There are many things to consider when photographing children – the most important being the lighting and getting those catchlights in the eyes (in fact this applies to all portraiture) The eyes are the life and soul of a person and if you don’t get the catchlights in the eyes, the image will be dead.

Other things to consider when photographing children:

- props can help to get the children interacting and having fun

- make sure children are dressed in comfortable clothing

- be quick – children get bored very quickly so have the lights set up beforehand and get the shoot over with as soon as possible

- play with the lights when small children first enter the studio so that they get used the flashes going on and off before you start photographing

- try to make everything a game – play peek-a-boo behind the camera or play some fun kiddies music to set the mood

- Soft light works well on babies

- High key lighting is also really noce for children, especially in bright coloured clothing

- try to limit the amount of people you are photographing together as big groups make it more difficult and again children will get easily bored

- don’t force them to smile at the camera all the time – aim to get some natural, candid photographs of the children showing off thier unique personalities

- try photographing form low angles – get down to their level

- talk to them and make it fun!