Capturing the perfect family photo, especially when young children are involved, can be both a rewarding and challenging experience. Children have their own personalities, energy, and ever-changing moods, which can make posing them a bit more difficult than posing adults or older kids. But don’t worry—this blog post is here to guide you through the art of posing young children, with a behind-the-scenes look at some of our tried and tested techniques.

In this post, we’ll share our favorite tips for posing both boys and girls, ensuring your next family or children’s session is a success. Whether you’re a professional photographer or someone taking pictures for your family album, we believe these tips can make a big difference. Let’s dive into how we approach posing young kids and turn challenging moments into opportunities for memorable, natural photos.

1. Start with a Relaxed Environment

Before even thinking about posing, it’s essential to set the stage for a calm and relaxed environment. Kids pick up on stress and tension, so creating an atmosphere where they feel safe and comfortable is key. Make sure you engage with the child before taking the photo, speak to them at their level, and make them feel like they’re part of the process.

Sometimes, having a fun prop or toy on hand can work wonders to help break the ice and get the child’s attention in a positive way. In fact, some of the best photos happen when the child forgets they’re being photographed altogether.

Come join us behind the scenes at a real family session: https://e-squared.mykajabi.com/free-behind-the-scenes-footage

2. Capture Candid Moments

One of the best ways to get a natural look for children is by focusing on candid shots rather than perfectly posed ones. Children are full of energy, and trying to direct them into stiff, unnatural positions may lead to forced smiles or awkward poses.

Instead, try capturing moments where the child is playing, laughing, or interacting with their family. These candid moments often create the most heartfelt and authentic photos. A fun game or a gentle prompt, such as asking the child to run or jump, can result in fantastic, genuine expressions.

3. Use Simple Poses That Reflect Their Personality

Every child is different, and understanding their personality can help you choose the right poses. For some children, standing still and smiling for the camera might be easy, while for others, action poses or candid shots will better capture their true essence.

For Boys:
Boys often feel more comfortable in natural, energetic poses. Having them crouch, stand with their hands in their pockets, or lean against a wall can add a relaxed vibe to the photo. Alternatively, action shots, such as jumping or running, can reveal their playful side and add excitement to the picture.

For Girls:
Girls tend to enjoy gentle, flowy poses. A classic pose for girls is having them sit on the ground with their legs crossed or standing with their hands placed naturally by their sides. Twirling, holding hands, or even playing with their hair are also fun ways to capture a more whimsical or joyful moment.

For both genders, focusing on the eyes and facial expressions is important—if the child’s expression isn’t genuine, it can make the photo feel forced. So, while posing, always be ready to catch those fleeting moments when their expressions are most natural.

4. Keep It Simple

When it comes to posing children, less is often more. Complicated, intricate poses can confuse or overwhelm young kids, so try to keep the poses simple and easy for them to understand.

For instance, a simple action like holding hands with a parent or sibling, a gentle lean against a chair, or sitting in a natural pose can be far more effective than complicated setups. This also reduces the likelihood of the child feeling uncomfortable or getting frustrated with the process.

5. Encourage Movement

Children are rarely still, so don’t be afraid to let them move around during the photo session. A little movement can create dynamic photos full of life and energy. Let them run, jump, or spin in circles. Encourage natural interaction between the child and their surroundings, whether they’re running in a park or interacting with family members.

Action shots are especially fun when kids are involved because they capture the raw energy and joy of childhood. But remember, don’t overdirect—allow the movement to flow naturally. It’s important to capture the child’s essence without forcing the moment.

6. Use the Environment to Your Advantage

Don’t be afraid to incorporate elements of the environment into your children’s photos. Whether you’re at the beach, in a park, or even in your living room, the environment can be a great way to give the photos context and depth.

For instance, if you’re shooting outside, you can have the child run through tall grass, stand near trees, or play with rocks or leaves. These simple elements add texture and movement to the photo, making it feel more immersive and personal.

7. Be Patient and Flexible

Posing children requires a lot of patience. Kids can get easily distracted, tired, or cranky, and trying to force a perfect pose can lead to frustration on both ends. It’s crucial to be flexible and adapt to the child’s mood or energy level during the shoot.

If a child isn’t in the mood to cooperate, it’s okay to take a break or switch to a different type of shot. Sometimes, even letting the child take the lead for a moment or asking them to come up with their own pose can result in surprisingly adorable pictures.

8. Let the Parents Help

When photographing young children, involving the parents in the process can often make the session go smoother. Parents can help by talking to their child, guiding them into the right positions, or simply standing behind the camera to get the child’s attention.

Parents can also provide reassurance if the child feels uneasy or shy. Sometimes, holding the child or letting them sit on their lap can create a warm, intimate photo that’s both beautiful and comforting for the child.

9. Focus on the Details

Sometimes, focusing on the little details is just as important as getting the perfect pose. Children often have unique, endearing features that can make for great shots. Close-ups of their hands holding something special, their shoes, or their hair being tousled by the wind can add depth and intimacy to the session.

These detail shots can add variety to the collection of images you’re creating, showing different sides of the child’s personality and the moment itself.

10. Keep the Sessions Short and Fun

Children have limited attention spans, so it’s important to keep the session brief and fun. If the shoot is too long or becomes too serious, the child may lose interest or become agitated. Plan for short intervals of time and take breaks when needed.

Be sure to make the experience enjoyable for the child, not just a task. Singing songs, telling jokes, or even giving them a chance to run around and play will keep them engaged and help produce the best shots.

---

Please don’t ever hesitate to reach out to us with questions or a video idea! We respond best on Instagram – @‌esquared.photography 

Head to our website: www.esquaredphotography.com

We truly wish you the very best in your photography journey! You will rock it. Learning what gear is important to have will bring you one step closer to where you want to be! We promise. Best of luck!

Emily & Erin (E-Squared)