

children's day

children's day

The way you frame the subject’s fact can also add interest while also capturing the true essence of the child being photographed.  In the photo below, for example, the photographer chose an extremely tight crop at an unusual angle that really works at drawing in the viewer’s eye.

Sugar Candy

Sugar Candy

Using Props

Props are also something that can be more easily added to your photos when taking pictures of children.  Try to use some creativity when choosing your props, however, and think outside of the box.  Don’t limit yourself to the traditional stuffed bear or oversized blocks that you find in a photographer’s studio.  Consider taking the child outside and using the props that nature has to offer.  Not only can the outdoors give you some great props to use in your photo, the natural lighting will also help make your subject’s look great. 

In the photo below, for example, you couldn’t ask for a better prop to help draw out the natural look of wonderment in the girls’ faces.

Dutch Butterfly Girls

Dutch Butterfly Girls

Don’t feel as if you have to get the child’s entire face in every picture you take.  In this photo, the expression on the girl’s face coupled with the warm glow from the flower reflected on her face creates a beautiful photo.

Flower Meet and Greet

Flower Meet and Greet

The bottom line is that you can explore more opportunities when taking photos of children.  If you have a willing subject, you can create magical moments while still capturing the purity of the child you are photographing.

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