Wedding Photography and Kids

It's no wonder people tend to say that a wedding photographers role is part photographer and part psychologist; have you ever dealt with an unwitting child who would rather be off playing in the mud and getting grass stains in their tux or dress, than being coerced into taking a wedding photographs? I think if I where the child, I'd rather be just about anywhere than being forced to stand in the hot sun (if your in Southern California during a summer wedding), in front of a complete stranger trying to capture my mugshot. And if you're a wedding photographer, you know what I'm talking about. Yet, not every child I have photographed is an unwilling participant, there are those children who love the camera and yet those who are just shy. My goal with this post is to enlighten both photographers and brides (and grooms) with some real world practical advice on working with kids in a wedding; from the most irritated ones to the shy ones, there is a way to capture the image.

A list of real world advice for working with children from my experience as a wedding photographer:

Patience - The first thing to remember is that children have a short attention span and the younger the child, the less attention they are going to be able to have, especially during the wedding formals (family photos session). So, patience goes along way when working with kids at a wedding. Lacking patience can irritate not only the child, but the parents, bride, groom, and just about any one else you are trying to photograph.

Capture them Naturally - Children by nature are curious, so use this to your advantage. Play with them. Get them laughing. It's OK to be silly. By doing so, you divert their attention and they tend to relax and be themselves. You'll capture a more natural, meaningful photograph.

Build Rapport - Building rapport goes hand in hand with diverting the child's attention. When I arrive at a wedding venue, I like to determine who the children are that will be an integral part of the wedding. This way I can start building rapport with them by photographing them and getting them comfortable with me and the camera. This way, by the time I'm ready to capture family formals, I have already built rapport with the kids and the photo session goes smoothly, well, sometimes smoothly

Get Down to their level - You've undoubtedly seen photos of children looking up into the camera. It's easy to capture them from the photographers vantage point. I recommend, get down to their level. Crawl on the grass if you have to. You will not only capture a more pleasing image, but intrigue the child who may surprise you with a few fun poses.

Give them props - Children love things to play with. Hand them a prop such as a flower, a toy, or a stick. Watch what they do with it (as long as they don't whack you over the head with it). You will be surprised with what you may see.

Reward them - This one requires permission from teh parents. However, it's a good idea to travel with some sweets, or perhaps a small toy to give to a child if they perform. There have been times where I have encountered unruly children, but by promising them a toy (Hotwheels for the boys and a little Kelly Doll for the girls),if they cooperate, I tend to get the job done quickly and as intended.

Capture them from a Distance - You're going to find it that from time to time, you will have a child who is unwilling to be photographed. This is where a zoom lens comes in handy. Just allow the child to do as they are doing. Stand back and capture them naturally. You will get some nice images this way as well.

The point is, have fun. Photographing children should not be a chore that causes you and everyone at the wedding distress. Kids are fun to work with and yes, there are those who like to try your patience. However, remember, you are both the adult and professional. Have fun with the day, and I guarantee you will impress the bride and groom and perhaps gain some referral business.