Kids at weddings
My top 6 tips for photographing little ones on the big day.
We don’t need to scare the babies!
On your wedding day, I promise you’ll be grateful to have a photographer who speaks kid, toddler and baby. Your own little ones or kids in the wedding party are always, ALWAYS on their own program. I’ve been known to get even the most reluctant ones to warm up to me, and I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve.
It’s a fine balance between being aware of their comfort zone, not getting too in their face, and knowing when to back off. Here are some of my hot tips for photographing kids on wedding days.
Don’t be too cool for bribery
If the parents are game (always ask first!), candy bribery is always welcome.
Don’t make a big deal of the photos
Think less “sit here, do that” and more “look at this pretty flower, ooooh I saw a butterfly.” Let the photographer guide the way.
Tackle kid photos first
Always try to tackle kid photos first, before they lose their cool. If they’re already losing it, do other photos first, and the moment they pull it together, try again with them!
Catch the pout, the yawn, the tears
In the moment it may not be fun for those involved, but it’ll be memorable and likely pretty cute after!
Get down to their level
Spend some time during getting ready playing peekaboo, chatting or making silly faces, all things that don’t involve pointing a camera at them. By the time photos roll around, they’ll be more comfortable with a camera pointed their way, and you’ll create more memorable images with your new little buddies!
When in doubt, fart jokes
Fart, poop and smelly feet jokes for the win. Always. 🏆
Remember to have fun and be ready for anything!
