There are tons of examples out there of great creative photo sessions for girls. But what if you only have boys? Is it possible for boys to enjoy a photography session and for you to get great, creative images from it? You bet!
Here's how:
1. Find a photographer who specializes in working with kids.
Why? Photographers who specialize in working with kids will know how to connect with children. Young children may become shy and unsure as a stranger sticks a large black camera in their face. A photographer who specializes in working with kids will know when to take a break, when to encourage the child and how to connect with the child despite these obstacles. This will allow the photographer to capture all the things you know and love about your child.
How do I find a child photographer? Ask for recommendations from friends or in local groups, search for their websites using keywords such as ‘Phoenix, Arizona, child, photographer’, you can also utilize the search feature on Facebook or follow area specific hashtags on instagram.
How do I know I’ve found the right photographer? Peruse the photographer’s work on their social media, website and blog. Take a look at how often children are photographed independent from family pictures. Photographers who specialize in children will have a lot of work showcasing children on their own or in groups, independent from adults. Ask yourself, do I like how they captured the child? Do I like the reviews from other parents? If the answer is yes. You’re ready to proceed to step 2.
2. Brainstorm ideas with your chosen photographer: Once you’ve found a photographer, it’s time to figure out the theme for your session
Make a list of things your son enjoys. This can be anything from tv shows and characters to things your family enjoys doing together or aspects of his personality or features that you love and really want to capture.
“Meet” with your photographer. This can be done in several ways by phone, facetime, email or through a face to face meeting. Let your photographer know what works best for you.
Narrow it down to 1-2 ideas. Keeping who your son is in mind, pick your favorite theme(s) and work with your photographer to bring your absolute favorite idea to life.
3. Prepare to Play: The best images of any child are produced when they feel comfortable and happy.
Don’t stress about posing your child. Posed photos, while adorable, will never capture your child in the same authentic way that playful, unscripted images will. During the shoot, your photographer will connect with your child through guided play while you sit back and enjoy the experience they’re having.
Here’s what this experience may look like. When we arrived on location I instructed Paxton to stand and pose for a minute while I adjusted my lighting (left image). This allows him a minute to warm up to the process while allowing me to get ready for all of the action I’m about to capture. Clearly, this is not enjoyable for him. We quickly progressed to playing in the water so he could full become his character (middle image) and I was able to capture the enthusiasm with which he approaches his entire life. In between guided play I grabbed a few more posed images (because I know mom loves to see that cute face) and he was happy to oblige knowing we would return to playing soon.
4. Stay flexible during the planning process and the shoot
Sometimes the best laid plans don’t work out That’s what happened during this boy’s creative session. Our original costume idea, the traditional orange and green Aquaman costume, just wasn’t working. We searched high and low and could not find a costume to appropriately fit a child his size.
Revisit your original ideas we went back to our original list of ideas, refocused on the idea we wanted to capture: her son as Aquaman while he still had the perfect hair to complete the look. We revised our idea of using the official costume and decided to utilize the black pants and tattoos you see on Aquaman in the movies prior to his discovery of his origins. Mom and I agreed, this look fit her son better. He, of course, loved the full chest of tattoos. See more of this session here
And that's how you get awesome creative professional pictures of your boys. If you are in the East Valley (Chandler, Gilbert, Temp or Mesa) of Arizona and looking for a creative child photographer, I'd be happy to chat and help you design the perfect session for your son. Contact me Here