KIDS’ PHOTO POSING GUIDE

While you may have a pretty good handle by now on how to use your camera to take better photos of your kids, the next step is trying to consciously pose your kids for photos so that each photo shows their best angle. Yes, it can be a challenge, but here are some introductory kids’ photo poses to try:

Always Photograph Kids at Eye Level

Well, maybe not always. However, taking kids’ photos at eye level helps to forge a stronger connection between your subject and the viewer. Start at eye level and then, if you have time, throw in a few up/down down/up photos.

Lead by Example

Rather than trying to “talk” your child through the pose, show them. You can also make it fun by playing a version of Simon Says, such as “Simon Says put your hands on your hips,” etc. If you can pick up a cheap camera cable to trigger your camera this may give you more leeway to pose your child while taking a photo the second they are ready, rather than walking back to the camera.

Keep Them Busy

Playing with cars, teddy bears, or in the sandbox will give you natural poses and smiles, rather than trying to coax a pose. Other great playing props include wagons, musical instruments, or food. You can also have them play pretend (ballerina, bad guy, favorite character, etc.) for some fun poses and faces. The easiest pose? Have your kids walk/run away from you (down a path would be even better), then turn around and come back towards the camera.

Consider Masculine vs. Feminine Poses

Some poses come off more one way than the other, so just be aware when you are posing. Hands on hips can be feminine while having their hands in their pockets (with thumbs out) tends to be more boyish. Propping the chin on their palm can work for both, but on the back of the hand works better for girls. Also, open hands for girls (or boys) but fists for boys only. Of course, this isn’t a definitive rule so feel free to experiment. It might seem silly, but it can have an effect on how your final kid’s photos turn out.

Watch the Hands (And Feet)

If you’re only paying attention to the “big picture” you may get home after photographing your kids to find out that something just doesn’t look right. Cropping is one factor (see our cropping guide for more details) that needs to be considered, as well as whether you can see all or only part of the hands (all is better).

Look for Inspiration

It can really help to look at what others have done to get an idea of what works for posing, so here’s a Pinterest board to get you started. There’s nothing wrong with emulating a particular look, pose, or style – that’s what it’s there for. Over time, you’ll develop a photographic style of your own.

Remember to have fun with it!

Don’t forget to pin this post so you can refer to it later!