Child photography in Appley Park

I loved working with this family during the early spring. Appley Park was still a sleepy park, waiting for spring to wake up the bright daffodils. The family arrived eager to record their visit to Ryde beach after a visit to the Appley Tower and playground.

Here’s what I say to capture character in your children’s portraits …

Make the most of your family portrait session

without the worry of cranky kids and uncooperative siblings 

Once upon a time …

I always start with a storybook when I meet young children for the first time. It helps break the ice and turns into a game once we start the photoshoot. Retelling a traditional fairy tale helps children connect with the moment and they enjoy sharing the story. Here I asked how Cinderella felt when she couldn’t go to the ball … and then what she did when her carriage arrived with 6 white mice.

What’s behind me?

I am ever watchful for quiet moments that occur when people start interacting with their environment. In this photo, two men were about to walk past with their dog. Rather than letting the moment spoil our session by becoming a distraction, I capitalized on the moment. Asking the toddler to watch the dog allows them to remain in the moment and provides a spontaneous moment rather than leaving me to pose them before the camera.

Let children play

Children are a lot of fun to photograph because they have loads of energy and a natural curiosity about the world. In a short amount of time, they move through a myriad of expressions, emotions, and energy. I often allow children some downtime and let them simply play. Any young child will set out to play in the sand given the chance, I simply had to set the challenge and stand back to capture her attention, knowing Dollie would give us the expression her mother would find endearing.

Play with their toys

Children often freeze in front of the camera and easily become bored with formal sessions. Anticipate short attention spans by incorporating their favourite toy or game. In this photo I asked “What is your doll’s name?” and “Can you show me your dolly”, dad was also joining in the conversation which resulted in a beautiful gaze – much more fun than posing awkwardly and saying ‘Cheese’.

Children grow up so quickly and I knew it was important to record those unexpected, fleeting moments and capture priceless memories for the future. Working with children of different ages always offers new challenges and I sought to capitalize on the natural dynamics between dad and Dollie. If you think these approaches would work for your family, tell me about it.

I’m a warm and laidback family photographer in Ryde and the Isle of Wight. With boundless energy, I capture your family’s love and laughter to produce storytelling images for boisterous families, loving couples, and informal get-togethers.

• Learn about my supportive approach to headshots
• See more of my work as a portrait photographer in Isle of Wight
• Check what I enjoy producing in my home studio, Ryde
• View a typical beach session by Ryde pier
• Read about headshot photography pricing and check availability

Booking for expressive headshots, Ryde

Amanda Herbert | Isle of Wight
[email protected]erbert.com