First attempt at baby/child photography

[shocksyde]

I Took some baby pics (~6 months old) for a friend over the weekend. I had no experience what-so-ever with this kind of work, but figured it would be a good learning experience. I used a 40D with a 17-55IS and a 430EX flash w/diffuser.

The baby was quite bothered with the sunlight, so many great shots were turned into OK shots by closed eyes. I did manage to get some pics with the eyes open that I think the parents will enjoy (haven't heard back from them yet).

Here's a couple examples I enjoyed:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3561/3522949676_128d086a6e.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3417/3522945862_e8135120d4.jpg

I'll probably clone out the drool in the second pic, but I left it in for the parents to proof the pictures. Gotta love that tongue sticking out, though, haha.

A few things I learned:

- Babies (at least this one) pretty much refuse to look directly at a camera.
- Fill flash is awesome, I'm never taking outdoor pics of people without a flash every again
- Choose a solid-colored blanket to lay the baby on (the blanket in the second pic is waaaaay too distracting, in my opinion)
- I like shooting babies b/c they have no idea what's going on and therefor don't look posed or uncomfortable

[blondine]

#2 is great! I have a ton of pics with the drool of my boys (better ask if you should leave it in before removing for their copy...).

[christyjo2]

The 2nd one is too cute.

[Mark Anthony]

- Babies (at least this one) pretty much refuse to look directly at a camera.


Get a small squeaky toy they help an unbelievable amount.

[briarlow]

Really like the second one.

[shocksyde]

Get a small squeaky toy they help an unbelievable amount.

I actually considered shaking my car keys, haha.

[lookingforaname]

You can also try playing peek-a-boo behind the camera to get them to smile and look at the camera. The problem there is camera shake . . . .