How to Photograph Kids at a Wedding?

It's wonderful to have kids at the wedding. They look just precious in their little suits and princess gowns, and this is a great chance to snap some pictures to hang in the living room.

Taking a good picture of your children is challenging no matter how old they are, though it's probably easier while they're newborns since they can't move about much. Technology advancements in cameras have allowed for better quality at-home photo sessions; now, even an iPhone can produce photographs worthy of framing. Cameras with self-timer features and those that can take pictures underwater have completely changed the way families take pictures. However, it may still feel as though you need to snap a hundred shots before you get one when your youngster is staring at the camera, and this challenge only increases as additional children are included.Looking for the best Wedding Photographer in Melbourne? Check out our ultimate list here. 

Posing and photographing children will go more smoothly after reading this post.

Tips for Wedding Photography With Children

There are few things cuter than a flower girl or ring bearer at a wedding, but depending on their age (and whether or not they've had a nap and a food), it may be difficult to get them to remain still and smile for even a few photos. Consequently, there are a few things you need to keep in mind while taking pictures of children.

Allow Yourself Plenty of Time

Before sending the bride and groom their personalised wedding day timeline, we always make sure to remind them to bring the kids along for the bridal party portraits. We can take advantage of their good mood at any point throughout that period and not interrupt their day. We've learned the hard way that scheduling the flower girl and ring bearer shots for a certain amount of time (say, five minutes) increases the likelihood that one or both of them will have a tantrum during that time. (Let's be honest, however; it's generally the males who want to climb trees!)

To maximise our odds of snagging them in their prime, we need them to be available for a longer period of time.

Don't forget to bring a "kid wrangler."

 

The parents of the ring bearer and flower girl are often (but not always) in the bridal party, which can be distracting and disruptive to the bridal party images if Mom and Dad are wrestling their child when it's their turn to be in a picture. So that everything goes smoothly, parents can focus on posing happily for pictures while the ring bearer and flower girl can just be kids waiting for their turn, we suggest having someone on hand to act as the official "Kid Wrangler" during bridal party photos and family portraits (which we do back-to-back). These responsibilities are right up Grandma and Grandpa's alley!

Come to Their Level

Most of a young child's time is spent peering at the backs of adults' knees and up their nostrils. How at ease would you feel in their company if it were you? Children's trust is (partially) conveyed through eye contact, so when we meet a new family for the first time, we stop what we're doing and get down on their level to introduce ourselves after they've had a chance to look at the faces of the adults they'll be meeting for the first time.

Smile (with Your Eyes, Too)

It's not only visual cues that establish credibility. The way we smile also conveys this message. Indeed, as we taught in our early childhood education courses, children form impressions of us based on how familiar they find our looks. Now, that doesn't imply you have an ugly face if you cradle a baby and it screams. What it does imply is that children will immediately interpret your smile as an indication that you are an adult they can trust.

The eyes, more than any other part of a person's face, are used by our brains to assess whether or not we can trust them, making it all the more important that we smile with our eyes as well as our mouths. The question is, "How do you do that?" Make them Disney princess-sized so we may wear them with pride.

Don't Wait to Mention Their Name

The children you're dealing with may be young and/or too hesitant to provide much information with you, but one thing is true about virtually all children regardless of age: they will never hesitate to provide you with their full name and correct you if you ever mispronounce any of those. Also, watch how you pronounce things. Those mini-verifiers will catch you lying every time.

Also, as grownups, isn't it lovely when others get our name right? It's as if they don't know me at all when they get my name incorrect, even if they're close. According to Dale Carnegie, whose book How to Win Friends and Influence People has sold millions of copies, a person's name is the most pleasing sound in the world. This is true even more so for young people.

Hint Extra

When kids reach the preschool/kindergarten age range, you may sometimes elicit laughter by calling them by the incorrect name on purpose. Your five-year-old participant, whose name is Luke, may find it hilarious if you refer to him as "Frank."

Communicate your joy and excitement like a Disney heroine.

As we drop to our knees, a broad grin spreading across our faces, we take a deep breath of fresh air and scream, "What's up, Madison! How have you been, hun?" or "Hi there, Jackson! Hello there, nice to meet you!" Adults tend to use a "baby voice" while addressing infants. The findings supports our innate knowledge of this, but it also comes as no surprise. In addition to reassuring our subjects of our safety, a bright, upbeat tone of voice will likely elicit a greater number of grins from them.

Please tell me a little bit about yourself and your work.

Adults have enough "schema" or life experiences to utilise context cues to determine a person's identity without being explicitly informed or having it explained to them. For instance, the vast majority of people have attended a wedding, are familiar with the appearance of a high-priced camera, and know that the bride and groom typically pay a photographer to document the entire event. A grownup need not wonder why we're all carrying around giant SLR cameras to the wedding. The dots are instantly connected in their head. To a great number of children, it just isn't the same. Even if their parents have attempted to prepare them in advance, the wedding may still be too much for them to handle because there is so much going on and they may not even know what a wedding is. Therefore, it is up to us to establish rapport with patients in the same way a skilled physician would: with reassuring bedside manner.

To begin, we introduce ourselves by name. Second, we introduce ourselves and explain how we are related to their parents (or the bride and groom). Third, we brief them on the upcoming events. Not only that, but the fourth step is to have them help us out. Along the way, we also include some vibrant colour. We could enquire as to personal details, such as their age. If a girl, we'll remark on her lovely gown. The camera will be made accessible to him (or her) if it is a male. Here's how it goes "Hello, Madison! I'm Amy! For today's wedding, I'll be taking pictures. What this means is that I'll be photographing the three of you for Megan and James. That outfit brings forth your best features. That clothing of yours is gorgeous. Picture time with the stunning bride, Megan! Join me, won't you?!"

Indeed, the same holds true for a portrait shoot. We tell them again, even though their parents have presumably already told them. "Hello, Jackson! Hello, my name is Jordan! I plan on capturing some photos of you and your loved ones today! Can I interest you in looking at my camera? You must have the most amazing grins ever. Check out our extensive list of Wedding Photographers in Melbourne to help capture your special moments.

When given the option, choose a female markswoman. Accomplish Each of the aforementioned

Like dogs, young children are more likely to trust women than males. It's not your fault, fellas. That's the way things have to be, unfortunately. They have more faith in Amy than they do in Jordan. This is why you'll see Amy engaging with the flower girl and ring bearer up close and personal at nearly every wedding (or whenever we photograph children, for that matter). We suggest you do the same if your squad includes a female markswoman. If you're a guy and you're in a situation where you need a female shooter but you're the only one around, act like a Disney princess as best you can.

Obtain the Crucial Frames First

We think it's more vital to capture these five moments with the flower girls and ring bearers than it is to include them in the traditional bridal party photos. Seeing them in a closer, more intimate setting is preferable than seeing them as one of twenty in a wide group photo where they only take up a fifth of the frame. As a result, visibility is severely compromised. It is for this reason that we always start with the children in the bridal party while taking formal photographs.

Reward Their Efforts

In a photoshoot with a child, it is easy to take advantage of the universal truth that people of all ages thrive from praise. Try asking for the world's largest embrace from your mother. Once they've come over to congratulate her and give her a hug, be sure to immediately compliment them. The majority of the time, their attention will be drawn to you because of the compliment. Make use of this principle on set by encouraging the subjects to embrace one another or by praising them for striking a pose.

Play With Their Stuff

Toys may have a dual purpose: entertaining your child while you get the photo you desire. Using a character voice and placing a child's stuffed animal or action figure behind the camera might give the impression that the toy is operating the camera and directing the shot. Making a picture shoot into a game is much more effective than trying to teach a child to hold back their natural impulses.

Props, Please

It's not necessary to rely just on toys to keep children entertained throughout filming. Making sure you have some toys and other accessories on hand gives you more ways to keep the kid occupied. If the props are based on the child's genuine interests, they will be much more at ease. You can't go wrong with themes like animals, balloons, confetti, and vehicles, which kids are already familiar with and generally enjoy.

Do Them a Favor and Hire Them

Giving kids a job is the best way to get them involved in a project and feel like they're contributing to something bigger than themselves. They'll be more willing to pitch in when they realise their contributions are valued. Any youngster will feel more engaged in the shoot as a whole after being given a part, whether it's holding a sign, saying "1, 2, 3, cheese," or taking pictures themselves.

Perfecting the Art of Wedding Photography with Children

It's common knowledge that the kids at your wedding will keep you on your toes with their unpredictable (and cute!) antics during the ceremony and reception. We know you won't mind sharing the spotlight with a little ring bearer or flower girl for a few minutes.

The question is, what creates a fantastic picture of these little visitors. In the first place, it's preferable if they don't seem too staged. You may capture the spirit of the day in the candid photographs of your young attendants, from the flower girl watching the bride get dressed and the ring bearer beginning his trip down the aisle to the young attendants spinning on the dance floor and cuddling with a blanket as the night winds down. Having your ring bearer and flower girl enter the ceremony together? These adorable couples are walking down the aisle in style, creating a picture-perfect moment.

Freeze Time

You should emphasise to the photographer how much you value capturing the moment of your flower girl walking down the aisle, as you will most likely miss it. Even though most of your guests will take photographs of the girls from the front, this will be the most interesting angle.

Get the Real Deal

The huge, fluffy garment will be a hit as a toy for little girls. Photograph the flower girl as she twirls her skirt and shows off her new shoes; additional points for any images in which the flower girl and the bride are in the frame together.

Discover the Pleasures of the Present

If you think you could have a future romantic relationship, don't pass up the chance to take pictures of them. The ring bearer and flower girl stole a kiss in this adorable snapshot, which is guaranteed to be a keepsake for years to come.

Record the Quiet Times

Without a skilled photographer there, you would otherwise miss this incredible opportunity. Your attendants, like this nervous ring bearer, who concealed from visitors on the way to the altar, are likely to do cute, hilarious things as they travel down the aisle.

Highlight your close relationships with others.

Tulle to the extreme (in a cute way)! Best friends forever, these flower girls capture the moment by snapping a snapshot of their celebratory embrace.

Use Adorableness to Your Advantage

Taking pictures of your ring bearer in his or her wedding attire is essential, but doing so when the dress is this adorable is a bonus. Though the little kid in the tartan kilt may not be too delighted about the picture op, the bride and groom will cherish this keepsake forever.

Experience a Triumphant Debut

You should take pictures of the flower girl's entry to the ceremony in any style she chooses. Do not forget to inform your photographer about the presence of any entertaining banners or signs you may have erected.

Enjoy Some Laughs

Most brides would want their flower girl to be well-behaved during the ceremony, but if she ends up in fits of laughter, you'll be glad the photographer caught it.

To Serve Double Duty

Your wedding photographer will want to shoot your ceremony programmes and any other printed materials, such as this adorable "Hooray!" flag, that you've made for your guests to wave. Pose this interesting question to your ring bearer to get some great shots of these symbols of your commitment.

Present the Bands

Before she comes down the aisle, you should have your flower girl hold your wedding band in her little hands for a beautiful photo. This ethereal toddler stores the ring in a ceramic owl.

Integrate Fantasies Into Your Work

When children are included, the wedding reception becomes a lot more entertaining. This small kid ran down the aisle without taking the ring box with him.

Remotely seize

Your flower girl and ring bearer will want some time to themselves just as much as you and your future spouse will. The photographer was able to get a great shot of these two as they sneaked away for some quality child time.

It's best to be ready for the unexpected when it happens.

Some of life's most memorable moments pass in the wink of an eye. On seeing the bride for the first time in her wedding attire, this sweet flower girl hid behind the veil.

Represent Them in a Way That Is Authentic

They're only kids, despite the fact that they're in high-profile positions. The cuteness of this ring bearer with his teddy bear is off the charts.

Use Your Magic in Your Work

These flower girls can't wait to see the bride in her wedding gown, so they're peeking through the window. In this case, a "first look" with your tiny attendants will make for cute pictures if they are getting ready separately from you.

Make some new pals

Your flower girl and ring bearer, be they siblings, young cousins, or complete strangers, will want to become fast friends in preparation for the big day. Your photographer should be present for the duration of the reception as the adorable couple engages in playful banter.

Grab Some Peaceful Reflective Time

It's probable that you and your flower girls will have some private time together in the minutes before the ceremony. The bride swooped in for a last-second kiss of good luck, and the photographer caught the sweet moment.

Contemplate Every Perspective

Two little girls, dressed in pastels, seem picture-perfect as they make their way down the aisle. You'll have frontal shots to show off their dresses, but a shot of them walking to the groom will always be a special memento.

Get Props and Have Fun

Kids at a wedding have a way of getting into everything. As an example: The bride and groom gave out parasols to their guests to keep them cool during the wedding, but this flower girl stole one and brought it to the reception as well.

Watch for Rescuers

This little flower girl is perfect for the role! You'll want to have your camera ready for the moment when your gorgeous attendant rescues you by lifting your veil off the floor.

Feature All Feelings

This tiny ring bearer can't seem to keep a straight face during the ceremony. Perhaps he's nervous about the first kiss, or he keeps catching sight of a beloved relative in the audience.

Exhibit the Comical

It's crucial to record children's natural, spontaneous antics. While they waited for the big day to begin, these two flower girls snuggled up under a blanket.

Be Aware of Everything That's Going On

Among your youthful helpers, there's sure to be at least one who's looking for some kind of spotlight. Take pictures of all of his hilarious acts, including this guy holding his flag in front of his friend's face.

Seize the Sweet Times

The time spent chatting with your attendant will always be remembered fondly. At the beginning of cocktail hour, these two bridesmaids embrace each other.

Spend Time Remembering

You'll want to remember your ring bearer getting ready to go down the aisle, whether he's your own son, nephew, or a friend's child.

Incorporate the Animals

To add a special touch to your wedding, consider inviting your dogs to attend. You'll need someone to lead your dog, and a cute little flower girl is just the thing!

Do It While You Still Can!

Not every young person will want to stay at your reception till dawn. In order to have some fun on her own, this flower girl sneaked away.

Conclusion

The finest outcomes may be achieved by discussing this with your wedding photographer before to the big day. Bring your kid to the engagement session and the big day itself for some extra love and playtime in the formal shots. You should unwind and take advantage of the cocktail hour since it provides wonderful lighting for candid shots.Here at Boutique Events Group, we have compiled an exclusive list of Melbourne Wedding Photographers to help capture your special day.

Content Summary 

• It's wonderful to have kids at the wedding.
• Looking for the best Wedding Photographer in Melbourne?
• Consequently, there are a few things you need to keep in mind while taking pictures of children.
• Allow Yourself Plenty of TimeBefore sending the bride and groom their personalised wedding day timeline, we always make sure to remind them to bring the kids along for the bridal party portraits.
• Don't forget to bring a "kid wrangler."
• The parents of the ring bearer and flower girl are often (but not always) in the bridal party, which can be distracting and disruptive to the bridal party images if Mom and Dad are wrestling their child when it's their turn to be in a picture.
• So that everything goes smoothly, parents can focus on posing happily for pictures while the ring bearer and flower girl can just be kids waiting for their turn, we suggest having someone on hand to act as the official "Kid Wrangler" during bridal party photos and family portraits (which we do back-to-back).
• Children's trust is (partially) conveyed through eye contact, so when we meet a new family for the first time, we stop what we're doing and get down on their level to introduce ourselves after they've had a chance to look at the faces of the adults they'll be meeting for the first time.
• Smile (with Your Eyes, Too)It's not only visual cues that establish credibility.
• What it does imply is that children will immediately interpret your smile as an indication that you are an adult they can trust.
• The children you're dealing with may be young and/or too hesitant to provide much information with you, but one thing is true about virtually all children regardless of age: they will never hesitate to provide you with their full name and correct you if you ever mispronounce any of those.
• Also, watch how you pronounce things.
• This is true even more so for young people.
• Hint ExtraWhen kids reach the preschool/kindergarten age range, you may sometimes elicit laughter by calling them by the incorrect name on purpose.
• Adults tend to use a "baby voice" while addressing infants.
• In addition to reassuring our subjects of our safety, a bright, upbeat tone of voice will likely elicit a greater number of grins from them.
• Even if their parents have attempted to prepare them in advance, the wedding may still be too much for them to handle because there is so much going on and they may not even know what a wedding is.
• Therefore, it is up to us to establish rapport with patients in the same way a skilled physician would: with reassuring bedside manner.
• Second, we introduce ourselves and explain how we are related to their parents (or the bride and groom).
• Like dogs, young children are more likely to trust women than males.
• Making sure you have some toys and other accessories on hand gives you more ways to keep the kid occupied.
• If the props are based on the child's genuine interests, they will be much more at ease.
• Do Them a Favor and Hire ThemGiving kids a job is the best way to get them involved in a project and feel like they're contributing to something bigger than themselves.
• Perfecting the Art of Wedding Photography with ChildrenIt's common knowledge that the kids at your wedding will keep you on your toes with their unpredictable (and cute!)
• antics during the ceremony and reception.
• Experience a Triumphant DebutYou should take pictures of the flower girl's entry to the ceremony in any style she chooses.
• When children are included, the wedding reception becomes a lot more entertaining.
• Remotely seizeYour flower girl and ring bearer will want some time to themselves just as much as you and your future spouse will.
• It's best to be ready for the unexpected when it happens.
• Make some new palsYour flower girl and ring bearer, be they siblings, young cousins, or complete strangers, will want to become fast friends in preparation for the big day.
• Grab Some Peaceful Reflective TimeIt's probable that you and your flower girls will have some private time together in the minutes before the ceremony.
• Get Props and Have FunKids at a wedding have a way of getting into everything.
• Take pictures of all of his hilarious acts, including this guy holding his flag in front of his friend's face.
• Spend Time RememberingYou'll want to remember your ring bearer getting ready to go down the aisle, whether he's your own son, nephew, or a friend's child.
• Incorporate the AnimalsTo add a special touch to your wedding, consider inviting your dogs to attend.
• ConclusionThe finest outcomes may be achieved by discussing this with your wedding photographer before to the big day.
• Bring your kid to the engagement session and the big day itself for some extra love and playtime in the formal shots.
• Here at Boutique Events Group, we have compiled an exclusive list of Melbourne Wedding Photographers to help capture your special day.