Taking Better Family Photos

Snapping a picture of your child running through the park, climbing up a ladder on the playground or peacefully painting a picture seems simple. But, what about posing a preschooler or asking a toddler to sit and smile? Understanding the young child's development can help make portrait photography much easier on the photographer and parent alike. Whether you're taking the picture of your own child or you're a pro at your own studio, these developmental milestones can make your session more of a fun (and, not frustrating) time.

Infants

Babies are changing rapidly. Photographing a 2-month-old is a completely different experience than you'll have with a 7-month-old. Newborns have very few motor skills. They can't hold themselves up and won't push up onto their hands (while placed on their tummies) until after two months. By  four months, a baby is socially smiling (meaning that the 4-month-old may just give you an adorable grin when you shake a toy nearby and make a funny face), copying other people's facial expressions and holding her head up.

At 6-months many babies can sit up unassisted and roll over. A 9-month-old is starting to crawl (possibly), making it more of a challenge to capture a posed picture. As baby reaches the 1-year mark, she may be able to pull herself up to standing and even walk. This opens up a world of new photo possibilities, such as using standing poses or motion-filled candids.

Toddlers

Between two and three years, children are refining motor skills, such as walking and running. With a growing sense of independence, the toddler may have a favorite word – "No." Don't stress, as these increasingly social little ones are getting better at understanding what you're saying and can follow simple directions (and re-directions).

Candid photography with a toddler allows the young child to act independently and doesn't require overly long sitting times. Toddlers have notoriously short attention spans (under 15 minutes), meaning that they may not do well with a session's worth of posing. Instead, try varying positions often, giving the child props to play with, or going outdoors for a change of scenery.

Preschoolers

Between three and five years, children are building motor skills that allow them to run well, hop, stand on one foot, throw/catch a ball and even ride a tricycle. They're also growing more social, enjoying spending time with friends. By four years, most children can understand between 2,500 and 3,000 words, according to PBS Parents. This makes directing a preschooler easier than it was during the toddler years.

Even though preschoolers can't sit still for long periods of time, they typically have the ability to stay put for a pose or two. That said, varying the setting, position and props is still helpful when it comes to keeping the Pre-K kiddo on track during a photo shoot.

Photography with children requires knowing what to expect at what age. Learning basic developmental milestones can help you, as the photographer, capture a better picture and make the most of your photo session. For more information, contact Delaina Marie Photography or a similar company.