You know when you read a course description, sign up for the class and head into class for the first day only to find your expectation is TOTALLY different from what the class will actually be? Well, that happened to me with one of my photography courses, Visual Poetry. But, it turned out to be a wonderful class nonetheless.

Each weeks assignments included reading poetry or literature and submitting photographs inspired by our reading. As lovely as the class sounded, and as much poetry as I loved reading and writing many, many moons ago, at that particular stage in life, most of my reading revolved around my daughters books – Disney princesses, Fancy Nancy, Pinkalicious and Dr. Seuss.

I was feeling a little defeated that outside of reading the class text and poems, I wasn’t able to indulge in more poetry. But the instructor was open to interpretation and was completely supportive in my picks of children’s lit. And since my girls love playing dress up, they were more than willing to indulge me and my shutterbug ways!

The “Snow White and the poison apple” shot above is by far one of my favorites! I was really trying to get a contemplative look from my Snow White, wanting the apple, but concerned to take a gift from a stranger. Just days before, my baby had turned three, but my girl delivered on the shot! She actually was mad at me when I got this shot as I had told her to stop eating the prop! My little snacker had started eating the apple before I was ready for her to take a bite! So, here are my tips to you when working with (your) kids for fun character shots…

1. Get your camera ready, set, before go!
Before getting your little one(s) into costume and handing them props, be sure to have your camera ready. Think about your vision, and figure out what settings you need. Do you want a shallow depth of field? Do you want a full body shot? Will there be harsh light? or dark shadows? What’s in your background? Does anything need to be moved? Thinking through these areas helps you to get the shot and helps you and your little one(s) not get frustrated before the shoot is over!

2. Get your props ready!
I kinda goofed when I went to the grocery store to get the red apple for this shot. Yes, I said apple. As in singular. What was I thinking? Definitely get more than one prop, especially in a situations that involves consumption! This way, if your kiddo starts munching on the prop, you have more to work with : )

3. What’s your favorite part of the book? 
Engage your little ones in the photo session. While shooting the series of princess shots, I asked my girls what they’re favorite parts of each story were. Some we included and got shots of (Snow White with the animals surrounding her), some we just talked about (Ariel’s secret grotto). Talking about the stories with the girls gave them buy-in and they were able to contribute to the project, which they loved!

I hope these tips help you on your next dress-up or character role-playing with your little ones!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a joyful, creative, blessing filled day!
Live creatively!
xoxo,
/c

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