How to Get Through a Long Photo Shoot With a Child

Whether it's a family photo, a photo shoot for your child's modeling career or a special occasion such as a wedding, long hours spent preparing to be photographed and actually being photographed can wear on even the most patient of children. When your child is bored, frustrated or tired, the photos won't turn out as nicely as if he was in a good mood. Fortunately, you can encourage a good mood and a successful photo shoot with a bit of preparation and ingenuity.

Things You'll Need

  • Snacks
  • Drinks
  • Coloring or puzzle books
  • Crayons
  • Pencils
  • Reading books
  • Small toys
  • Bubbles
  • Inexpensive digital camera

Instructions

    • 1

      Provide sustenance. Hungry and thirsty children are crabby children, so taking plenty of snacks and drinks is a wise idea to keep your child happy. Take water or clear juice and snacks that won't make a huge mess. This way you won't have to worry that your child will soil her clothes with food and drinks.

    • 2

      Pack coloring or puzzle books, crayons and pencils to keep your child occupied between shoots. Because bored children tend to get into mischief, this is a good way to capture your child's attention.

    • 3

      Place a few small toys in a bag to take to the photo shoot. Take your child's favorite stuffed animal, a jigsaw puzzle or other toys your child enjoys. These will also help prevent boredom and keep your child entertained between photographs. Keep these out of sight when your child is being photographed, however, as toys can distract your child from cooperating with the photographer, according to Bill Hurter, author of "Children's Portrait Photography Handbook."

    • 4

      Read to your child. Take your child's favorite picture books or choose a new chapter book to start with your child. Older children might enjoy reading to themselves between takes.

    • 5

      Blow bubbles. If the photo shoot is outside and it isn't your child's turn to be in the photograph, blow some bubbles for her to chase. She'll be entertained and the photographer might just capture a few images of her glee.

    • 6

      Give your child an inexpensive digital camera. Encourage your child to conduct her own photo shoot during the downtime when she's not being photographed. Let her take pictures of other people or interesting objects around the room.

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