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DPChallenge Forums >> Business of Photography >> Baby Portraits
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12/01/2011 08:31:37 PM · #1
So its my first time doing portriats of a baby girl and her family. (pretty sure she has an older brother.) It'll be both indoor and out (if the weather is nice enough.) I will have lighting. and a speedlite. reflectors. and possibly an assistant.

Any tips for lighting/flash and posing? props??
12/01/2011 08:32:07 PM · #2
The shoot is this sunday. from 10-12:30 so not great lighting but good enough.

Message edited by author 2011-12-01 20:32:21.
12/01/2011 08:38:20 PM · #3
Have been doing children's portraits for years, the best thing to always remember is gaining their trust but do not be too forward. Watch the child for a few minutes and see their personality, are they out going and friendly, or are they leary of people they do not know. Props are fine as long as they are not distracting, hard to get eye contact if they are focusing on the props. Toys, stuffed animals mostly work best, and sometimes you have to be a total moron and act a little goofy to get them to watch you. Good luck... hope you do not have a crawler they are the worst. LOL!
12/01/2011 08:58:07 PM · #4
For a quick read, including lots of tricks to have parents and kids/babies behave for 1/150 of second, and prevent common showstoppers, I found this just great:
//www.amazon.co.uk/Childrens-Portrait-Photography-Tamara-Lackey/dp/1584282401

It also covers specific lighting, albeit just a few set ups. But you are quite good with flashes, so should have less problems than me.
Given it is well divided in sections, you should be able to only read about the age range you need (it makes a huge difference, in my experience)

This one is really good as well but less studio photography and to the point, more inspirational perhaps:

//www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0470114320/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=103612307&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=1584282401&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=0SXFP5GE6SN36YB6YRTD

Have them play and keep an eye on whether mum's/dad's presence is an asset or not with that specific child. Some will be super moany if mum's around. They need to be reasonably rested and fed to guarantee a no-crankiness window for you to work.
Do show an interest in their toys and things if they speak a bit, tell them you very much like their toys, hat, shoes, that brings a smile quite often.
A typical trick, if the walk already, is to have them climb on something (nothing to high) and be ready to snap away on their proud smile when they manage to.

Have fun, photographing children is very high on my 'favourite things' list :)

Message edited by author 2011-12-01 21:06:42.
12/02/2011 12:24:15 AM · #5
If the baby is sitting up, the high chair can be a good spot to start. It lets the child get used to your presence from a position that is secure and where good things happen. Scatter the tray with things that would look cute being chewed on. These may be the only images where you can set up the lighting and the child will actually be there. for the most part, flashes can lead to a startle reflex and a mother grabbing up the child before the session gets going. Expect any ideal position and lighting angle to be gone in a blink of an eye, so plan on cycling through sets.
12/02/2011 12:30:38 AM · #6
Make sure the mom is close by if the baby is a newborn.
Also don't stick the baby in the grass.

For the outdoor shots just make sure that your subjects aren't in direct sunlight.
A reflector or a softbox with some strong light really make a nice photo.
I tend to overexpose my photos by a stop just so I can bring them back down in lightroom and really make the blacks pop.

You take some really great photos and I'm sure you'll do just fine, just remember that when working with clients that you stay comfortable and in control. Be as nice as you can and always say positive things even though you may not like it. For example instead of saying "I don't like that shot, lets do this instead" say "Oh that's good, now lets move her a little" or something along those lines.

Use your histrogram...

Check your photos as you take them... this is the plus side of DSLR's remember? hehehe

HAVE FUN!!!! post pictures here when your done.

Message edited by author 2011-12-02 00:34:17.
12/02/2011 03:39:26 PM · #7
Thank you so much for everyones tips and tricks :)

I will post pictures when i'm done with a couple. The baby girl just turned 12 months. so... she should be able to atlest crawl which i think is ok. i guess we'll see. So how come the baby shouldn't go into the grass?
12/02/2011 03:48:26 PM · #8
Originally posted by ScooterMcNutty:

Thank you so much for everyones tips and tricks :)

I will post pictures when i'm done with a couple. The baby girl just turned 12 months. so... she should be able to atlest crawl which i think is ok. i guess we'll see. So how come the baby shouldn't go into the grass?


Bugs, allergies, Causes the baby to itch which makes them cry. Not saying you CAN'T do it, just something I try and stay away from if I can.
12/02/2011 03:49:14 PM · #9
oh. ok :) thanks! i will keep that in mind!
12/02/2011 10:47:16 PM · #10
bump
12/02/2011 11:20:46 PM · #11
I always set my camera to rapid exposures when I'm taking pics of kids. They move so fast and do so many cute things, it's easier to keep up this way! Especially if they want a family shot, that way you're sure to get the split second when the baby is actually looking at the camera or smiling :-) And I think it's great advice to kind of let the baby be in the driver's seat as much as possible--meaning let them explore the environment/toys/parents/etc. and follow them around, capturing the good moments. Trying to pose some children "just so" isn't always feasible :-)
12/04/2011 05:27:39 PM · #12
got done with the shoot and worn out!! i will post some pictures once i'm done with a couple!
12/05/2011 01:51:31 AM · #13
I will edit more soon, but here are the pictures done thus far. PLEASE COMMENT!!!

Folder HERE!

*It ended up being the whole family, which is ok :) had fun doing it!

Message edited by author 2011-12-05 01:52:00.
12/05/2011 05:21:20 PM · #14
added even more!! O.o and still not done...
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