Photographing Preschool Age Categories
In General
At times we may have difficulty getting a child to smile. In most cases we'll recognize quickly if the child is likely to come around or not and the photographer may decide to move on if they feel that smiles simply aren't forthcoming. Please remember that simply because a child is gregarious and outgoing in the classroom doesn't mean they will respond similarly to the picture day setup. They are probably in a room they don't spend much time in, surrounded by flashing equipment they don't understand, being addressed by a stranger they don't know. Really, given the situation, a smile can be a lot to ask for. We are incredibly good at making children feel comfortable and we'll get smiles from the vast majority of them but unfortunately we can't get one every time.
The most important part of getting a good photo of a child is getting their eyes on camera. Sometimes, often if we're having some difficulty getting a smile, staff will lend us a hand and play toward things they know from experience will make the child laugh. It is important that if the staff are going to try to help us get a smile that they stand directly behind the camera because if they stand to either side the child will be looking off camera in the photo.
Infants
When dealing with infants the photographer will generally remain pretty hands off. Infants are the most unpredictable age group to photograph as there is no telling what may distress, confuse or entertain them. In most cases the child's familiarity with the staff in their room helps them feel secure enough to proceed with a photo without undue stress.
Toddlers
Toddlers will often require encouragement or help from a teacher to get their photo done - especially if they are relatively new to the toddler room. The photographer will likely be a bit more hands on with this age category. Outgoing children will often set an example to the more nervous ones by volunteering for pictures and often these children smile and laugh right away. We encourage the kids to take their picture without help where possible - it speeds up the photo process and lets us return you to your regular program quickly.
Preschoolers
Preschoolers are the easiest group to photograph. Most of them will happily volunteer immediately. Nervous cases are relatively rare and can generally be handled with patience and gentle coaxing. In this age category the photographer will likely require very little help from the staff when it comes to getting a child to sit for a photo. Staff can provide the most help by focusing on the waiting children. Rambunctiousness and impatience in the waiting children can cause distractions and slow down the process.
Siblings
Parent's often appreciate having sibling photos taken if both children are attending the same care centre. We're happy to accommodate sibling photos and they can actually help photo day go easier for younger children.
The best way to photograph siblings is to have the older sibling brought down to be photographed with the younger sibling's group.
First, we would photograph the older sibling while the younger sibling looks on. - Often it is easier to get the older children to laugh as they have a better understanding of what's happening and that there is no danger to them. By making the older sibling laugh while the younger watches we gain trust from the younger through their inherent trust of their older brother or sister.
Second, we place the siblings together. - After watching their older sibling laugh most younger siblings have a much easier time sitting for the camera. With their older brother or sister now close by, and probably still laughing, the younger sibling sees that the situation isn't scary and is more likely to sit for the picture.
Finally, the younger sibling on their own. - If the younger sibling shows no sign of stress or nervousness while being photographed with their brother or sister they will likely have an easier time trying on their own. First we attempt to remove the older sibling from the set to photograph the younger one solo but if the younger sibling begins to show signs of stress we would sit the older sibling on the table with the younger and create enough separation between the two of them that the older sibling can be cropped out of the final image
We do not suggest attempting a sibling photo before both children are at an age where they are able to sit on their own.
There are a few main types of nervous and special situations that we commonly encounter.
- Mild Nervousness: Mild nervousness is the most common challenge we face. In most cases having a staff member nearby is all that is required to get the child through it. They may request that the staff member bring them to the picture area, sit next to them or hold their hand. Our regular set up is tailored for these scenarios and they are, for the most part overcome fairly easily.
- Serious Nervousness: Seriously nervous children will often refuse to go up for pictures and may get emotional if pressured to do so. The best way to proceed with seriously nervous kids is to have them watch the other children go first. Once they've seen enough friends smile they may be a little more receptive, although some tears are to be expected. Giving them an object, stuffed animal or blanket to hold may help them sit on their own. If not, a staff member should bring the child to the photo area, seat themselves on the table first and extend their legs along the table top. They should then place the nervous child in their lap far enough away from their body that the child's face can be singled out without including the staff in the photo.
- Fearful or Terrified: This is normally only seen in young toddlers and infants. In these cases we will attempt to patiently coax them to try using all the tricks we have available to us. Some eventually sit (smiles are very rare when the child starts out very fearful) while with others it is simply best to move on and give them the chance again next year.
- Infants that can't sit: We can still proceed with a photo if the child can't sit on their own. Using either an infant chair or a pillow, or by having a staff member hold the child up with their arms hidden under the background.