Composing/positioning Family/Kid shots

[Alex.K]

Hello all,

I've been in photography for just about a year now - though its been mostly nature. Over the summer I did(and got good at) shooting baseball umpires. I want to get into studio/portrait photography.
My uncle and his wife have agreed to let me "practice" on their family(they have a 1yro daughter and 3yro son). I'm going to be doing "Christmas" photos. Some inside and some outside. I have a general idea about lighting and what not, but I'm lacking in the composing/positioning area.(I want to get some books, but since these will be taken within the next 3-4weeks...)
Do you guys have any tips? Any good websites that would help?
Thanks in advance,
a.k

[suecassidy]

How "one" year old is the one year old?? There is a huge difference in photographing a 12 month old, who is easily amused, as opposed to a 17 month old who is all over the place and flying pigs wouldn't impress her. Anyone who photographs kids should learn the stages of development of children between the ages of 0-4 and keep that in mind when deciding how to proceed with the shoot. THat doesn't really answer your question, I suppose, but it is something to consider when you go to a website and find a pose that you like and think you want to copy it.

[Alex.K]

She's VERY mellow. Just kinda sits there, crawls around some, but not like a total crazy little kid. lol.
I think the 3yro is going to be more a challenge. lol. So we'll see though.