Hoping someone can offer me some insight - here's what I'm after:
Basically, a friend has asked me to take some photos of her son (he's 27 months old… or 2 yrs and a bit :p) for their home but I'm clueless when it comes to portraiture - and I have told her this… however, I'm always willing to try something different in an effort to learn so it's all good.
On my side, I've asked that we put aside an entire day for it, to avoid feeling rushed and that I pick the location(s). I've been thinking about trying to incorporate a carnival theme; our annual carnival begins today, in fact. That way, I get in some fun costumes and props to keep him amused.
So does anyone have some tips or advice regarding anything I've mentioned? I'm unsure of where exactly to have the 'shoot' - perhaps the park? The mom suggested the beach but I think the photos would come out a little bland as the sea isn't all that interesting between sunrise and sunset (unless I were to dress him up as a fish or something, haha). I have a few vague ideas in mind, but Limassol doesn't have much for kids to do. Eek! :s
hi
i am not a pro but i love to take kids photos
if you go outside for them a cloudy day is much easier to take good shots on.
i stop when the child gets fussy. i do not want them to hate the sight of the camera, so when it stops being fun I stop, or try too.
try not to make all the photos a big smile take. lots of good photos are with all kinds of moods and faces. natural is best for that, i think.
have fun and the costumes and carnival sound like great fun.
enjoy. i am excited to see the results.
the Carnival might be too much colour and scare the poor child. I would think Mum would know where best her baby likes to hang? Then you need to work around that.
Just my thoughts and I have never photographed a friend's child, so I have not much evidence behind me.
I just photograph kids doing what they normally do! Getting candids is alot easier and better looking than posed shots...dont get me wrong posed shots are good but your not really getting the character of the child in that...JMO
The most wonderful kids photos are when they are completely unaware of the camera, lost in their own moment. So it's helpful, if the child has some awareness of a camera and is used to posing, to allow time for them to get bored with posing and start ignoring you. When thinking about where to shoot, consider whether 'special occasion/event' photography is going to work best with your subject's temperament, or whether a 'day in the life' approach suits. Some of the best shots of my son are actually of him on the couch watching TV (not that you'd know from the composition) or scrunching leaves in the backyard. Sometimes the most prosaic of scenarios can have the most profound results if it is what the child is most comfortable and natural in. Other kids respond really well to the drama and excitement of costumes and props.
I'll be looking forward to hearing how it goes and what you decide to do!
I am certainly no expert but from my own experience photographing my children taking great photos of them can be challenging at the best of times! They run around at a mile a minute and it is almost impossibleto get them to sit still, smile and look at the camera. However when engaged in their own fun activities they are full of smiles, giggles and natural curiosity.
I find giving them a new activity to focus on works well. Put them in good light and use a super fast shutter speed if they are sitting still. Try following them around so you can learn a little bit about them and see what they are interested in. But try not to let them notice you (kind of creep up on them).
If the toddler is tired, hungry or stir crazy it's not going to work so pick your timing. I find a playground (not overcrowded) is a great place to photograph little people. The carnival sounds good too.
Playing peek-a-boo from behind the camera is usually a winner.
Also ask their Mum to bring along one of their favourite toys but keep it a secret from the child so if there is a time when you want them to look at the camera you can flash their toy up behind it and their little face will light up.
Hope this helps! Best of luck, I'm sure you'll get some great shots!
I teach young children and love taking photos of kids-(I don't put any up on the web). I find that a playground or playing with toys, water. bubbles etc for your young subject would be good. You need them to first feel comfortable and relaxed with you and try to make them laugh (again a young child-tickle them etc). Playgrounds have great vivid colours. Having parent there would help them feel more relaxed. Hope this is helpful.
i havent read any of the above replies yet so if i repeat something sorry hehe !
anyhow i take loadsa shots of my lad who is just 3 and also i did a shoot with my nephew and also did some friends kids too , the rough main age at the time was 1-3 year olds ..... I found the most important thing was to make them enjoy it and stop if they get stressed and have a break. Be their friend ,not their mums friend (sounds weird i know but make them feel like its all about them and you will get more co-operation). Get some silly shots sticking tounges out etc first then i find they normally laugh at what they are doing and you get a cracking smile / laugh shot right after the sticky out tongue ;)
anyhow the question of area / props .... the carnival theme sounds good but will the bright colours look ok hanging in their house ? thats the only thing that id be worried about otherwise it sounds fun :) parks are great for taking pics of kids an open feild with reasonably long grass is ace :) ........ to be honest the beach is good too tho ! and theres so many things u could do at the beach burrying feet in sand , writing their name in the sand or even the child with his hands and foot prints ...... ive actually seen some really cool shots of kiddos paddling in the sea , walking along the waters edge etc
good luck with it !! i personally think u will do a fab job :)
@cocorose@lynlong@flamez
Great, great tips! I support the notion - they move FAST!! Sitting still/posing type shots are really difficult. I am constantly taking photos of my 20 month old and her little friends - and the best shots I get are if they are playing in the park/otherwise absorbed in some activity. You find you get a mixture of pure fun & excitement, mixed with concentration - and both make for great shots.
Drawing, blowing/watching bubbles, running in circles, climbing a ladder... lots of things like that.
And definitely have a bit of fun with them first, so they are comfortable with you - I'm sure you can make them smile Annie :)
Good luck - looking forward to seeing your shots - I'm sure they will be brilliant!
I get all the kids I take photos of to go to the park... thier fave! I stalk them and take a gazzillion photos!!!!! That way you are pretty much guaranteed to get a few clear ones! Being the mum of a 3 yr old and 17month old, they DONT stay still!!! So stalking is my fave tool, I usually call thier name when i want them to look at me, and have the camera ready to take a photo the instant they turn your way!!
Beach isnt boring- doesnt need to be sunrise or sunset to get great photos of kids. have him play in rockpools fully clothed.
let him do as he pleases, you are probably not going to be able to get cooperation from him in posing etc. just shoot his natural reaction to his surroundings.
if you are going to use a prop or costume or carnival or something fun for the child, shoot the instant he sees it otherwise you arent getting his initial reaction.
if its a costume i wouldnt dress him in it until you are at the carnival and have camera ready.
i have driven around with a rocking horse in my car for 3 weeks and everytime we stopped to take photos my daughter was so happy and obliging to have her photos taken on it, because it wasnt something she always got to play with. new and fun.
if the child doesnt know you well, then you may have a hard time getting the shots you imagine. roll with it and be patient.
also i think a whole day is unrealistic. maybe do a few afternoons ( utilising best natural light ) in different location each afternoon, the child will gradually get used to you and your big scary camera.
good luck
I prefer shots when the children are not "posing". A long period to take the pictures will be good as they will eventually forget you are taking pictures. You will have such wonderful opportunities....their awe at something they see....laughter with a clown or costumed character....eating a messy hotdog or icecream cone.....just remember...they don't have the stamina that an older person has, so tears and whining will show up sooner or later....
A child that young needs to be in an environment they feel safe in to get really good shots. I do all my own portraits of my boys as well as having done a few for friends. I find the best shots come from just watching them play. A more formal portrait is nice once in awhile but they show far more personality when not "posed". If you are going to do a carnival theme it could work but remember carnivals are loud, crowded and can be scary to a small child. Maybe just try a few test shots like mom or dad holding him and showing him a ride. Or him holding a balloon or cotton candy in front of a brightly colored carnival sign. At 2 TOO much stimulation is a very bad thing for a shoot! LOL! Here are two shots I did of my 7 year old. You can see there is so much more personality in the candid one.
I've not read through everyones replies but at that age i'd suggest let her choose what she does and when!!
Theres no point even considering trying to get a kid to wear something they arent keen on etc... If you'd like to do props etc you could make it like a lucky dip, put all your props into a pillow case and let her pick one out without looking... so its a surprise and its fun every time...
I find playing pee-a-boo behind the camera works alot too ;) perhaps you should put a silly hat on to keep her interested ;)
the location isn't really that important, the emphasis is on the child scenery is a secondary concern. like others have said you will get the best shots if they are secure comfortable and have something to play with, if that something is brightly coloured even better. you can get a natural pose by waiting until they are immersed in doing something and then call their name or if they dont respond to that pick up a toy they have been playing with and wiggle it next to the camera
the beach is a brilliant place to take childrens portraits if you have the right props or know the right activities, if the beach has rock pools take them rock pooling you can get some amazing expressions or take a ball, bucket and spade, rubber ring you will be amazed what shots you can take. also do a search for children portrature outdoor on any photo site or google images and see what others have done, may give you some ideas.
I'd maybe start off taking a few shots in the home in the childs surroundings. Has your friend said what sort of shots she would like? I did some photoshoots last year and each of them wanted a different sort of photo of their child, one was to just capture their 4 month old baby at that time inher life with some of them together, another friend just wanted one photo of her youngest to go on the wall with her other children jsut him on his own sitting still and others just wanted fun christmasssy style things. I found it easiest to spend five minutes even with friends just finidng out exactly what they wanted. The carnival sounds fun but I do also think the beach sounds good too and chances are if the Mum suggested that she may be hinting she'd like some thatway. The two of themplaying, making sandcastles, in the sea, children splash photos are fun. Lots you can do on the beach. Make it fun is the key element, a ball of favourite toys are always god to have to hand and let them be goofy, no matter what age once children go past a certain baby age they love to be caught being goofy. And be goofy yourself. lol. Also some kids like to look at what you've taken of them. Also jsut let them do their own thing and follow them, those make the best photos at times.
Have fun and really look forward to seeing what you come up with. Oh and you can always get some cute sleeping photos too.
i can't offer much, but just know that as a mom, i love every picture of my kids (especially when they were little like your subject!) my youngest screamed his head off every second of his first birthday, and i have one of those out in my house--makes me laugh every time i see it. you can't mess this up.
Don't forget snacks and bribery material :) Lollies are always a winner at my house. Two year-olds are notoriously bad listeners - trying to get anything posed will be a challenge, so be prepared to chase him around a bit and get a bunch of candids. Carnival theme sounds perfect! Colorful props are always fun - my kids always adored bubbles. Good luck and have fun with it!
I would do early, because later in the day kids get more tired and crankier...less cooperative. I'm all about not trying to pose them. Just let them do what they do and have fun being on their level and capturing their cute little expressions. It just can get frustrating trying to get them to do what you want, is what I mean. That's all I got, though; I'm definitely no expert!
I think you have the right idea about setting aside the whole day. Kids are usually happiest and at their best in the morning. My kids get up at 6 a.m. By 10 a.m. they are ready for some down time. The time may be different, but between wake up and down time would be the best for getting them doing what they do. I agree with some of the other posters, the best ones are when they are completely unaware. This is easy with my own kids because they are so comfortable with my camera as an extension of my arm, I can take a photo of them any time any place.
In the photo class I'm taking right now, our instructor tells us that when he is taking photos of strangers and wants that comfortable feeling he doesn't even get his camera out for the first hour. He sits and chats (or plays if it is a child), then after a while takes out his camera and sits it in his lap while playing, eventually picking up the camera and starting to shoot. That might help you?
You are an awesome photographer, so you already know, less is more. Shots of hands, feet, eyes... Good luck. Cannot wait to see the results!
If the mom has her heart set on something, you might want to find a way to include it. I think what you are forgetting is that she asked you, and she asked you for a reason. Not just because you have a camera, but because there is something in your style that she already loves. Bring your style to the table, as it were, and be yourself. I'm thinking kids love your personality.
Props are good, leaving room for snacks and breaks helps...and ask the mom if there is anything she wants included in the shots.
Mostly bring your style. It's what made her ask in the first place. :) Good luck, I know you'll do fine and have a great time. (Oh fast shutter speeds, they're unbelievably quick at that age--speaking as a mom of course.)
I don't know where you live . . . we have some of our son at age 3 at the beach in San Diego this time of year that we absolutely love, it was cool enough so that we could dress him in khaki shorts, white t-shirt, denim jacket . . . blue skies, lots of rocks and surf, they're not bland at all (but I love beach shots . . . ) You will laugh, but some of my favorite shots when Cade was 1 and 2 I took at an old, local cemetary . . . there's a wonderful duck pond there, lots of great buildings . . . I've also got some at an old barn that I'm partial too . . . and our local zoo has amazing settings and plenty of entertainment . . . all that said, the Carnival is brilliant, color and lights . . . if Mom is into it . . .
Only other advice . . . he's 27 months, leave the tripod at home . . . he won't sit still long enough for you to really make use of it!!!!!
I work with Toddlers and in a pre school and Im always taking photos of them.. and the best photos I have are the ones where I am not in their face so having a good zoom is best..
Having them relaxed is move important than fancy props,, if you give them too many toys to play with they will never focus and sit still and play.
Also with the props, costumes.. some children will never want to change clothes etc. so his mum will know if he can handle clothes changes..
I often find that I have the child engaged and have a perfect shot set up,, it will be of the child looking down or off side.and the parent will call the childs name to get them to look up..and they ruined the shot. So ask the mum to try and not talk to or call their name, thinking they are helping..
Taking some shots of mother and child will put both at them at ease too I would start there,
hope I helped a bit..
Great tips here! I photograph kids quite a bit so make sure you get a few shots that mom has envisioned and let the kid lead the rest of the shoot. Bring a ball!!!! The ball seems to be the magic weapon. Oh and treats. Kids looks really cute photographed with giant colorful suckers and will give you the most awesome looks when tearing into them. Make sure they wear solid color clothes and avoid large busy prints and logos. What I have heard from moms whose kids I have shot is how I capture them in "their moment" and not in the ones mom tries to get them into. They end up loving all the expressions and moods they so often overlook. Have fun!
My Nephew (33 months) hates having his picture taken - to date I had a series of face covered by hands / clothes or hands charging towards the lens. I have had to go through many sessions where I try to take photos and failed. Getting frustrated I changed tact and decided that I should hold my camera whilst playing with him, making the photo of playing part of the game. I shot the one below in a game which included him knocking a pillow house down - he peeps out, I take a couple of photos, reconstruct his house and start all over again! Peek-a-boo and repetition in play allows you to predict slightly more what they are going to do and gives you half a chance to set the frame before they get to the frame. It also allows you to become part of the game and therefore laughter often follows.
I would advise that wherever you shoot doesn't have too many distracting objects that mess up focus - fast shutter speed may be required!!
I have had a few sessions with kids and many with my own. I get the best shots when the children are completely unaware of the camera. I like it to be in a familiar place for the child too. With boys, it also helps if you let them break a few rules (ie climb up the slide etc). They get so happy when they can do that! The key is no pressure on the kid or yourself. You can always try another day. Sometimes the chemistry isn't there. When all else fails, I have many sweets lined up for a bribe and can get some fun shots while they eat those too!
@indiannie_jones i think you should visit @vinadity98 's album...she has some really great shots of children. perhaps you could see some inspiration from her totally amazing work...
I LOVE beach pics!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jpf3nH-JiU is a short video of the pics I took of my then 2 year old at the beach last summer (she is now three). I was not part of 365 last summer and only took them as quick snapshots with my waterproof point and shoot. Looking back I still love how nice they turned out. I'm with everyone else that pics of kids being kids are the easiest to take. I'm not much of a photographer but I'm a mom of three so all I take is kid pics. I take pictures every day of them and beach ones are my favorite, park second, playing in yard (our hay field or by our old barn) is third. Can't wait for the snow to melt in cold PA so I can get back to fun outside pictures!
Thank you ALL for your feedback! Even you, @crappysailor :P
Just to clarify - when I say carnival, I don't mean actually taking their photo at the parades, but just having some costumes for him, as well as props/toys to distract him in a bid to get more natural shots. He's comfortable with me (at least I would think so, considering how many times he's thrown up on me and then giggled) but he certainly doesn't sit still for very long.
I have tons to say but no time, I'm afraid - I'll reply properly tomorrow!
I've done a couple shoots at a playground. They're usually colorful and the kids get busy being kids. It's great for candids. If you do this, you might want to go at a time when the bigger kids will be at school, so he has more opportunities to try everything. Because you're outside, it's easy enough to get the fast shutter speeds you need to stop the motion. Or you can get creative with some motion blur on a merry-go-round or swing.
@microart Not yet, no :) thanks for asking! We were going to this weekend but with the big parade tomorrow and holiday on Monday, we thought to leave it for a more peaceful weekend :)
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I realize that didn't answer your question. Or help in anyway. ;-P
i am not a pro but i love to take kids photos
if you go outside for them a cloudy day is much easier to take good shots on.
i stop when the child gets fussy. i do not want them to hate the sight of the camera, so when it stops being fun I stop, or try too.
try not to make all the photos a big smile take. lots of good photos are with all kinds of moods and faces. natural is best for that, i think.
have fun and the costumes and carnival sound like great fun.
enjoy. i am excited to see the results.
Just my thoughts and I have never photographed a friend's child, so I have not much evidence behind me.
I'll be looking forward to hearing how it goes and what you decide to do!
I find giving them a new activity to focus on works well. Put them in good light and use a super fast shutter speed if they are sitting still. Try following them around so you can learn a little bit about them and see what they are interested in. But try not to let them notice you (kind of creep up on them).
If the toddler is tired, hungry or stir crazy it's not going to work so pick your timing. I find a playground (not overcrowded) is a great place to photograph little people. The carnival sounds good too.
Playing peek-a-boo from behind the camera is usually a winner.
Also ask their Mum to bring along one of their favourite toys but keep it a secret from the child so if there is a time when you want them to look at the camera you can flash their toy up behind it and their little face will light up.
Hope this helps! Best of luck, I'm sure you'll get some great shots!
anyhow i take loadsa shots of my lad who is just 3 and also i did a shoot with my nephew and also did some friends kids too , the rough main age at the time was 1-3 year olds ..... I found the most important thing was to make them enjoy it and stop if they get stressed and have a break. Be their friend ,not their mums friend (sounds weird i know but make them feel like its all about them and you will get more co-operation). Get some silly shots sticking tounges out etc first then i find they normally laugh at what they are doing and you get a cracking smile / laugh shot right after the sticky out tongue ;)
anyhow the question of area / props .... the carnival theme sounds good but will the bright colours look ok hanging in their house ? thats the only thing that id be worried about otherwise it sounds fun :) parks are great for taking pics of kids an open feild with reasonably long grass is ace :) ........ to be honest the beach is good too tho ! and theres so many things u could do at the beach burrying feet in sand , writing their name in the sand or even the child with his hands and foot prints ...... ive actually seen some really cool shots of kiddos paddling in the sea , walking along the waters edge etc
good luck with it !! i personally think u will do a fab job :)
Great, great tips! I support the notion - they move FAST!! Sitting still/posing type shots are really difficult. I am constantly taking photos of my 20 month old and her little friends - and the best shots I get are if they are playing in the park/otherwise absorbed in some activity. You find you get a mixture of pure fun & excitement, mixed with concentration - and both make for great shots.
Drawing, blowing/watching bubbles, running in circles, climbing a ladder... lots of things like that.
And definitely have a bit of fun with them first, so they are comfortable with you - I'm sure you can make them smile Annie :)
Good luck - looking forward to seeing your shots - I'm sure they will be brilliant!
let him do as he pleases, you are probably not going to be able to get cooperation from him in posing etc. just shoot his natural reaction to his surroundings.
if you are going to use a prop or costume or carnival or something fun for the child, shoot the instant he sees it otherwise you arent getting his initial reaction.
if its a costume i wouldnt dress him in it until you are at the carnival and have camera ready.
i have driven around with a rocking horse in my car for 3 weeks and everytime we stopped to take photos my daughter was so happy and obliging to have her photos taken on it, because it wasnt something she always got to play with. new and fun.
if the child doesnt know you well, then you may have a hard time getting the shots you imagine. roll with it and be patient.
also i think a whole day is unrealistic. maybe do a few afternoons ( utilising best natural light ) in different location each afternoon, the child will gradually get used to you and your big scary camera.
good luck
Theres no point even considering trying to get a kid to wear something they arent keen on etc... If you'd like to do props etc you could make it like a lucky dip, put all your props into a pillow case and let her pick one out without looking... so its a surprise and its fun every time...
I find playing pee-a-boo behind the camera works alot too ;) perhaps you should put a silly hat on to keep her interested ;)
hth!! xx
the beach is a brilliant place to take childrens portraits if you have the right props or know the right activities, if the beach has rock pools take them rock pooling you can get some amazing expressions or take a ball, bucket and spade, rubber ring you will be amazed what shots you can take. also do a search for children portrature outdoor on any photo site or google images and see what others have done, may give you some ideas.
Have fun and really look forward to seeing what you come up with. Oh and you can always get some cute sleeping photos too.
I think you have the right idea about setting aside the whole day. Kids are usually happiest and at their best in the morning. My kids get up at 6 a.m. By 10 a.m. they are ready for some down time. The time may be different, but between wake up and down time would be the best for getting them doing what they do. I agree with some of the other posters, the best ones are when they are completely unaware. This is easy with my own kids because they are so comfortable with my camera as an extension of my arm, I can take a photo of them any time any place.
In the photo class I'm taking right now, our instructor tells us that when he is taking photos of strangers and wants that comfortable feeling he doesn't even get his camera out for the first hour. He sits and chats (or plays if it is a child), then after a while takes out his camera and sits it in his lap while playing, eventually picking up the camera and starting to shoot. That might help you?
You are an awesome photographer, so you already know, less is more. Shots of hands, feet, eyes... Good luck. Cannot wait to see the results!
Props are good, leaving room for snacks and breaks helps...and ask the mom if there is anything she wants included in the shots.
Mostly bring your style. It's what made her ask in the first place. :) Good luck, I know you'll do fine and have a great time. (Oh fast shutter speeds, they're unbelievably quick at that age--speaking as a mom of course.)
Only other advice . . . he's 27 months, leave the tripod at home . . . he won't sit still long enough for you to really make use of it!!!!!
Have Fun!!!!!
Having them relaxed is move important than fancy props,, if you give them too many toys to play with they will never focus and sit still and play.
Also with the props, costumes.. some children will never want to change clothes etc. so his mum will know if he can handle clothes changes..
I often find that I have the child engaged and have a perfect shot set up,, it will be of the child looking down or off side.and the parent will call the childs name to get them to look up..and they ruined the shot. So ask the mum to try and not talk to or call their name, thinking they are helping..
Taking some shots of mother and child will put both at them at ease too I would start there,
hope I helped a bit..
I would advise that wherever you shoot doesn't have too many distracting objects that mess up focus - fast shutter speed may be required!!
Good luck! I can't wait to see what you get!
Just to clarify - when I say carnival, I don't mean actually taking their photo at the parades, but just having some costumes for him, as well as props/toys to distract him in a bid to get more natural shots. He's comfortable with me (at least I would think so, considering how many times he's thrown up on me and then giggled) but he certainly doesn't sit still for very long.
I have tons to say but no time, I'm afraid - I'll reply properly tomorrow!
Thanks again! xox