It is not always about the face in commercial kid photography; especially kid fashion. It is a different type of job with a dual client (the designer and their customer) and that means you mustn’t shoot everything like it is a portrait session. When you are just starting out, often it is your own children, the children of friends or even those of the designer whose line you are shooting that model for you. In other words, the most beautiful children ever. Keep in mind though that no matter the model, your main job as the commercial photographer is to create images that sell the product. You may take a few pretty portraits during the shoot to give the model’s parents afterwards, but don’t let that mindset lead your work on these gigs. No matter how you achieve it (whether with with makeup, cropping, posing, product placement, focus or framing) it does not mean that every shot has to be anonymous either. This is just a little reminder to focus not always on the eyes like you were taught for portraits, but the product first.
The end customer needs to imagine their own (most beautiful) children (ever) in those clothes.
In preparation for some upcoming commercial photography workshops with Peta Mazey, I thought I would do a few quick tip posts here on my blog. I will keep these super short and just about individual elements within the vast whole of this commercial visual story telling task. We are developing a great 2 day experience where we are going help photographers learn all about commercial photography from client brief to final product…and more. Stay tuned here and on Beyond Snapshots for the details!
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
very exciting!
thanks so much for sharing this side of your work … it’s fun to live vicariously
Thanks so much for this. I’d love to see more about shooting kids fashion as I am just starting to do my own photography for my website….and yes, using my own kids (in the main). ANY hot tips appreciated! Julie.
Excited for these posts. This is the type of photography I wish to get into so any tips are appreciated!
stunning images
ah, I’ve started doing photography for a hair salon and “it’s not so much about the face, it’s about the hair, the cut, the colour” has had to become my mantra, it is so different from anything I’ve ever done before!
Thank you for sharing these tips with us. I love these pictures too, especially the little girl with the hat
Yes please! I am just venturing into this world and would love your wisdom and guidance. ‘Can’t wait to hear more of the details.