Legacy Studios - Child Portraits

Tips for photographing children

Sheboygan Press staff

Whether you're having a professional studio portrait taken or getting ready for those annual school photos, keep it simple, says Legacy Studio photographer and owner Trish Brunner.

When it comes to a studio portrait Brunner advises parents to have the child visit the studio prior to the appointment. "This reduces the fear factor. Bring a favorite toy along to make the child fee more at ease. Snacks are good and always work with children. You know ... bribery."

	Keep clothing changes (in the studio) to a maximum of three because children do not like to hang clothes or sit still for long periods.
	Avoid fresh haircuts within a week of the photo shoot.
	Have your children wear solid colors. Stay away from plaids, stripes and bright floral prints. Stay away from pastels as they wash out the skin tones.
	Have your local vision center remove the lenses from your child's glasses to avoid camera glare.
	Select casual clothing that is wrinkle free. There will be no time to fix clothing because you need to be quick. Children like to wander, Brunner said.
	Capturing the perfect picture of your child can be done with a little patience, Brunner said. "Don't try to do it alone. Have another person to help. Trying to handle a camera and your own kids can be difficult."
	Photograph your child when it's a good time for him or her. A convenient time for you may not be a good time for your child.

"Most of all, make sure you keep your cool when taking photographs of your child or children," Brunner said. "Kids can sense when you're stressed and will react."-

-By Mary Ann Holley

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