Why I Photograph Children Differently Than Adults

Adults come to a portrait session with expectations. Children have none of that baggage — and that's an enormous gift.

Forget the pose

You will never get a genuine expression from a child by telling them to stand still and smile. The secret is to stop asking for the photo and start creating the moment.

Play is the session

For younger kids, the whole session is built around play. We run, we spin, we chase bubbles, we look for bugs. I stay low, stay quiet, and follow. The portraits happen inside the play.

Let them warm up

Most kids need 10-15 minutes before they forget I'm there. I don't rush it. By the time we're actually shooting, I'm just part of the background.

What parents can do to help

Don't hype up the session beforehand — it builds pressure kids can feel. Make sure they're fed and rested. Bring a favorite toy as a backup. And resist the urge to direct them during the shoot. The best thing you can do is relax, because kids mirror their parents' energy almost perfectly.