kids don't sit still..... - DPChallenge Forums

Mattel Barbie Photo Designer Digital Camera

08/07/2007 11:32:11 AM · #1

I am going to take some photos of a girl that is almost 2 tonight, and it scares me, i'm sure she probably won't hold still and will have not attention span, any ideas on how to get some good shots of her and any idea on some cute poses or what to do.
thanks

digitalknight

08/07/2007 11:37:15 AM · #2

don't pose her - you'll be frustrated, the kid will be frustrated, everyone loses.

I go to where the kid is most comfortable and when they are most happy. Generally this is 8:00 am on a Saturday morning. Lots of natural light streaming in the east windows - and put a million toys around the "light" room that they like to play with.

Then occasionally pull the toy away from their face and shoot!

//democard.com/photo/orson/

This is the last shoot I did. These are so well received by the mom's I'm considering doing it for a living!

So there's my advice - that and DON'T EVER FORGET - the kid is king, and won't be forced. I've had to go back another day because the kid just plain said "no". :-)

Have fun,

AJSullivan

08/07/2007 11:38:18 AM · #3

I think your best bet is is to tell the parents to bring some of her toys, throw them out on the floor and just watch her play, and take the shots as they happen.

An article I read not to long ago put it like this:

Yeah, shots like that arent the super posed images, but they do actually capture the what the child is like.

They were saying that they explain to parents - these are pictures that you will look at 10 years from now and be able to say "yes, thats how ____ was when they were 2"

The article also suggested spending a good amount of time just letting the child get adjusted to the room, let them explore and get comfortable, and dont try to rush the process.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

08/07/2007 12:07:35 PM · #4

do most parents understand what you're trying to do when you aren't just trying to pose their children

AJSullivan

08/07/2007 12:16:36 PM · #5

I think that depends on the expectations that you set for them. I mean if they look at your portfolio and thats what they see, then they might wonder why you arent. Use that time while the child is "acclimating" to chat with the parents, and make them feel comfortable too.

I wish I knew where I read that article, cause they said that parents acclimating is a big part too, because you have to figure that they are probably stressed out cause they had to get the kids cleaned up, find some nice clothes, do the hair, load em up in the van, get them lunch, pray they dont get it on the clothes, unload the van, get them to the studio, and then pray that they arent monsters.

So take some time to really help them relax. Have some tea or coffee there, I dont know, little things I guess. But explain to them what you want to do and get a feel for it.

Also, you can do both - take the "candid" shots, and take some posed shots, and give the parent the option.

imagesbytlp

Nikon D7100

08/07/2007 12:18:59 PM · #6

Some professional photographers have "baby wranglers"...someone that entertains the baby, so it's not the photographers job to get the smiles out of the baby...just to capture the expressions.

If you plan to shoot children often...you want to have a box of age appropriate, clean, properly working toys. These are toys that will probably be new to the child, so they will definitely engage them. Also, feather dusters and bubbles are also good things to have someone use to entertain the baby while you shoot.

Just some thoughts...

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

08/07/2007 12:21:33 PM · #7

I agree with most of what's been posted about letting the kid play around and trying to capture natural moments. If you really need "posed" photos, you my try having the child seated on the parent's knee, angled so you can frame just the kid against a background -- should work for a "head and shoulders" portrait.

Canon EOS-20D

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

08/07/2007 12:22:55 PM · #8

Originally posted by ajdelaware:

I wish I knew where I read that article,

Studio Photography magazine? There's an article in their recent issue which sounds very familiar to what you've been describing.

Edited to add a link to the article.

Message edited by author 2007-08-07 12:24:09.

AJSullivan

08/07/2007 12:25:05 PM · #9

Originally posted by mk:

Originally posted by ajdelaware:

I wish I knew where I read that article,

Studio Photography magazine? There's an article in their recent issue which sounds very familiar to what you've been describing.

Edited to add a link to the article.

Exactly haha. That mag is such a gimmick, nothing but ads and every article is a plug for something, but every once in a while I get some good stuff out of it.

kashi

Nikon D60

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G

08/07/2007 12:25:58 PM · #10

<--- Kid sized furniture

<--- Silly props

<--- Go outside

<--- Something for her to look at

<--- Be ready to catch the expression the moment it happens

<--- Something new to the child

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

08/07/2007 05:41:01 PM · #11

that's everyone for all your help, I'll post some photos after the "fun" :) tonight

Mick

Canon EOS-5D

08/07/2007 06:22:27 PM · #12

If you really want them to hold still, then I suggest duct tape.

It also works great when you just need to get away from your own kids for a while. It's much cheaper than a hiring a babysitter.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

08/16/2007 01:14:02 AM · #13

here are a few from that day....

Art Roflmao

Canon EOS-6D Mark II

08/16/2007 03:35:00 AM · #14

Left some comments, Andrea. Hope their somewhat helpful. I've shot kid photos before - nothing professional, but I know how hard it is to get them to give you that perfect shot. The only advice I would've given pre-shoot is to shoot a LOT - like in burst mode - hundreds of pics can yield 4 or 5 really good portraits, in my experience.

Overall very nice though - keep shooting! :)

FireBird

08/16/2007 05:19:03 AM · #15

Originally posted by Art Roflmao:

You scared me when I saw you post in the list. I figured you tell the person to put the kid in the freezer for 5 minutes to slow them down.....