I worked as a preschool teacher when my husband and I first got married, about 18 years ago. Then I had my own daycare for a time. Now, I am the proud mom to 4 crazy kids, ages 13, 11, 10 and 7. While I've been a mom, I've spent 5 years total being PTA President and countless hours volunteering at my children's school. I've learned a few things over the years about how to talk to kids and get them on your side, especially if you're just meeting them for the first time! There are times that I feel all of this has led me to where I am now, getting down in the trenches, talking to a child and getting them to open up. Here are a few things I've learned along the way:
1. When I meet up with clients, I give them a packet of information they will want to go over when they get home. On the outside of that packet is a cute little bag of jelly bellies with a tag that says "It was a treat to spend time with you". Right away, I've scored points because the kids get a treat after spending an hour taking photos! Yes, I do tell them they have to wait until we're done!
2. I immediately talk to the kids. I have already talked to the parents and emailed them, now it's time to talk to the kids and see their personalities. I can usually tell within 5 minutes what kind of a session we will have. I tell them my name and then it's all about them. What grade they're in, how old they are, what the best thing was they did that day, if they like animals...this lets them know you are interested in them and gives you a good shot at getting a hug by the time you're done!
3. I tell kids not to say cheese. I explain why because kids love explanations. I tell them it's because they don't normally walk around saying cheese to their friends, so why do it for pictures. If the children are younger, I encourage them to look at my camera and smile on the count of three. Sometimes they like to count with me. Another trick is to have them close their eyes and when you say 3, open their eyes and look right at you. Sometimes the most precious photos come when a child is simply being themselves and not smiling. After all, children don't always smile. I personally think you capture more of the child when they are looking at you and not naming different foods.
4. Be prepared to have something with you to get their attention. Again, this is more for younger children, about 5 and under, but tricks are always good to have. I have butterflies that live in my camera. It's true, I do. My daughter puts them in there for me so I can share them with kids when I go on a photo shoot. I have a hard time seeing them though. I can never see what color they are. When I am photographing younger children, I tell them about my butterflies and that I really want to know what color they are. But, they can only see the butterflies if they are looking right at my camera. They look and every time I am told what color they are. Sometimes they even change colors. They've gone from blue to purple to orange within one photo shoot! I have photographed 2 sisters three times within 2 months. Each time I used this trick on them and they have come to ask for the butterflies. By the way, this trick also helps them to get to know you more...you've let them know you're a mom and that you're super cool because you brought along butterflies (or frogs if you have all boys!).
5. Give children space to move. Children have short attention spans, heck, so do some adults! If you are on location at a spot that the children are curious about, let them explore. Parents often want them to come back, stay and be still. That's just not going to happen. And the more you try to make them, the worse it's going to get. Once a meltdown starts to happen, you're done. There is no use fighting a child who is clearly unhappy. The best thing to do is switch up what you're doing. Use the time to take photos of mom and dad, other siblings or candid shots. Don't force a child to do anything they don't want to do. Sometimes, the photo of them relaxed and being themselves ends up being the one the parent falls in love with!
