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08/07/2006 12:45:11 PM · #1 |
I recieved this e-mail from a friend of a friend:
"We would love to have you take pictures of our family - my husband and two small boys. The boys will give you some real experience as they are pretty antsy - and getting my 3 year old to sit is a miracle in itself.
Is there a particular style you like or that you need practice in?? I was thinking some casual (more action) shots down by the beach would be nice - perhaps some color and some black and white. I always like the family beach shots the pottery barn catalog features."
1. Any suggestions on keeping the kids' attention?
2. What is the best time to of day for good lighting at the (west coast) beach?
3. Can you show me your examples of somewhat candid, outdoor, family and children shots?
Thanks sooooo much, you guys are the best! :) :)
PS: this is my first time shooting anyone besides my own family ... eek :)
Message edited by author 2006-08-07 14:38:25.
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08/07/2006 12:50:10 PM · #2 |
Don't have any suggestions/answers for 2&3, but as far as the kids go, there isn't always a lot you can do to keep their attention. One of the best things to do is just make sure that you're ready to move through the shoot as fast as possible so that they don't get bored.
But, if you do a beach shoot, and it's supposed to be more casual, I wouldn't worry about it AS much. If they want any posed group shots, do those first before the kids get antsy. Then maybe let them play and enjoy the beach some and snap shots while they're doing what they enjoy! I imagine the parents would really enjoy some of those shots :-) |
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08/07/2006 12:56:27 PM · #3 |
Oh boy, little kids... **grimace**
1. Well, as for keeping their attention, I would suggest a bag of those little DumDum lollypops. Maybe tell them they can have one if they sit still, then snap a few shots and give them one. While they are eating it should be a good time for some candids, and after they finish, maybe you can get a few more.
2. Best time of day will probaby be morning or evening, as the light will be gentler and should have a nice color cast to it (golden). You'll have to decide how you want to handle shadows, but if you're on a beach with a nice background (facing the land), you could shoot in the evening and hide the shadows behind the people. If you want a shot with the ocean as the background, I'd think about shooting in the morning, so the sun isn't behind them, creating a silhouette. On the other hand, having the sun behind them could be neat, if you have a decent flash to fill in the family and light them well.
3. I got nothin' for ya' on this one. I shoot lanscapes - they're so much easier to manage. And I get to eat the DumDums myself :-)
Because they want casual shots, with some action, you should be able to get some good candids. Maybe all of them walking down the beach holding hands, feet in the surf, or playing in the sand. I guess my best advice would be to use the kids energy to your advantage, instead of trying to curb it and make them pose.
However you decide to handle it, I'm certain that you'll do fine and come up with some great shots!
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08/07/2006 01:11:29 PM · #4 |
Thanks for your great suggestions Elizabeth and Brent. You both mentioned some things I hadn't thought of. Thanksssssssss!!
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08/07/2006 02:36:59 PM · #5 |
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08/08/2006 02:13:04 PM · #6 |
I'm nowhere near an expert however, I've assisted a couple of friends who do this regularly (I prefer other kinds of photography). I'm going to echo some of what's already been said so consider it re-inforcement... From what I've seen and my own experiences kids that young can be (i.e. usually are) tough. I guess it depends on how cooperative they want to be. Maybe you can bribe them with something... food (mentioned above), an inexpensive toy, etc. for their good behavior and cooperation. Parental re-enforcement of this can be good or bad as their expressions may reflect it.
As for time of day, summer mornings up to about 9:00/10:00 am is good and summer afternoon's from 5:00/6:00pm till sunset is also fine. If you wait till the sun's really low in the sky then you can get some great shots.
Alternatively, if it's overcast you won't get the "great" lighting of the sun but you'll get nice even lighting throughout the day so those hours don't really apply.
If you're in N. Cal, try baker beach(?) just on the SF side of the Golden Gate and you can get the bridge in the background. May want to consider dressing the kids to coordinate/compliment the background you're shooting. Ex. Bright Red or Yellow shirt with the blue of the water.
Alternatively instead of posed portraits, try taking more candid shots of the kids playing with each other and with their parents. Use a long lens for this, continous focus, moderate aperature (f/11?) to increase your dof, and take a ton of shots to increase your odds of getting a good shot.
HTH.
Message edited by author 2006-08-08 14:19:34. |
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08/08/2006 02:25:08 PM · #7 |
1... Good luck :-)
2: Late afternoon or early morning are always the best time to shoot at the beach. I like to use fill-flash with outdoor beach portraits also.
3.
  
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08/08/2006 02:32:43 PM · #8 |
some examples of my first paid shoot, couple of weeks ago:
 
you can use DoF in a great way to get a different look. At least, that's what I think.
A photo doesn't always have to be "smiley" and "fun". Sometimes a mood can give the photo an extra meaning. I tried to get that moody feeling also in the PP. Her parents love this one by the way :)
Message edited by author 2006-08-08 14:37:33.
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08/08/2006 02:39:16 PM · #9 |
I take photos of children every week. It isn't that hard to get great shots.
For this shot, I gave the little girl my sons turtle to play with. Find anything to get them busy. That way they sit still.
For this shot, I splashed them with water.
For this one I challenged her to a peek a boo game.
For this one, I made noises with my mouth and asked her if she could do it. She probably didn't understand me, but she did try to mimik me.
And for this one I sang "patty cake" while dancing and clapping.
I would make a great clown! |
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