Many who want to photograph children decide to do so when they first become parents. All at once nothing in the world is more important than nurturing and observing this perfect little baby that has joined your life.

Watching each and every movement, hearing each new sound, the softness of baby’s skin, the rosy cheeks and each awe inspiring change compel you to want to remember them forever, and photographing your child gives you that record.

Your Favorite Subjects

Each change, each miraculous moment helps you to begin to really see this child of yours. Whether it is sleepy eyes in the morning, soft light through a window as your child contemplates their day or a beautiful smile, they suddenly become your favorite subjects.

As a new parent you want to capture those images and remember them forever. Who has a better opportunity to photograph your child than you? You need to learn to relax and enjoy the pleasure of making simple and spontaneous photos of your child.

Child Acting Silly

You Have The Inside Track

As a parent you have the inside track on your child’s looks, moods and special quirks. You have access to your child all day every day which provides an opportunity to record the full range of their activities, interests and expressions.

Have you ever observed the photographers at those malls or mega stores? They aren’t exactly tuned in to your child’s idiosyncrasies and often have a hard time overcoming your child’s shyness and desire to be private.

Your Child Has The Inside Track On You Too

But, don’t forget – your child knows you too. Somehow kids know just what buttons to push and a friendly photo shoot can go from “Come over here and let me snap a picture of you, you look so cute” to “Stop teasing your sister and get the dog out of the picture!”.

Before you know it you are frustrated and threatening to put your child in timeout or send them to their room, all because you wanted a special photo of them doing something they love.

Caution – Remember Why You Are Photographing Your Child In The First Place

Be patient with your little ones, even when they are misbehaving when they are a little older. Don’t be so concerned about getting that “perfect shot” and forget why you are photographing them to begin with.

Try working with your neighbor and have them photograph your children and you photograph theirs. You know you will be nicer to her kids than you are to your own!

Be Inspired!

Pay attention to your creative journey, past and present, which will help you develop your own style and signature. That style enables you to create more interesting and captivating authentic photographs of your kids.

If you were to ask 10 people to photograph the same child you would discover 10 different approaches, styles and photographs, because the eyes of each photographer are influenced by their past experiences and their personal tastes, so don’t be afraid to develop your own unique creative style.

Remember, keep taking lots and lots of photographs of your kids. You will be glad you did!

Betty Muscott, Child Photographer