Leaning Tower of Kids-a

I've just been waiting for a photography Pinstrosity to be emailed in! I knew they had to be out there somewhere. Being interested in photography myself (I know...who isn't these days...but I'm okay with it) I've poked around some photography boards on Pinterest and this photo is pinned all over the place:

The Original Pin

http://freshfromgod.blogspot.com/2011/02/gift-of-sisterbig-bear-lake-arrowhead.html

Cute, no? That's what Laura thought, but her "little models weren't quite as cooperative."

The Pinstrosity

Although this didn't turn out like the original, I love it and think it's a keeper.  No, it may not be one you hang on the wall, but this needs to go in an album Laura. Your kids' future spouses need to see this (isn't that the point of family albums...one of the "how devoted are you" tests for boyfriends/girlfriends). 

Taking pictures with children is challenging; their interest is very short and doing official poses can be a little tough. That doesn't make it impossible though, whether you're a professional photographer, a hobbyist, a snapshotter, an iphoner, etc. I have a few tips from my experiences and then I'll give you a great professional resource. 

• With babies, it is easiest to photograph them when they are dead asleep. I know every baby sleeps differently, but often if you are slow and gentle (not that you're never not gentle with a baby) you can usually move them around. With this picture it might be easiest to have a sleeping baby because then you can position the arms and legs like you want them without the baby flailing around. 
• Sometimes I show the children a photo of what I'm wanting to do. Sometimes they jump to it right away, and other times a little reverse psychology helps out ("I bet you guys can't do that. Let me see."), and then sometimes they just won't and you have to roll with that too. 
• Sometimes I'll use a child's love for their mom or dad to help get a photo, telling them that we're getting a really special picture for their mom/dad and that you need their help to make it awesome. Kids like the word awesome and they like "helping". 

Those are my tips...worth everything you just paid for. Take them for what you will. If you do want a more in-depth resource and some really great tips check out How to Photograph Children by the Digital Photography School. They have great tips on the settings for your camera and tricks to getting better children's photos.

But...my biggest tip...don't do this:

http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/