Children's Portrait Photography Handbook

pears normal and natural. Little children react most pos-
itively to the concept of “activity-centered” portraits. In
a typical shooting session, the assistant gets down on the
ground with the child, just out of view of the camera. A
full complement of props is on hand, including a bubble
bottle and wand, a long wispy feather, a squeaker, and a
storybook or two. When the photographer decides the
lighting and other technical details are right, the assistant
will begin to coax and entertain the child. A long feather

is a big hit and a great icebreaker. The feather provides

both visual and tactile stimulation. Most children are fas-

cinated and their expressions might range from curiosity

to glee.

Props and Games.

Most children’s photographers have a collection of props

and toys for kids to play with. Mothers will probably

bring a few of the child’s favorite things too—a stuffed

62 CHILDREN’S PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY HANDBOOK

Obviously, these two sisters are too small to use the chair as adults would for posing, so the photographer posed them shoulder to
shoulder and turned them away from each other, using the chair as a background. The result is effective and charming. Photograph by
Deborah Ferro.