The pictures we take of kids are those that are most sentimental given how fast they change.  With our cell phones now taking pictures have never been easier – if anything we probably take too many pictures of every little details of their lives.  But there is something to be said about capturing more qualitative images or those that go beyond just the day to day.  Having the right setting to let kids be themselves allows you to capture something that is hard to describe, from an emotion to a part of their personality that inevitably comes out.  Taking true moments is magical, and choosing a setting, which allows that to happen, especially for kids can be tricky.  You want them to feel safe, comfortable and natural but in a setting, that adds something to the story.  Here are some ideas of where that could work, of course, this depends on the child’s personality and preference and no two kids are the same.  If nothing else these ideas will at least get you started.

• Depending on the age, a playground is always a good setting.  Choose one that has natural features and ideally newer play facilities that have a minimalist and modernist look.  Usually, the striking line work of the new play structures is more dramatic than the older play structures.  Plus they would look cleaner and more polished with a limited number of colours.  This will allow your test subject, in this case, the kids to stand out more. 

• Their bedrooms are equally exciting places for a photoshoot.  That’s usually where they feel safest and most comfortable.  Their toys are their and how they interact with various pieces that they are very familiar with makes for more natural body poses and imagery.  If the lighting isn’t ideal, it doesn’t take much to add string LED lights to add more drama to the space.

• Parks and ponds are always great, especially if there is brave wildlife around that the kids can interact with.  Nature provides muted backgrounds for great striking images.  Make sure the kids are dressed brightly to have them stand out amid the landscape.  Fall and winter allow for more drama given the lighting variations that you can get.  But all seasons are great for outdoor photo sessions with the kids.  They will feel freer with the larger space and less confined.

These are the spaces I use, but I have seen images using settings that can range from art gallery installations to amusement parks that can yield equally nice results.  But they tend to be more tricky as the kids would not be in their most natural true self in those settings.  They can be easily distracted or constrained, so it’s a bit of a hit and miss.  The key is to choose somewhere that his minimal distractions, most natural and familiar form of entertainment, and allows the subject matter stand out not just in colour but in the moments that can be created by safe, comfortable and familiar spaces.