child, also try and bend down or even lie down on the ground, holding the camera in the same height as the children’s eyes. Eye contact can be a strong element and as with being ‘up close and personal’, it can give a more direct connection between the subject and the audience.
Sometimes it is alright to have the child pose a bit for the camera. Generally though, it can be difficult to give direct instructions to a child as to how to pose. “Try to look sad / happy” doesn’t work very well with children or, in fact, other people who aren’t actors or professional models. Instead, just use their natural curiosity for the camera and wait for the right moment. And if you really want to give instructions, ask them to do something in stead of asking them to look in a certain way. “How high can you jump?” “Kick the ball over there!” Active instructions