I wish my camera was see-through.  I hate meeting a child then hiding behind a black box!  Especially if a little one is shy, it makes it even more intimidating!!

That was definitely the case with Evangeline….she wasn’t quite so sure about this photo session.  And she really wasn’t a fan of the black box!

I love long eyelashes, so I usually take advantage of the shy moments by capturing some eyelash shots.  Then, I read this tip somewhere and I use it a lot.  I rest the camera right on my cheek while I’m talking to the child.  Then, when I can get them to smile or laugh, I’ll quickly let my eye find the viewfinder and snap a few quick pictures, then back to talking with the camera resting on my cheek.  Sometimes, I’ll show them the LCD screen and show them how cute they look.  I’ve never met a toddler that didn’t like to look at themselves, so that always works well!

Before you know it, Evangeline trusts me and she will even go so far as to smile at me with the black box in front of my face!!

It’s always a dance, but the pay-off is HUGE.  🙂  I love seeing the parents’ faces when they ask, how did you get them to do that!?

-Kristin