I approach classroom groups the same way I photograph every portrait sitting. Engage the subject. Elicit an expression. Capture it. Classroom groups and family groups are different in that you have a number of subjects that you are working with at the same time. You have to keep them all engaged.
With any classroom group I usually prefer to put all of the children in place myself. This gives me more control. They are all looking at me. If other people are helping me arrange the children it is more difficult to keep their attention.
I avoid using seats of any kind to pose the children at this age. If they can sit up on their own, like most of the children in the pictures that accompany this post, it is better if you allow them to do it. If they cannot sit up on their own, each teacher can hold up to two children. Three is possible but it is more difficult to hold them well.
In a child care environment, most of the infants are accustomed to being left alone in a seat of some kind. It will work. Sometimes it will be easier, especially if the teachers aren’t confident in your ability. It just will not look as good.
With any classroom group I try to get the teachers into position first.* Then I arrange the children. At some point I will give “The Speech” that my regulars have all heard and are expecting again. It will vary depending upon whether or not any of the teachers have heard it before.
The Speech
Anything the children do will be cute. They can’t mess this up. You, on the other hand—?
I’m going to ask you all to ignore your basic instincts, your job description and state law (pause for dramatic effect) Don’t worry we won’t tell anyone. Ignore the children. Watch me. We want you to look good.
I know. This will be tough for you. Do your best. (end of speech)
This is the most important part of any class picture. The teachers have to look good. And if they think they are responsible for the children, they won’t. I frequently end with at least one shot that I specifically pay attention to the teachers to be certain I have a good shot of them. Doing head swaps with the teachers is easy (they’re sticking up above the group) and worth the trouble to make them look good.
The two groups that accompany this post were very different in execution. They were both centers that I had photographed before and the staff knew what to expect.
At one of them I walked into the room and the teachers and babies were all in position. I set up the camera and light and took the picture. It went well.
At the other I walked into the room and the director chased all of the adults out of the room and left herself leaving me, the two staff members and the children alone in the room. The teachers sat down against the wall and waited for me to bring them the children.
Can you tell which is which? I arranged the larger of the two groups. No, I don’t always get what I expect or ask for. But I will do anything that is working. That includes making the staff feel good.
*I do the same with family groups. I place the parents first. It gives me more control. There is less likelihood of conflict if I place the children.