Child’s play

Magdalena Sienicka explains how to achieve striking and atmospheric children’s portraits

In my opinion, child portraits are pieces of artwork. Like a painter uses their imagination to spread paint on a canvas, a photographer needs to create and prepare for each photo shoot using their imagination, putting pieces together to create a beautiful final picture. Child portraiture is the most charming subject, which is not only to create memories, but can become a piece of fine art.

Every time, I’m trying to use my imagination and unusual things which I can find or see around me to create the timeless photographs and unique style that is so difficult to achieve in digital times. Styled fine-art portraits can be created with the use of simple tricks without spending a fortune on props and dresses. It’s always important for me to know ultimately how to take a good photo. Important factors in my portraits are lighting, posing and styling. When I’m using very simple soft light techniques, the lighting doesn’t need to be complicated to achieve beautiful results.

Posing is the most difficult thing for adults, but with children, they have this ability to be more natural and even focused when it comes to posing. You are the photographer; speak to them and give directions, and you will be surprised how easy they cooperate. Never push a child to do something they don’t like. Create the space for happiness and fun, and they will work amazingly well, even with fine art-focused portraits.