Easter Shoot???

[DeSistoDigitals]

Hello Everyone,
I have my first REAL clients coming to do an Easter photo session of their 9-month old son. I have a Canon XTI, EF S 18-55 mm kit lens, 50 mm f1.8 lens, studio lighting set (umbrellas, no soft boxes), and a white seamless paper backdrop.
I've purchased some props - large plastic jelly beans, huge stuffed duck, chocolate bunnies for a messy face and then an Easter basket that will have grass and eggs in it.
Sorry for that long list, but basically what I want to know is, what will give me the best shots? Will I want to use my kit lens or the 50mm... how do I know what shutter speed to use (I've heard for the f-stop, f/11 is the best for portraiture)? Does anyone have any tips on poses? I know to "get low" to the baby's level, but other than that... I feel like I'm going into this blindly. Any advice would be SO greatly appreciated and I'll be sure to post some pics after the shoot (assuming any turn out :))!
Thank you for your time.

-Nately (pronounced "Natalie" but my parents couldn't spell :lol:)

[Chantua]

I'd love to give you some advise but I really don't know myself, Hopefully someone will though. Good luck though, can't wait to see the finished product.

[PhotosGuy]

(I've heard for the f-stop, f/11 is the best for portraiture)? Depends on the distance & f-stop you're shooting at? Use the 50 f/1.8 & shoot some lighting tests beforehand so you know what you're doing.

baby phots mum not happy at the photo shoot (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=422149)

[sevillafox]

My suggestion for that age....you don't pose. You take what you can get. Put them in your scene and snap away at the way they interact with what's around them. Have mom and dad try and get the baby to look at you while you are shooting. Babies that age are usually on the move so your best bet is to give them something to do (which is where your props come in).

As for the lighting, I second Frank's suggestion.

[DeSistoDigitals]

Thank you all for your tips! :) I'm really excited to try it all out!
By the way, just so no one is put off, this is my first photo shoot without any help and it's not of family of friends (so that's what I mean by my first REAL shoot), but the clients are aware of this and they know I'm just starting out. I'm not charging them a sitting fee and they are getting their prints 50% off (basically what it costs me). I didn't want anyone thinking I was just jumping in and charging top dollar when I'm still very new. I know I don't deserve that (yet :))! Just getting my portfolio together.
Thanks again for your responses and also the link to that great thread!

[DeSistoDigitals]

Hi all,
I posted a few shots from the session:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=469854
Any CC would be greatly appreciated! :)

Thanks,
Nately