5 things to always bring when photographing young kids

RED DEER PHOTOGRAPHER

Red deer family photographers

First thing to remember is kids have a short attention span when it comes to photo sessions. It's important to make the most out of each stage of their time with you.

While I personally prefer candid images, I do like to offer a some shots of everyone looking at the camera for variety. The first five to ten minutes of every session with little ones is the "stranger danger" stage I call it. Where they kind of just look at you, are a bit shy, and still ok with mom or dad holding them. Once they start to get comfortable then they want down, and that is when you can use the below suggestions to get the most out of the session.


Here are 5 things I always bring to ensure the most out of every session.


A BLANKET

This can be used in so many different fun ways. First, I get mom and dad to hold each end of the blanket and wave it up and down quickly. Get the kids to run under it, telling them they can't let the blanket touch them. This one is always a hit.

Then there is the good ol' classic, blanket ride! You don't even have to go far, just getting mom and dad to tug up in small amounts will make it fun for them. It's like a bumpy roller coaster ride!

I like to get a close up of just the kids during this time. It ends up looking like they are snuggling and it adds more variety and options to the overall gallery! After all, it's all about shooting fast and working smarter not harder. :)

Even if you are using the blanket as a place to sit, you can make it a fun game. I like to get mom and dad to sit on the blanket first and then get the kids to try and push them off. If it's a big family play "the floor is lava" and get everyone to be fully on the blanket. It makes them get super close with laughter. Add a tickle fight right after and you got yourself even more images to add to the gallery.

Candid family moments captured in a meadow at golden hour with white bohemian blanket and tent setup.
Family sits together on blanket sharing playful moment in golden autumn field at sunset.


Box or bowl

A box is a great to have for kids to sit on, sit in, or jump off! Its also great for young siblings to sit on together!

For my session workflow, I like to get the kid(s) to sit on the top for a sibling shot and then get mom and dad to kneel down beside and bam! Another variation! This is great if you have age gaps between kids too. Just replace parents with the older siblings.

Lastly, the box can be super helpful with getting everyone in a closer together height wise! I'll have a child stand on the box and have the rest of the family stand around it. Plus the child on the box typically feels pretty special being on it.

Children playing and sharing sweet moments together in a sunlit meadow with long grass and warm autumn colors.
A family sits together in a rustic outdoor field at sunset surrounded by tall golden grass.
A family embraces in a golden autumn field with tall grasses and bare trees during sunset.


Paper airplanes

So easy to make and kids love playing with them. It really brings out their imagination too. Plus the kids can take them home and it's like a little present that they can remember the session by! I have had quite a few clients tell me "the kids played with that paper airplane for days after".

A small child wearing a brown sweater plays in a sandy desert landscape with brown hills in the distance.


squicky toy

This one is usually used when I'm photographing really young children, under 1 year old typically. It's great for getting their attention and I sometimes make it look like it's jumping on my head or tickling me. You can also have mom or dad hold the toy near your camera and have it "dance" on the lens or play peek a boo. The key to this though is to MAKE SURE the parents are putting it directly on your lens. Otherwise you will have kids looking away from the camera. I typically only get parents to help if I have tried myself FIRST.

A joyful scene in a flower field next to a soft yellow plush duckling toy with orange feet and beak.


snacks

Of course you always have to ask parents if they are allowed but I love to bring fruit snacks. What I like about fruit snacks over other treats is, they don't melt and one small pack goes along way for bribes. I am not above bribes, but only when I have exhausted all other options as this is basically the last straw before they are completely over it!

Colorful gummy candy assortment featuring red, orange and black gummy bears on a dark plate.

I hope these help with your next session, If you try them and they worked, let me know!

-M