Photographing Shy & Introverted Kids: My 'Long Lens' Approach in Hong Kong
One minute
Why 'No Cheese' is the Secret to Authentic Portraits of Quiet Children
A message I get quite often as a Hong Kong kids photographer is, “My son/daughter is very shy around cameras,” or words to that effect. Instead of making me hesitant, I actually look forward to the session.
I know two things for sure: First, these families are often missing out on beautiful, natural photos of their child. Second, I know I will get some great shots. I’ve photographed so many shy kids over the years, I have a tried-and-true method for helping them warm up.
The Reversed Approach
The main thing is that my approach for shy kids is completely reversed from a typical high-energy session. While I normally come in with high energy for extroverted kids (sometimes getting the best photos in the first few minutes!), with shyer personalities, we start differently. The main thing is to start completely the opposite way to how I begin most family photography sessions. The results usually end up the same as most of my sessions, with the kids working with me 100%.
One minute later!
1.) The 'Long Lens' Method
I make sure to bring a 'long' lens so I can start photographing from a distance. This allows me to document your child playing, exploring, or simply being with the family without being right up in their space. They just forget the camera is there. Letting the kids play and documenting it from afar works every time.
2.) Respecting the Breaks
Other times, kids can just get tired of the photo session—and that’s completely normal. I love getting shots of a child who has basically had enough! This is the perfect time for a snack, a cuddle with a parent, or just five minutes of quiet time to reset. Give them literally five minutes, and they are back, having forgotten the entire episode.
An important consideration when photographing shy kids is simply to let your photographer know beforehand. This allows us to plan the session accordingly and start with this low-key approach. Coming from a family of six, I've seen every personality type. Read my story here.
Just be assured, kids always come around!
I’ve helped hundreds of reserved children find their confidence in front of the lens. To see how I integrate this approach into my Hong Kong Family Photo Sessions, visit my FAQ page or contact me to discuss your session.
