Look at me please!

[Ambrosia76]

This is what I feel like screaming when I am trying to take pics of 2 yr old granddaughter. She absolutely refuses to look at me or the camera. I want to take pictures showing her pretty eyes, but I am at my wits end. I have tried toys,treats,everything. she will turn her face towards me then either close her eyes or look away. It is frustrating.

Anyone have any suggestions?

[NicolaB]

Yep - put a chair in the garden in good light. Tell her you don't want her to go sit in it. Turn your back to get into position......snap the action ;-)

[TNH]

Here's what we do to get kids to look at the camera-
Buy a mini portable DVD player. Put a DVD in it, and have someone stand behind you and hold it beside the camera. She will watch the show on the DVD player, and it will look like she's looking at you. Give it a try!

[RLucas]

good replies so far, but your problem totally reminded me of........

[Ambrosia76]

Seriously Luke it has crossed my mind to scotch tape her eyes open...LOL

The DVD thing gives me an idea though. I shoot with a Canon 60d which has the flip open lcd screen I wonder if I open it towards her and put it on live view if she will look at herself.

[faeriegodess612]

Originally Posted by RLucas

good replies so far, but your problem totally reminded me of........

LOL,..I knew there was a reason I liked you.

[RLucas]

Originally Posted by faeriegodess612

LOL,..I knew there was a reason I liked you.

Cool! You're up to about 10 reasons right now. I must be on a roll?

Yeah, in all seriousness Ambrosia, I haven't had much experience with kids, and the one's that I have done have been complete hams, and loved the camera. I have had to get some shots on the fly too, which were totally candid. I like the chair and dvd idea. Something to lock in my think tank for later.

[scootermcq]

FART - What kid doesn't look and giggle when you do that?

[SwissJon]

Tell her to close her eyes, no peeping now, keep them closed, and then open them again when I say 123go..

I've found that in situations where someone is doing something you don't want them to do, the best way to start is in a state that you don't want, and then change that, rather than trying to start in the state that you wan't, and hoping it won't change.. Kids that make v signs behind heads.. Get them to do it.. Take a few snaps like that, then ask them to stop.. People that keep closing their eyes.. Ask them to close them until you want them open (Works well in bright sunshine when they're looking into the sun and squint too)

[TNH]

Originally Posted by Ambrosia76

The DVD thing gives me an idea though. I shoot with a Canon 60d which has the flip open lcd screen I wonder if I open it towards her and put it on live view if she will look at herself.

That would probably work, too. What kid doesn't enjoy seeing their selves? It's worth a try.