BlueWisteria

Actually, your photos are not bad. Here are some thoughts. One family I know had a similar problem. When they asked their girls (all under 6) how they wanted to be portrayed, they elected to present themselves in their pink dance and fairy costumes. So on they went. Then they arranged themselves on a stable surface (the big master bed) to minimize wiggling. The wiggliest were given a toy to manage in the picture. Holding a medium sized toy in two hands removes the wiggle immediately. Thus the young ones became responsible for making sure their toys presented properly. This changed them from slave to slave master, and also served to quiet the wiggles. I think one held a magic wand, another a book, and another a doll. In the course of having choice, arranging themselves on a stable surface, and given the responsibility of presenting their toys in the best light, it all came off. Instead of perching precariously on an adult's knee, let them kneel with their bums on their ankles for a very stable pose that's harder to break. The pinks against the gray satin counterpane of the bed and the soft lighting were beautiful. In one case, the strapping feminine costume went on right over the cotton undershirt with sleeves. No hair was rearranged after the costumes went on, so it was charmingly casual. The lighting and the setting was all prepared in advance. The subjects did not have to hang around while the photographer checked light levels and set up her lights. The girls were allowed to arrange themselves on the big bed (within focal range). Another adult was deployed to attract their attention away from the photographer. The resulting photographs were priceless.

Brandmic Loc: Alabama

Children are best shot doing what they do ( especially boys). Just let them be boys. Set up tripod and get your exposure. Use s remote switch and fire off multiple shots, some will work. I would be pleased with these They are just natural boys do what boys do that age. I photograph my 3 yo grandson and just fire off a100 shots and then crop them later. Boys don't look natural just setting still. A good bribe works also. I'll give xxxxx for 5 pics, etc.

amehta Loc: Boston

Nice narrative with some great tips, thanks!

Moxiesmom Loc: Sarasota, Fl

Sounds awesome, and I have two girls to do next that I am making pink and purple tutu's for, will try this next. Thanks

BlueWisteria

When photographing children, consider putting the youngest in something like a high chair or Big Wheel and arranging the other kids around her. Big brother might proudly hold the handlebars of his bike in the background.

Children might hold props with different themes: pets, toys, or sports (footballs, baseball gloves, ice skates). If they are musical, pose them with their musical instruments.

Consider putting them all at a small table around a fish bowl, working on projects, counting coins, sorting the Halloween candy, working on their stamp collections, decorating cookies. Anything to keep their attention while you fiddle with the camera. Use another adult to get them to look up for a moment, then click.

Ask them to pose in hats! Party hats, cowboy hats, backwards and sideways baseball caps, or a collection of old lady thrift store hats. Do it outdoors to minimize shadows on their faces.

A really interesting and emotion-packed group shot is from behind, when they are all gathered at the end of a driveway to wave goodbye to loved ones departing down the road or lined up on a dock waving goodbye to people departing on a boat.

Natgrani Loc: Texas Gulf Coast

If all else fails, go with the best one. I would think Dad has never seen them posed and may like them just being natural. From experience, it will make for lots of laughs 30 years from now when the rowdy ones still can't sit still.

wpbJoe Loc: West Palm Beach, Fl

no problem

Coolcameragirl Loc: Bradenton, FL

I am coming in late on this conversation. I have 6 grandchildren, ages 4-12. I did a family shoot at the beach last summer. About 2 days before the shoot, I asked each of them if they wanted a job modeling - pay was $5 each. I told them that since they were being paid, they would have to do whatever I asked. They couldn't wait for the shoot and kept asking when it would happen. When the time came, they ALL cooperated, knowing they would be $5 richer in less than an hour.

sixshooter Loc: constitution state

Moxiesmom...

I am going to give you my all time best, never fail, photographers secret for working with kids.

#1 hershey kisses
#2 fart machine : now only use this once per pose and it does require some comedy skills but the expression on the face when they suspect you've farted..and the laughter..one it dies down, wave your hand behind your butt.. my assistant will stand behind me and hold his nose. if you can pull it off the kids will think you're the most entertaining thing thats happened to them ever and every smile will be genuine..all attention on you. they don't want to miss it the next time you "let er rip"... a good quality fart machine and a good assistant behind the controller makes all the difference here.

Brandmic Loc: Alabama

Nice pic

Brandmic Loc: Alabama

Works every time. Lol

wilikioti Loc: Deep South, USA

By not using the tripod, you are letting them know when to act up. When they see you put the camera to your eye, they start acting goofy. When the camera is on the tripod, they don't know when you will activate the shutter.

nanaval Loc: Cornwall

Thanks Moxiesmom, there are good tutorials on youtube, I learnt by getting magazines with discs. That way you can switch from one to another as you follow it. They normally have pictures you can use so you cam follow exactly what to do. When you get the idea then use your own pictures. I used to teach Photoshop basics and explained layers as a see through book and each layer is a page in the book. Once you get the hang of it you will find it very easy... :D

kenpic Loc: Edmonds, WA

Use a tripod, and then get their attention using a hand puppet or stuffed animal -- a bear, rabbit or bird works well. pretend you are a ventroliquist. They will watch the critter talk and move and you will get your shot. You might want to use an RF remote control as well. Ideally, they will forget the camera is there.

Madman Loc: Gulf Coast, Florida USA

Used to do pictures like this for a large studio and I can tell you, it isn't easy. Begging, bribing, threatening - none of that works. Best bet is a distraction. Depending on the ages of the kids, I would put something like a stuffed toy, balloon, anything they like that won't break on my shoulder. They would watch it, knowing that it was going to fall and that's when you click the shutter release. Good luck!