Anyone who’s had a portrait session with young children knows that things don’t always go perfectly… And that’s completely okay. In fact, it’s normal. Children are unpredictable, full of energy and sometimes full of strong opinions too. As much as I plan, prepare and make sessions fun and relaxed, I’m still a stranger to them at the start and that can take a little getting used to.
Over the years, I’ve photographed hundreds of children and one thing I’ve learned is that every child reacts differently. Some warm up quickly, others take time - And a few need space before they feel comfortable enough to be themselves. There might be tantrums, tears or moments where they just don’t want to cooperate (and that’s perfectly natural)
My approach is always patient and gentle. I never force poses or push a child past their comfort zone. Instead, I work around their energy, giving them small breaks, encouragement and a little room to explore. The best photos often happen in between the chaos (in those quiet moments when they reach for a parent’s hand, giggle unexpectedly or find something fascinating nearby)
Parents play a huge part in helping things go smoothly. Children often take their cues from the energy around them, so if parents stay calm, positive and relaxed, it helps the child do the same. Gentle reassurance works far better than pressure or bribery. It’s okay to let them take a minute to reset or wander off for a moment as those small pauses are part of the process.
It’s important to remember that children don’t see me the way their parents do. To them, I’m someone new with a big camera asking for attention they might not want to give. That’s why patience and understanding are key. I do my best to connect with every child in a way that feels natural, but it always helps when parents stay present, encouraging and engaged during the session. At the end of the day, the goal isn’t perfection, it’s authenticity. The little imperfections, the cheeky looks, even the tears all tell a story about who they are in this moment of their lives. When parents allow the session to unfold naturally, those are the images that become the most treasured.
This is one of the reasons that I prefer photographing children outdoors, it gives them a chance to explore and create their own fun in nature - Especially here in Shepparton where we have an abundance of bushland.
-Nikolina Photography.
