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It has been said that if a three-year-old
cannot be photographed there is either something wrong with the child
or the photographer. This may be an oversimplification but this is one
of the easiest stages.
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It is as necessary now as ever to
understand and be sympathetic to the child's problems. His assertion of
independence inevitably brings him more and more into conflict with his
parents who must frustrate him, sometimes arousing intense anger and
even hatred for short periods.
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Try to remember your own feelings of
littleness and inadequacy in a world mostly occupied by people more
than twice your height.
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Fortunately children in these pre-school
years are often more cooperative with strangers than with their
parents, who often express surprise that their offspring have been 'so
good' for the photographer.
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The main problem for you now is liable to
be a growing self-consciousness in the child and a reluctance to reveal
natural feelings and reactions. The importance of play to act out these
children's problems and frustrations cannot be overstressed.