Children's Informal Portraits

One of the most fun things I've done recently was an informal portrait session with one of my friend's children. Have you ever tried to drag a young child into a portrait studio and convince them to sit for awhile? The thought of this sends a chill up my spine akin to hearing Styrofoam rubbing together or thinking about eating Gefilte Fish.

Photographing children is full-on sports photography. With football or basketball you have a general semblance of parameters and how the game's going to go. With kids you might as throw any notions out and be open to possibilities of the present moment and adapt! They're here, they're there, they're ecstatic... NO! Now it's the end of the world and life as we know it!

Great informal portraits are playtime in a nice setting and should be all fun and games for the parent, child and photographer. Much of the success comes down to quick responses to ever changing situations and moods and planning in advance to capture the child when they're in their best state of mind. You definitely don't want hungry, tired or sick! So for most kids up to kindergarten age this will be early morning or after lunch and a nap in the afternoon. Call me if you want to set up a session! Spring is a beautiful time for outdoor portraiture here in Chucktown.