child portraits

[Martin]

Hello,
this is my first post other than in the introductions.
A friend who leads a local pre-school playgroup has asked me if I would take some portraits of their children.
I was just wondering if anyone has any tips, particuarly keeping them smiling!!
I have several backgrounds and was wondering what colour would be best for children.
The age range is 3-4 years.
Many thanks
Martin

[Tiberius]

First tip is to get down to their level. Get the camera at their eye level. Also, kids are always on the move, so you might want to try shooting them while they are playing. If you're doing this, use a wide open aperture to give a nicely blurred background. If it's sunny and you are outside, try using a bit of fill flash to avoid harsh shadows. Remember that kids won't be happy sitting in poses for long, so you have to work to their time rather than yours, otherwise you'll end up with lovely photos of ticked off children.

[Martin]

Thanks for that Tiberius.
all shots will be taken indoors using a (cheap!!) 2 light system. Unfortunately due to the centre backing onto a main road outside play is not possible.
The main problem will be to get the litle un's smiling, and sitting still for at least long enough for me to press the shutter!

[Saralonde]

There may be some tips in the portrait section of the blog that can help you.
http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/category/portrait-photography/

[jiminyClickit]

Martin, Welcome

Two quick thoughts: having once been a child, I remember that being given attention was great, and when telling a joke, I usually smiled or laughed long before the punchline. Maybe ask for their best funny?

And if you have a plain background and do editting, colors could be suited to each child's clothing and natural coloring.

Also duct tape for the sitting-still part.

[Martin]

thanks for that, plenty of info in the blog.
Practising hard, at present anyone who comes into my home is getting a portrait photo wether they want one or not!!
My front room is quite small so the lighting is not quite how I would want it but I am getting some good results firing the flashes thru' the brollys.
Thanks again

[Martin]

Martin, Welcome


Also duct tape for the sitting-still part.

Hmm. Will have to discuss that one with the parents first :)

[ovidius]

One of the hardest thing in my opinion. trying to capture the real child inside a child while asking him to stand still...hmm..:D
My son doesnt know how to smile so I gave up asking him to pose for me and kept following him through the house and taking loads of photos.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/ovidiu.suteu/MYBOYS/photo#5050848124896901026"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/image/ovidiu.suteu/Rhg3m-rtd6I/AAAAAAAAAT8/AWm2l416xwA/s400/20070407-IMGP1350.jpg" /></a>
I couldn't have capture this smile in any of the "pre-planned" photos.

Ovidiu

[adriankeith]

Hey Martin,

I'm new here but I wanted to throw you a suggestion. If you've got enough memory, keep shooting! Kids are unpredictable and its always good to just keep shooting.

[Martin]

Thanks Ovidius & Keith.
I am bringing a photographer friend with me who will hopefully get to take some candids while I do the more "formal" shots. As someone who doesn't like having a photo taken I know the problems with unwilling subjects :D
I have sufficient memory so my friend will have plenty of scope for taking plenty of candids.
Thanks again to all for the tips.
Martin

[Martin]

Well,
thought I'd let on how it went.
Overall, I really enjoyed the day. Most of the kids behaved and were naturals in front of the camera!!
However, I did get worried when some mothers were trying to force their children to smile, causing the children to get more and more agitated with tears and tantrums. I told them it was ok and maybe it would be better if they tried a little later. This seemed to work.
One important tip which may seem obvious to most: safety is paramount. I had to reorganise my setup as more than one child tried to run across my sync cable in an effort to be the first to sit. Heart stopping moment so learn from my mistake!!
The mothers were very pleased with the photos, we printed there and then with several asking for enlargements, so might even get to cover costs :)
Unfortunately, I don't think I am allowed to post any examples. I didn't think to ask for permission (another learning point for me)
Anyway, once the nerves were overcome I really enjoyed the day.
Martin

[Saralonde]

Thanks for the update, Martin, I'm glad everything went well for you. It's nice to hear about the things you would do differently, too, so we can all learn from your experience. I never would have thought about the safety issue beforehand either.