5th Floor Photography

Kids are often the cutest photo subjects, especially when they’re all dolled up as flower girls and ring bearers.  Even though they’re darling to look at in the photos, they can be tricky to capture on film.  Here are some of Chase’s tips on how to get great photographs of just about anyone under ten. 

Shoot from the Child’s Level- Get down and eye to eye with the child. Make the playing field even. You would be surprised how much the world changes when you are 3 feet tall again. Doesn’t everyone get a little nervous when someone is standing over you?

Get Close- you don’t always need the entire body of the child to tell you everything. Sometimes its the eyes or the smile that are uniquley theirs that make them special.

Be Quick – The average attention span of most children is just a little bit shorter than the average blog reader….and you’re gone.

Be Patient- Oh, you’re back….Being patient will make everyone else comfortable, from mom and dad to the child. 

Location- take them somewhere that’s not a studio.  Bring them to their favorite park, the beach, a bench, anyplace your child is familiar with or feels comfortable exploring and being himself.  Believe it or not, setting your child infront of a camera and saying smile doesn’t work.

Forget the smile  – sometimes it’s the way they stand or loose themselves in the moment that makes them unique.  Kids don’t smile all the time in real life.  Don’t force them to do it now.

Can you think of anything we missed?  Have any fun child photography moments you remember?

Tossing the bouquet?  Here’s a trick we love.  Let your DJ or Bandleader count to three, but only pretend to throw it.  Hold onto your flowers for a second longer and your photographer is able to get a great shot of all your single ladies’ reactions.

1. Ignore the Photographer – If you act naturally and have fun, it will show.
2. Tell your photographer if you’re planning to do anything quirky – Riding the “L” or going to McDonalds between the ceremony and reception makes great photo moments.
3. Consider a “fake out” bouquet toss – Let the DJ or band leader count to three, but only pretend to throw it. You’ll get great reaction shots of all your girls and you can toss it for real a second later.
4. Be in the moment – Laughing, crying, and hugging are all natural wedding moments that will create photos you’ll love.
5. Don’t be afraid to be silly – Go ahead, lick the cake knife or slide down the staircase banister. You only get a chance to do these things in a wedding dress once, so live it up!

1. Relax your facial muscles and let your natural smile come through.
2. Stand up straight. Roll your shoulders back and show off that beautiful posture.
3. Give your photographer your full attention. Nothing ruins a group shot faster than wandering eyes.
4. Have someone, a Maid of Honor or close friend, there to arrange your dress, train, and veil.
5. Hold your bouquet around your belly button with nice, relaxed arms.