Lessons

Lesson Info

Posing Families: Single Child Poses

I am going to photograph a very eager model who says she's meant to model. Right? You a little model? See? She's like, "Mmmhmm." Okay, so, let's talk about children's poses with just one kid. Okay. So, the things that I'm thinking of. Alright, the first thing is pose to reflect personality. If they're a ham, let them be a ham. If they're quiet, do soft, quiet poses. Don't force anything. So, if, for example, I have inspiration where I really want, like, a sassy kid's photo and they are a quiet little kid, I'm not gonna do that. So, try to read off of the kid's personality. And, then the second thing is, this, we don't really have anything to work with here, but, I find with kids, if you can give them something to interact with, it made things so much easier. 'Cuz, I would say, go hang onto that fence and lean back at me and I could get them laughing. Or, you know, go sit on that bench. Or, go lean against that tree or something to interact with, because it's just kinda standing in fron...

t of a strobe... If they're a class clown, they're just going to go crazy. If they're shy, they're just going to clam up. So, if there is something to interact with it's more believable. So, believable actions tended to work out better for me. That's why personally, I tried to do family photos on location. Because, I felt that kids were very, very aware of studio strobe, I'm getting my photo taken. So, it is either, flail your arms and be over the top clown or it's, I really don't want a picture taken, I'm scared. It's a confined environment and a flashing strobe. So, if you've never tried photographing families before, I actually think you are better off starting out on location, for sure. And, then, of course, I do recommend having an assistant. And, when I say an assistant, it could be a friend of the family. It could be someone that just wants to learn photography. Something like that. So, that if you, for example, if you have your feet in place, you know that that's at that angle and you're gonna wanna cut and crop the head. If I need to go move this kid, now I've gotta move and I might mess it up. But, it's easier to just say, can you help me out? And, so it gives you an extra hand. Okay, so, number three, is it depends on the age but, I like to say, okay, you know go lean up against that wall and give me sass. 'Cuz, if you just say, like, lean up against the wall, put your elbow back, like that's too much. So, I try to do what I do a lot for poses, is I say, okay, give me this type of pose or this type of feel. And, then they kinda act it out and then I can tweak it from there, versus giving too much direction, it'll just kinda go right over their head. So, same thing, I'll say, okay, lay on the ground and look really cute at me. And, see what they do. And, sometimes, it's perfect. Like, when I told, in the last section, when I had Zoey posing with her dad. So, go stand around that side with dad. She put her arm up and grabbed his hand. Reached her hand over and grabbed his hand. She already did it naturally. So, if I can do that, awesome. Because, they are going to do what's most comfortable. But, what I thought was interesting, and I was actually talking to their dad is that you see the variety of personalities. One's more reserved. One's going to be more class clown. And, one is just, little, you know? (audience laughs) And, so, you know it's the same chameleon thing. You've gotta figure out what to give this kid and that kid and that kid. And, so when I'm on my sets for fashion shoots, I'm a chameleon, but not in the kid's way. It's like, okay, I know what makes this person happy and this person happy and that person happy. And, so I realized a long ago, I'm a little better doing that with, like, adults. But, it's really the same skill set. You're reading people. I think success in photography is sincerely more about your ability to interact with people than it is with your photographic skills. But, still watch this class and learn posing and all of that. But, it's true, being able to read people. So, follow their lead, feel free to involve them in the process. Cuz', then it's not like, oh, it's another adult telling me what to do. It's, like, okay, let's make this fun. I want you to go run over there and run back at me and flail your arms. Okay, then, it looks fun. It's probably a terrible photo. But, then you can say, okay, take a seat. And, then take their picture. At least they felt they got to get involved. I usually find, sitting and laying poses are more natural. Standing poses, either they're uncomfortable or they start running around. And, then I'm chasing, in my frame and this is something else to take a look at. Make sure, when you're photographing kids that you pay attention to what your focus points are and your shooting modes. So, that's not really what this class is about but, you might not, for example, want one shot set on your camera. And, you might not, want spot focus. Because if they move, they miss it and it's out of focus. So, that's more of a technically thing to be aware of. And, number five would be varying angle. One of my favorite shots of kids is when they are sitting on the ground, looking straight up. Because, whatever's closest to the camera is largest. So, some of the things that we love in kids are big innocent eyes. Like, just big glowing, innocent eyes. So, if you go ahead and have a kid sit on the ground and look up at you, then in that case, it really emphasizes those eyes. That's what the attention is drawn to. Otherwise, my opinion is to shoot really, really high or really, really low. If you shoot at a really low angle then you are at their perspective and you can kinda see and feel what it's like to be them and you're connecting, versus this is just kinda an overhead and adorable view. So, we have a willing model. Iris, will you help me get the light out here? You're okay. Go for it. Are you ready for your modeling? Yeah, okay, cool. You wanna come over here? Alright, so, I like to let them lead first just so they feel like they have a say in everything. Okay. This way, this way, keep going. Okay. I can tell you're ready. Alright so what is your, I mean, you are a professional model. I've been told this. So, what is your favorite modeling pose? Do you have a favorite pose? No? Wanna put your hand on your hip for me? Okay. Cross your legs. Yeah. Good, I like it Let's shoot this. Good. Let me see a giggle. Good. (audience laughs) Good. Perfect. And, now, I'm gonna have you take your feet on the floor. Okay. Perfect. So, I'm going to have you do just whatever I do. Okay? So, I'm going to have you do this. Perfect. But, I'm going to have you move way up. Way up, scoot scoot toward me, toward me. Right there. Perfect. And, go this way. Scoot, scoot, scoot, scoot. Like you're going like this. Perfect. (audience laughs) Okay, good. Perfect. Just like that. Okay. Alright. Good. That is perfect. Alright, let me get a cute picture. Alright, let me hear you giggle. Let me see a big giggle. Good. I'll take a look. Aww, you look so cute. Look, you wanna watch. It's going to pop up in a second. Okay, what do you wanna change? You like it? How's that one? That's a good laugh, Right? Uh-huh. Yeah, I like that one. Okay, cool. Alright, look back at me again. Right there. Good. Alright. Okay, I'm going to have you floof your hair around. Okay? And, now look at me and now laugh. Hear a giggle. Okay. Okay. Now, I'm going to have you be super, super cute and like, girlie. So, I'm going to have you lay on your stomach. Okay? And, there you go. See, she already knows. And, instead of fists, go like this. Good. Perfect. Okay. Looks good. And, look ahead at me a little more. Okay. Perfect. Now, it looks pretty cute. Now, let me see you smile. Okay. Now I'm going to have you put this hand over here put it down here, so you are just like this. Perfect. Look right at me. Alright, let me see a real smile. Where's my, where's my monster? I asked for a monster. Do we have a monster? Okay, we are getting a monster then. Alright, good. Will come like, floof my hair or something? I wanna see like... she's gonna come... Okay, you need to protect me from her. Will you tell me if she's going to do something mean? Okay. Okay. No! (photographer and audience laugh together) Good. That's a perfect smile. (Zoey laughs) (photographer makes a squealing noise) (Zoey laughs) Okay, let's see. That's cute. Oh, adorable! That was a nice one. That's a really good one. (audience laughing) Let's see. How about that one? You like that one? Mm hmm. Yeah, you look like a professional? Mm hmm. Good. I like it. Okay, ready? Next one. Okay, I'm going to have you, sorry. (Zoey laughs) I'm going to have you go like this. Put your hand on your knee. Whoa! (audience laughs) Whoa! That was good. That is really good. And, then put that arm, here. Let me see. Alright. So, this is easier than normal. That's pretty good. That's really good. You're awesome. Okay. You gotta protect me from here though, okay? Is she, Ow! (Zoey and audience laughs) Good. And, now, put, yeah, right there. Put it in your hair. And, bring your other hand up. Alight, this is, alright. Okay. I will totally take this. Okay, 'cus this... I will totally take this. You look professional. I can hear that. (Zoey laughs) Ow! Oh my god! I didn't know you actually had scissors. (photographer, Zoey and audience laugh) That's awesome. That is awesome. Good. You look really cute. What do you think? (Zoey and audience laughs) Awesome. Okay, so now, I want you to lay on your back. And, then I'm going to have you rotate this way. Put your head over here. Keep going, keep going, good, good, good. Now, push, come at me. Yeah, there ya go. Yeah, good. Perfect. That was good, excellent. Alright. See, I knew she'd be good at that. Okay, here we go. I'm going to stand above you. I'm going to floof out your hair, okay? Okay, so we are going to give you big floofy hair. Okay, relax your shoulders. You look really stressed. Go like this. Okay, perfect. Ready? Now, I wanna see a giggle. And, will you cross your arms? Good. I am in the way of my light? Let me see. Nope, pretty good. Okay. And, you, that's not a real smile. It's a safe one. There we go, that's good. Good. Okay, now. Ready for your next one? I'm going to stand you up. Let's get model-y. Okay, really model-y. Yeah. And, now lean this way. Good, perfect. Alright, we are going to go really model-y. Okay, cool. Super-duper model-y. Everyone thinks you look great, Zoey. That is perfect. Perfect, perfect, perfect. Here you go. Great. Good. Okay, be serious. Really serious model. Oh, that was really serious. And, now huge laugh. Good. (Zoey laughs) Okay. Perfect. Good. Okay, can I have that little bench. The little stool for me. Yeah, that one. Perfect. Okay. Perfect. Can you put that out in front? And, you are going to sit behind it. Sit on the ground. Okay. Let see what she does naturally. So, you kinda, already know she'll... That's pretty cute. Iris, will you be my hair fixer for her since she has such beautiful hair, I want it to be perfect. Good. Perfect. I like your hair. It's really pretty. Do you know what I did when I was little? I cut all my hair off with scissors. For real. I was in, I was five years old. How old are you? Eight. I was five. I took scissors and I just cut all my hair off. (Zoey and audience laugh) Yeah. Yeah, that was not funny. But, it's totally true. I was so bad. Good. Can you put one hand up? Good. And, sit up a little straighter. And, be serious. And, what we are gonna do is just go, haaw. Good. And, turn your head this way, a little. Alright, go the other way. Go the other way. And, now, real smile. And, let me hear a giggle. Go, hee hee. (Zoey giggles) Good. Good. Perfect. Cute. Very cute. Aww, you look really cute. Okay. Can you do one more? When you were like this. Just like that. Perfect. Just like that. Yeah, cute. And, now be serious. And, now, huge laugh. I wanna hear, like, really loud. (Zoey laughs.) There ya go, good Okay, now, would you pretend you're sleeping? (Audience and Zoey laugh) Uh oh. Can you put your hand here? Oh, wow! Alright. Professional model here. (Zoey laughs) Oh my god! Good. I don't know actually what you do.. Oh that's cute. (audience laughs) Beanie Baby. Yeah. And, put your hand right here again? Good. Back a little further. Right there, perfect. (Zoey laughs) Good. Okay, now, here's what I want you to do. Okay, so first of all, I just wanna say, does anyone have any questions? Okay, so, now you see how my mind works when I photograph one kid. How, and she's good, so I'm not worried about her getting bored. Which is why I was actually just trying to shoot a lot right away, to make sure I got everything, so she didn't get bored. Alright. So what I usually do, is I have my order. Of, I usually try a shot standing. But, they're usually uncomfortable right away. Like they are going to be all clammed up, so, that never works for me. So, I have them sit first. My order goes, sitting down, laying down, leaning against a stool and then standing up. And, then if there's a wall, I lean them on that. But, I usually do whatever is most comfortable first which is sitting and laying. And, then, something with hands. 'Cuz, at first they're stressed out. So, you can see it in their hands. So, I don't pose with hands at first. I'll have the put like, their arm on their knee or lean out, so they're not worried about hands. 'Cuz, you can see it. Yeah, so that's kinda the order that I would do it in. And, now I'm going to try serious shots. You can from a kid, right away, if some of them just, it's hard to get them to smile and others, it's hard to get to be serious. So, I start off with whatever they are comfortable with, first. And, then after they are used to me, I switch it up. So, I'm gonna try now, with her that I photographed all those things, some serious shots. We'll see how that goes, okay? I'm going to have you look like a sleeping angel. Okay, that's a sleeping angel. That's a very sleepy angel. Except for all this hair. Oh, dear. You have a lot of hair. Oh, dear. Tell me if I'm pulling it. Okay, good. And, can you do me a favor? Can you put your cheek out here? She's squishing it and hiding her face. There ya go. Perfect. And, Iris, can you move the light this way? This way, good. Okay, sleeping angel. Okay, will you open your eyes and look at me sleeping angel? There ya go. Perfect. Can you lower the light a little bit? Go ahead and tilt your head that way a little. Sleeping angel again. Sleeping angel. Do your mom and dad say you are an angel or do they say you are the devil? They think you're an angel. Mmm hmm. Okay, I thought so. I was pretty sure. Okay. Okay, eyes at me. Look right at me. And, go back to sleeping. And, now you are going to wake up and laugh at me. Ready, go! (Zoey laughs) Good. Perfect. (Zoey laughs.) What? And, put your hand back down. Good. Alright, I'm gonna have you go like this. Put your hands together like you're clapping. Put it over here. And, now, close your eyes, go to sleep. Okay, but don't fall all the way down. Just go like this. Perfect. Let me just fix little sleeping angel. Oh, dear. Sleepy angel. Okay. Right there, okay? And, now, look at me. Perfect. So, I'm shooting at a higher angle to make her eyes look bigger. And, turn your chin towards me just a little. Chin this way. Chin to your left. Right, there, okay. Good. Okay, so now, like if you compare from the beginning, can you tell how her serious shots were? She was really stressed in her lips. So, I waited and now, she has a very naturally looking serious shots. But, I mean, she's definitely a smiley kid, for sure. So, those would be the shots I'd want. But, sometimes, parents like both. They like to have both shots. Alright, so, besides that, I would just get one or two more standing shots. And, then I would go ahead and add, a sibling. So, do we have a sibling, that is perhaps, interested in posing right now? (photographer and audience laugh) [Man From Audience] While we are looking for that sibling, Cosmo B. Has a question. The poses with the single girl look like adult poses. Are there specific poses you use for kids, but not adults? Yeah. So, if she were even younger, she's got, like, a lot of attitude that she can give me. If she were younger, some of the bigger ones, are definitely, I don't do two hands on the face for adults. I wouldn't probably do, like a completely laying out with hands like this. I don't lay adult's heads on their arms. That doesn't work for me. And, this doesn't work for me. But, it is cute for kids. And, then also, I'm gonna do, I'm going to try one later, where they're telling each other secrets. And, so that would like, kinda leaning over, I wouldn't do that stuff. So, I'm going to try to get those in.