Animals

• Pets can be excellent props when photographing children. In many cases, they quickly capture the child's attention and eliminate any self-consciousness. As the child becomes involved with the pet, he often expresses his love and affection for it (and vice versa). To capture the bond between a child and a pet, allow them to interact naturally in different settings. For some of the shots, place someone behind the photographer, so the child and the animal will look in the same direction.
  
  

Themes

• Themes, which range from holidays to the child's interests at a specific age, can serve as props for children's photography. Examples of thematic holiday props include pumpkins for Thanksgiving and flags or sparklers for the Fourth of July. Thematic props can also be more general: A pile of leaves, sled or beach toy can reflect the season. Thematic props can also portray a child’s fascination with a particular subject. For example, if a child loves firetrucks, dress him in a fire fighter’s outfit and use a firetruck as a prop.
  
  

Activity-Centered Props

• Props that engage a child in an activity are excellent choices. Children respond well to a bottle of bubbles and wand, a long feather, or flowers. Their expressions as they examine these items and their shapes and colors range from curiosity to grins. Puzzles also easily capture a child’s attention. Finger paint is another option, as a child often becomes fascinated by the paint on her hands as well as engrossed in the painting, while ribbons and kites can evoke spontaneous smiles while enticing a child to run and spin. Of course, any toy that is special to the child is an excellent prop, as the child will play with it on her own.
  
  

Clothing

• Clothing and costumes are wonderful props for children. Clothing can demonstrate a child’s personality and preferences. If a child loves to wear a frilly dress, let her be a princess in her favorite one. However, if she’d rather be in jeans and a T-shirt, dress her in her favorite tomboy outfit for the photograph. On the other hand, clothing or costumes can bring out a child’s whimsical side. Let a child dress up in a costume or adult clothing, and you’ll capture a variety of expressions and emotions as she builds a new world around what she is wearing.
  
  

Talent or Special Interest

• Anything that reflects a child’s talent or special interest makes a good prop. Such props can include musical instruments, dance shoes or costumes, sports clothing or equipment, and art supplies. Though you’ll want photographs of the child holding the prop, also get some shots of him using it. Besides body shots, focus the camera on the child’s expression while he is playing with or using the prop. This can add a special element to the picture, capturing the child’s mood while involved with a particular piece of music or dance.