Any tips on Child Model Photography?

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

06/21/2012 08:13:44 PM · #1

So.

I was working with an e-magazine as a second photographer and the main photog is from a few hundred miles away. I was approached by one of the models' "ride"(his aunt) if i'ld be willing to do a session with her young 11 year old who's made it on commercial highway posters before to help expand the portfolio.

Now i have a little experience with Fashion for the 15-30 range but i m going on instinct and every bit of web info i can find for commercial portfolios for Child-models. I was hoping for some input from the experienced masses on this site. What non-obvious, heck even obvious stuff should i know about working with this age group?

I m familiar with releases from parents for 18- so that is covered. I can work with minimal makeup on an 11 year old boy as long as he's comfortable with it. I want to keep him interacted and comfortable so i m going to try keep things light and work with 3-4 outfits that befit his target audience and try to show some range in terms of expression and content. Fair warning about the shiny lights and if necessary work with model lights that don't bother his eyes as much. Some prop interaction if i find something suitable beyond the high chair i got in mind. One out of focus human as an interacting (proP?) might make sense too. I feel like there's still things that i m missing something still and i would love any input from you guys.

snaffles

Nikon D7100

06/21/2012 09:02:13 PM · #2

I don't know if

Quigley is still active but his two boys have had acting careers since they were very young. Also try pm'ing

Skip,

sjhuls,

scalvert,

MattO and

Simms...all wonderful photogs in their own right, and may be able to give you.

Good luck! :-)

sjhuls

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

06/21/2012 09:56:06 PM · #3

I have an 11 year old girl but boys are completely different so I don't know if I am going to be of any help. But it sounds like he has experience in front of a camera and may not need as much direction as you would think. I am right in thinking he is 11, the way you put things it sounds like he may be younger.

Here is how a typical photo shoot with children goes for me. Bribe them first with something, gum, candy, whatever this will break the ice and then after things are set up just start shooting as you talk to them about stuff. I find some of my best shots are when I was getting my lighting set up and doing test shots and just interacting naturally with them. After that start to tease them about girls or make jokes and get ready to snap the camera right when they have the reaction to what you are saying. Then do planned poses last make sure to try things like looking away or to the side or down things that will capture a more natural look. My middle girl who is 8 hates the camera but if I have her doing things like blowing bubbles or jumping she forgets it is there and I get some great natural smiles and expressions.

For a younger audiences 4 and 5 year old kids, I have a really immature set of phrases that I throw out spontaneously to get them laughing. But I usually don't have parents watching so I can say things like "poopy pants" and "booger nose" and nobody cares.

Hopefully this was helpful I don't know if this was the kind of information you were looking for.

Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS

06/22/2012 09:58:51 PM · #4

Thank you Snaffles, I have sent out a message.

Thank you Sjhuls, it is an 11 year old and i m likely over thinking a bit. I do like the idea of test shots - hadn't really thought of that. I'll keep what you said in mind.

I appreciate the help.

Best regards,

vawendy

Sony Alpha 1

06/22/2012 10:05:45 PM · #5

At that age, unfortunately, the kid can be anything. Either a kid that knows his own mind and is so self confident that he thinks you're talking down to him. Or a kid who's completely dependent upon you to give him hints about everything.

Either one isn't a problem. You just want to talk to him for a couple of minutes to figure out which works best for him. If he's a diva, let him be a diva and just direct a bit. Usually divas know what works and what doesn't. If he's a shy kid that needs direction, use the info that you get from the suggested photographers here.

What may work is ask the aunt to have him bring some of his own props that he likes to work with. If he's into baseball, model airplanes, trains, whatever, he might be more comfortable with his own props than something you have. However, have extra things on hand, because they might be more interesting than his. Basically, just cover all bases, then you won't be blind sided by anything.

Again, it will all work out fine -- you simply want to talk to the kid for a couple of minutes before you get started. In a couple of minutes, you can really get a good feel for a starting point.

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

06/23/2012 04:43:31 PM · #6

Thank ya Wendy, now to pick out some props i can work with...

Spork99

OM System OM-1

06/23/2012 07:33:54 PM · #7

cough syrup helps.

neenee1999

Nikon D70

Canon EF 80-200mm f/4.5-5.6 II

06/23/2012 07:43:05 PM · #8

Working with this age group is technically a tween, which can be tricky. Have worked with alot of children in this age group (mostly girls), they are really into the music and will be happy to tell you about their style. Always photograph alone, if others are around they tend to be somewhat shy. Good luck, hope all goes well.