Making Children Enjoy their Photo Shoot

One of the biggest challenges as a Photographer of Children, is getting them to relax while they are being photographed. Each little person has a different personality and to some children it comes more naturally than others who may be more shy. 

I love to see natural smiles and laughter from children in photographs. So what are some of the tactics I use to get children to relax and have fun?

• Bubbles...I have never met a child who doesn't love bubbles! 
• Singing....I'm no Mariah Carey, which is probably why the children laugh at me. 
• Simon says. 
• I make animal noises.  

Most importantly, I take plenty of time to take the photos...during a one to two hour session, the kids seem to warm up and relax and start to have fun with it.