Not all kids smile for the camera

If you have a camera in hand, don't put off taking that photo. Every moment counts and since you are shooting with a digital camera is does not cost you anything extra to take the shot.

I remember seeing a beautiful black and white family portrait taken in the 1930s. The owner of the photo pointed out her bangs which were not straight. She explained that she found a pairs of scissors in the photography studio just before the portrait was to be taken and decided to trim her own hair. Her parents were horrified when they say the little girl but decided to proceed with the portrait despite the damage. They were very happy they did and it is one of the few family portraits that exist of their family today.

Try and capture kids doing the things they enjoy the most - having fun. Let them get used to the fact that you are pointing a camera at them, wait for the moment and then take two pictures. Hey, didgital is not like film, you are not paying for every shot. Quite often the 2nd shot is the better of the two. If the child hears the camera or sees the flash go off they might give you a smile or an expression that is priceless. Don't even think about it just take two pictures or more.

Photographing Children

Kids love surprises and something special in your pocket that is revealed at just the right moment may make the difference between a bored looking shot and a smile. Just the thought of the object coming out a second time can bring a smile to a little child. 

I know a photographer who had all the latest equipment but kept a small point and shoot camera around the house to snap those pix of his kids without having to drag out his DSLR and flash. It was faster and easier to use at just the right time.