Tip 1: Use a Flash

Now you don’t have to use the flash for the final shot, but kids are fascinated by bright lights.  In the example below I told the young girl that only if she concentrated really hard looking directly down the lens, would the the flash  go off.  Take a few with no flash & tell them to concentrate harder.   Let them have a flash shot every now again & they are hooked

Tip 2: Dealing with shy children

If you have limited time & a shy child, you are in for a hard time.  But remember, all children are inquisitive, so play on that fact.  This young girl refused to look at the camera, so as a last resort I said “Oh no, I have a mouse on the camera” .  Immediately the inquisitive young girl turned around to look, directly at the camera.  I had to grab the shot there & then.  Use your imagination , as to what could grab their attention, if only for a split second …. that is all you need.

Tip 3 : Do nothing & be patient

Sometimes it’s best to be patient &  just to wait for the eye contact :-

Click on any shot to see the full res version

Anyway, have a go & let me know how you get on

(Read more Portrait Tutorials here )