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The Nation’s Top Child Photographer, Jade Albert, has shared some secret tips on how to take the best pics of your CuteKid™! Got a pic ready to be seen? Upload a photo for Jade’s pro review.

Jade has photographed some of the cutest kids for campaigns such as Target, M & Ms, Toys ‘R’ Us, Huggies & more. She knows the tricks to taking the best photos of your little ones.

Tips on getting that perfect shot!
Jade has pro tips that are easy & fun! Would you believe that dancing, Superheros & even ice cream are part of Jade’s technique? Read Jade’s unique tips below:

Here are some tricks up my sleeve, out of the hat, directed straight to my subject.

If you want to take a children’s photo, the photographer’s role goes beyond capturing that special moment. But, processing the sensitivity to perform with gentleness is a double duty with loads of patience.lucyalbert sepia Bubbles, Barney and… Bingo!

Do not talk down to them. Make them feel equal. Pick a subject and have a conversation. For example: what is your favorite color, ice cream, etc.? Or let’s tell jokes. Interesting enough the child in you will appear and you will bond with a playful rapport. Thus simultaneously you can capture the moment – Bingo!

For babies & toddlers, put a sticker or Scotch tape on their fingers. It keeps them distracted and when you call their name… Wow! You have the shot. Babies are fascinated by light – pocket flashlights, etc. I was on a TV commercial spot and we used sparklers. Their bright eyes were really focused on the camera, with a smile.

Another tool from my goodie bag are whistles, maracas and feather dusters to capture the attention of the young ones. Another attention getter would be to put a squeaky toy over the camera. Anything Barney or Elmo’s World. The best of success: bubbles.

Sometimes a prop can be a familiar support system like a security blanket. They could bring their special Superhero and Care Bear to achieve their comfort zone. Don’t forget the family pet brings out the best in all of us. This is a wonderful way to get the candid shot.

Keep your set up simple and safe, so they’re not scared of the lights or wires. My best approach, I recommend, for a picture perfect shot is to be prepared, work quickly and keep shooting. Remember children’s attention spans are limited. If your child holds a pose too long, it looks stiff and stale. Avoid them squinting at all times. Outside, do not shoot in direct sunlight. Use open shade or backlight. Inside, avoid hot lights. Plan their best times of day and schedule accordingly. Work around naptime and breastfeeding time.

Try to make it a game, so it’s play, not work. Make it like an adventure (because photographing kids is an adventure!). Some of my favorite requests are playing Simon Says, peek-a-boo, dancing and musical chairs. If all else fails, reverse psychology works like a charm. Key words: Don’t smile. No laughing. Look mean. And they crack up with giggles.

Happy snapping! Don’t forget to upload that pic to the CuteKid contest!