Wedding Portraits with Children
Some tips
By Natalie Tsang
November 9, 2011
The kids (for the most part) have just sat through the ceremony and now it’s portrait time. It seems almost cruel to let them move for a few minutes just to make them be still again. Although it should not take you longer than five to ten minutes per photo that is the maximum amount of time you’ll be able to get a toddler to sit still.
If your wedding has a lot of small children, you should tell your photographer ahead of time so he can prepare. He might choose to adjust the aperture or shutter speed or use continuous photography. Here are some tips to get through the portrait period quickly and efficiently.
Be Organized
You, your photographer, and any helpers or coordinators should know the schedule of photos. It’s best to get the small groups done first while someone gathers everyone on the bride or groom’s side somewhere off camera. If you are using chairs, take the large group photos one after another so there isn’t a lot of time spent finding and removing seats. This sort of multi-tasking really streamlines the process and decreases the window of opportunity for the children to get into mischief.
Delegate
Whether its an older cousin, a hired babysitter, or your mom, it’s good to have someone who’s in charge of herding the children. This person can recruit older children to mind the younger ones. Not only will the big kids feel grown up, but the little ones will want to follow their example. Children will prefer to listen to their teenage cousins than authority figures like parents.
No Food
This is an incentive for the children and adults to get the photos done quickly and brings a new meaning to the word “cheese.” Sugar also makes children more lively, but the sugar crash leaves them grumpy and tired.
Keep them Happy
A smile and a bit of attention goes a long way. Remember to smile at the children and greet them by name. Express how proud you are that they have been so good so far or how handsome or pretty they are.
Photo time
This trick will help reduce closed eyes. Have everyone close their eyes and open them on the count of three. A variation is to have everyone freeze and open their eyes and smile at the same time. You and your photographer should be prepared to take more photos when children are present, because they tend to move more. Rather than get frustrated, just remember that the adorable photos will be worth it.
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