Need your help/advice shooting for a 2 yr old

[canalero]

Hello all,

I'd like to get some advice and tips on taking pictures of a toddler. I'm not a professional photographer I'm more of a photography enthusiast that is looking to get more and more into photography. Anyways, I've been asked to take some pictures of my nephew and I want to do a good job. It will be in an outdoor setting. Possibly a park or by the water (lake or beach). I have a Canon 7D and the only lens I have is the Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM.

Any suggestions on how I should go about this? Thanks in advance.

[canalero]

Thanks guys! :\

[gonzogolf]

It sometimes helps if your question is more specific. My suggestion would be to go out in golden hour light, late in the day so you avoid direct sunlight. I prefer to use fill flash or a reflector, but you dont have to . For the most part try to use your lens close to wide open and at a range of 75-135 on the zoom range to get a nice flattering perspective.

[kins]

ive found to photograph my two year old i have to hammer croquet hoops in to the ground around her limbs for her to hold still (jk) all joking aside if they are active then the patience of a saint should be packed in to your bag

[rick_reno]

thorazine can be helpful, it'll really slow them down.

seriously, you've got a great camera and lens, go and let the kid enjoy himself and i'm betting you'll get some great shots.

[canalero]

Originally Posted by gonzogolf

It sometimes helps if your question is more specific. My suggestion would be to go out in golden hour light, late in the day so you avoid direct sunlight. I prefer to use fill flash or a reflector, but you dont have to . For the most part try to use your lens close to wide open and at a range of 75-135 on the zoom range to get a nice flattering perspective.

Gonzo I'm not sure how much more specific I could get, but will definitely keep in mind for future posts. Thanks for the tips I'm definitely going to take a few practice shots over the weekend with my kids. Haven't used a reflector, but I'll look into that. Thanks again.

And yes I'll definitely need some patience! Thorazine!

[sebr]

It is difficult to say how or what you should shoot. Try to make him pose for a few shots with the help of his parents. Then let him play and shoot some candids. You can may be call him a few times while he is playing so he looks at the camera. Try to have some variations in the shots (different scenes, poses, focal lengths, etc). Shoot him alone and with his parents. Take many shots for each situation. For portraits with a blur background, shoot wide open at 135mm.

[RSB]

As the grandfather of a 2 year old, although she'll be 3 next month, I can assure you it's not an easy assignment. Two year olds don't stay very still for very long, they're difficult to "pose", and it's not always easy to get a natural smile from them. I put my camera in aiServo mode, AV priority around f4/f5.6, and use a 580EX2 set for HSS. Then I just try and follow her around. One from last week in my back yard, she's not normally this serious, I just caught a moment. 5Dmk2, 85mm f1.8, 580ex2, ISO400, 1/800th@f5.6.

[Maverique]

GOD DAMN that's terrifying. That's not a good photo, sorry, haha. Not your fault, no, but not a good photo :P

[AvailableLight]

Originally Posted by Maverique

GOD DAMN that's terrifying. That's not a good photo, sorry, haha. Not your fault, no, but not a good photo :P

Terrifying?! I guess we disagree. This girl is absolutely adorable and this picture IMO is at the very least GREAT. Love those big eyes!

Originally Posted by RSB

To the OP: RSB makes excellent suggestions about using AI SERVO; a must when you're shooting children. Another tip: avoid shooting down at the child. Get down to their level, heck even lower to get some interesting shots. Get on the ground like a special ops soldier

If you could get a telephoto lens (like the 55-250) it'd be great so you can take some distant candids as well.

[RSB]

Originally Posted by Maverique

GOD DAMN that's terrifying. That's not a good photo, sorry, haha. Not your fault, no, but not a good photo :P

Please accept my apologies if my photograph of my 3 year old granddaughter actually terrified you. And please pass on my condolences to your family, friends, co workers, and anyone else that you come in contact with.

[gonzogolf]

Originally Posted by Maverique

GOD DAMN that's terrifying. That's not a good photo, sorry, haha. Not your fault, no, but not a good photo :P

I think you were joking, but wow.

[AvailableLight]

Originally Posted by RSB

Please accept my apologies if my photograph of my 3 year old granddaughter actually terrified you. And please pass on my condolences to your family, friends, co workers, and anyone else that you come in contact with.

Hahaha, nicely done, Randy.

[Maverique]

Originally Posted by RSB

Please accept my apologies if my photograph of my 3 year old granddaughter actually terrified you. And please pass on my condolences to your family, friends, co workers, and anyone else that you come in contact with.

Will do hahaha, I was joking dude. It's not terrifying but the eyes are too wide open, she looks startled.

[canalero]

Thanks for the info and tips. I will definitely give it a shot even though I don't have an external flash yet. Also, your granddaughter is adorable. Nice picture!



QUOTE=RSB;14753579]As the grandfather of a 2 year old, although she'll be 3 next month, I can assure you it's not an easy assignment. Two year olds don't stay very still for very long, they're difficult to "pose", and it's not always easy to get a natural smile from them. I put my camera in aiServo mode, AV priority around f4/f5.6, and use a 580EX2 set for HSS. Then I just try and follow her around. One from last week in my back yard, she's not normally this serious, I just caught a moment. 5Dmk2, 85mm f1.8, 580ex2, ISO400, 1/800th@f5.6.


[/quote]