Tips on photographing children!

[steffiec]

Hi there, I am new to the DPS forum! I'm building my portfolio and looking to start a small business. I've done a couple of shoots (maternity and children), and have another one coming up in a couple of days with 2 toddlers. I just want some insight into what has worked with for some of you folks who do childrens portraits. (Feedback would be great on some of the photos I've posted as well!) Thanks!

[BEGM83]

I put a thread up not so long ago about this...should be on page 2 or 3 will try bump it up for you

[hibou]

(Hi, I'm new too!)

I shot my first childrens session over the weekend. It was only an hour for maximum participation (nobody wants to shoot cranky, over-tired toddlers), but a very busy hour - almost 1000 shots off. I advise you to not worry if they cry. It's not you. Probably.

I introduced myself to them, told them that I was going to take their picture and asked if that was okay, and then told them that we were going to run around and play and have a good time and don't worry too much about looking at the camera. I stayed down on the ground with them, gave them lots of space (shooting with 100 mm), just let them do their thing. Don't be afraid to be silly and get dirty!

The parents were very specific about the look they were going for too, which was great. Define expectations. Then take lots and lots of photos

[steffiec]

Thanks to you both! I will look for the thread that was put up!