As a parent of two young children, I think kids are cool.
Becoming a father actually made me a better wedding photographer, as I started to pay a bit more attention to what the kids are doing at the Christchurch weddings I photograph.
Putting together the photos for this post, I realised a couple of things about kids at weddings.
kids and the centre of attention
Young kids in particular, love being the centre of attention at a wedding. They inherently know that a wedding is a special day for their mum and dad. And they love nothing more than having everyone’s attention when they can get it.
Getting ready at a Christchurch wedding. © Thomas Pickard | www.myweddingphotographer.co.nz
Kids have to burn off energy
Every parent knows this and it is no different at a wedding. Kids will inevitably sneak off from the guests and play and run and keep themselves gloriously occupied.
Young girl playing at a wedding at Darjon Vineyard. © Thomas Pickard | www.myweddingphotographer.co.nz
Kids Quickly find their tribe
In the same way adults at a wedding gravitate to similar people as themselves, kids do the same with other kids at a wedding. Kids know that playing with a group of buddies is often a lot more fun than playing by themselves. When you combine a cool wedding location, which is all new to the kids, they have the perfect excuse to run off as a tribe and start exploring and playing.
Kids at a wedding at Darjon Vineyard. © Thomas Pickard | www.myweddingphotographer.co.nz
Kids are Curious
Kids, particularly young kids, have an innate curiosity about the world, which makes them inquisitive and interested in a lot of things. It also gives them a perspective that isn’t tainted by an adults view of the world. This makes young kids great teachers.
Being around young kids, whether that is at a wedding or my own kids at home, reminds me to keep it light and fun.
Brothers playing at a wedding, Wellington. © Thomas Pickard | www.myweddingphotographer.co.nz
Kids love looking cool
The photo of this young child was at a Chinese Wedding I photographed in Christchurch recently. The boy in this photo couldn’t wait to have his photo taken of himself and his dinosaur themed bow tie.
Portrait of a boy and his bow tie, Christchurch wedding. © Thomas Pickard | www.myweddingphotographer.co.nz
Kids will get into trouble
This usually happens later in the day, around the time of the wedding reception. Kids are tired, a little low on food and energy and let’s be honest, a wedding is a pretty big day if you are a young kid.
Young girl at a wedding, Wellington. © Thomas Pickard | www.myweddingphotographer.co.nz
To finish off this post, below are some more photographs of kids at a number of weddings I have photographed in and around Christchurch and abroad.
