I really am just a novice at this whole photography thing. My friends seems to think I'm the next big thing, that I should do it for a living, etc etc. This can be blamed on living in a small town, I think. Believe me, I am under no such illusions.

A few friends are suggesting they hire me to take photos of their kids. I love kids, have 3 of my own, and think they are unlimited sources of inspiration. Problem is, I have no idea how to 'pose' people for photos..... my best shots always come from kids playing, in their element, in the moment, when they forget I'm there.

Being a novice, I have limited equipment, meaning the lenses that came with my camera, one standard 18-55 and one 55-200 zoom.

Help? Suggestions? Preferably in simple English?

Buy Kelby's book "Digital Photography" - it's a good starter and offers some concrete and easy suggestions to get posing right.

Use the longer zoom so as not to intrude.

Establish a rapport with your subjects - show them what you're doing, ask them to suggest poses, let them play act a little.

Remember the background - which should usually be lighter than the subject and definitely not distracting.

Aim for a 3% keeper rate. Yes, 3% is good!

Easy tip to make sure difficult subjects don't have their eyes closed: tell them to close their eyes and then count backwards. Wait until they've opened their eyes and then shoot. On children, the 'wide-eyed', surprised and happy look can be fun (especially if you've stuck a funny hat on while they had their eyes closed). This works with adults too.

Your camera probably has a flash unit on it. Try to avoid if possible (no one likes being blinded repeatedly), but if you can't, stick cigarette paper in front to soften the contrast.

Make the kids jump up and down (especially the stiff, uptight ones) before you pose them.

Above all, *you* have to enjoy it. If you don't, they won't, and it will show.

Stream-of-consciousness ideas, but I hope they help and that others here provide more practical assistance.

I can just imagine the parents whisking off their children when they see me, in my Dr. Seuss hat, whipping out a pack of rolling papers...

Seriously though, I appreciate the advice! I assumed the zoom would be the best approach. I'm fortunate enough to know the children personally, so hopefully the awkward moments will be kept to a minimum. I will be doing this outside, weather permitting, so flash shouldn't be an issue either.

Hopefully getting a few of these under my belt will make me feel a bit more confident. If I was just shooting at a party I would feel much better. Being asked to do this specifically is what's giving me the jitters, I think.

Just following up... the photo session was yesterday, mom was happy with the results, now comes post production editing (nothing complicated thank goodness)

I think I did ok - 300 shots, whittled down to 31 for proofs, and she's chosen 9 as favourites - exactly bang on 3%

yep Stéfan sure knows his stuff But even outside on a bright day, a fill inn flash can be useful, just to get the person stand out a little better.
There's some great tut's on you tube... to get you going
HERE is one of them

and you'll find loads more on there ;-)

I'm always looking for more tips, thanks so much for posting this - I will watch!