Help! I've never done a toddler shoot before

[martha36]

A friend saw some pictures I took of my children and asked me to take pictures of her 15-month-old. She's coming over in two days, and I'm trying to think of some props or something just to help with the shoot. I don't want to do formal, posed stuff. But I figured having things for Elizabeth to do doing or interacting with would help. Or maybe not. But I don't know what - I thought of books, dress up stuff like hats or scarves, stuffed animals. Am I on the right track here or not?

[smidgen]

im only just starting as a photographer but i work in child care i would have fairy wings trucks music but if your shooting at their home you will have all their favorite toys there. you could also go to a park with play equipment. however if you dont want to lug lots of things around i suggest bubbles good luck cant wait to see the pics

[candidrachel]

What about getting her to do a drawing something like this:

These are photos I took of my daughter about the same age. I added the one of her having tantrum just for good measure as it represents "a day in the life of a toddler!". I think I took the crayons off her as she was about to draw on the window sill. Bad mummy!

[mymaison97]

I agree, if the weather cooperates, it's a beautiful time of year for some outdoor shots and playground shots. Good luck!

[candleman]

Originally Posted by candidrachel

What about getting her to do a drawing something like this:

These are photos I took of my daughter about the same age. I added the one of her having tantrum just for good measure as it represents "a day in the life of a toddler!". I think I took the crayons off her as she was about to draw on the window sill. Bad mummy!

holy hell.. candidrachel, my little one looks almost exactly like that!!
seriously, i actually thought my wife had signed in and posted pics of our boy.

[villafane928]

Hi Martha. I shoot a tremendous amount of toddlers and I can tell you what my system is. First off ask the parent politely to try not to interfere with the shoot. They seem to creep over your should barking smile orders. Next I make the child more comfortable with me (especially if they are not familiar with me) by playing around and being silly with them. I then start snapping away. Be sure to pause and pull the camera away from your face to interact some more. You usually only get a few shots off with the camera up to your face before they become disinterested in the person with the black Nikon (or canon if you have a lesser grade camera...lol) masking thier face. Be sure that most of your shots have the eyes in focus if you are doing alot of face shots. Nothing kills a great child portrait than too soft eyes. If you choose the park as the location, just follow them around and let them be. Once in awhile call thier name out and be prepared to shoot as soon as they look at you. If you shoot outdoors also make sure you will be able to use the natural light effectively to get some nice catchlights in thier eyes. I hope this helps and the best of luck.

[candidrachel]

Candleman do you have red headed children? Did you say in a previous post that you have 3 boys under 3? Crazy!!

My children both have red hair although I am blonde and my hubby has black hair. He blames me for the red gene for telling the joke about the baby with red hair while preggers and now its come back to haunt me ( I won't tell it!)

Joking aside I think its a wonderful colour and people stop me in the street and comment on their hair.

My daughter is still a diva and its now nearly 10pm here in the UK and she made a camp bed on the sofa and keeps asking me what I'm writing and its a school nite too!

She's 6 btw!

[martha36]

Originally Posted by villafane928

Hi Martha. I shoot a tremendous amount of toddlers and I can tell you what my system is. First off ask the parent politely to try not to interfere with the shoot. They seem to creep over your should barking smile orders. Next I make the child more comfortable with me (especially if they are not familiar with me) by playing around and being silly with them. I then start snapping away. Be sure to pause and pull the camera away from your face to interact some more. You usually only get a few shots off with the camera up to your face before they become disinterested in the person with the black Nikon (or canon if you have a lesser grade camera...lol) masking thier face. Be sure that most of your shots have the eyes in focus if you are doing alot of face shots. Nothing kills a great child portrait than too soft eyes. If you choose the park as the location, just follow them around and let them be. Once in awhile call thier name out and be prepared to shoot as soon as they look at you. If you shoot outdoors also make sure you will be able to use the natural light effectively to get some nice catchlights in thier eyes. I hope this helps and the best of luck.

Thanks for the tips - I'll especially remember the eyes! Good advice to keep in the front of my mind. And it is a Nikon - I'm a brand snob and proud of it

[Trigger]

No one will hold it against your for owing canon /nikon


cheers