HOW TO...Get Your Kids to Sit Still For Photos

Don't.  That's right, I said don't.  You can't make a kid sit still if they don't want to and I'm not going to fight with a toddler.  I'll lose.  

My method for children's portraiture is simple.  Find a fun setting with room to run around and play, slip on some comfy shoes and give chase.  Occasionally I might say things like "Hey can I take your picture?" or "Can you give Mommy and Daddy a hug?" and I get brief interludes where I can take a somewhat posed portrait.  I also encourage parents to bring toys, blankets or treats for a job well done.  

At some point your child is going to be finished and that's when the session is over.  This could be 20 minutes in or after an hour and a half.  I let them determine the length of the shoot.  The last thing you want to do is push a cranky child or try to force them to keep going.   It only results in tears and screaming, yours and theirs.

The best photos happen when kids are just being themselves.  After awhile they forget I'm there and that's when I capture the best moments.