Need Some Advice on shooting a two year old with Cerebral Palsy

[Bonnie boo]

Hey everyone, I'm a newbie here, and a newbie to SLR photography. I'm doing my first shoot in about a week of a 2-year-old little girl with Cerebral Palsy. She is not mobile yet. I'm not sure if she is sitting up by herself yet, I just emailed the mom to ask her. Whenever I see her, the mom is holding her or she is in a stroller or car seat.

We will be doing some indoor and outdoor shooting. Its still 90 plus degrees here most days dawn to dusk, so we won't last long outside.

Can anyone offer any set-up / positioning tips for a 30 lb non-mobile child? I have a boppy and I'm thinking about getting a bean bag chair. We will take some pictures with mom and some of just the girl.

I have a T3 with kit lens and a nifty fifty. I'm not charging for the shoot, and I'm hoping to display some shots at a silent auction being help Oct 1 to benefit her medical fund.

I would really love to be able to capture her eyes, they are BEAUTIFUL.

TIA for any advice!

[Joe Ravenstein]

Do your best to show the little girl in the most favorable light as possible. use a lens with a wide aperature to blur any support used. Take as many images as you can, her parents will want images of her in case the unimaginable occurs. Cudos for donating images to the silent auction to assist in her many medical bills

[suecassidy]

Bonnie, I have a lot of experience in this area, and was a contributing writer to a book on the subject (google, Photographing Children with Special Needs, Karen Dorame). From my experience, I can tell you that large bean bags are terrific for positioning subjects that don't have a lot of control over their neck muscles etc. The majority of people with special needs that I photographed were not as young as your 2 year old subject, so you will face other problems than I have in regards to her age, just as with all 2 year olds. One thing that I've always had to deal with, regardless of age, is drooling. With older subjects, I always talk to THEM before I shoot. Many of them have nothing wrong with their intellect and can understand you even if they can't respond. For example, I always say to them, "Is it ok if I wipe your mouth, if I need to?" In your case, you can have the mom do this, as it is much easier to wipe it dry, rather than photoshop it out. And remember that a lot of drool is easy for the mom to notice, but it is the less obvious wet spots that will get you if you are using studio lights, so make sure she wipes it well! Also, some subjects might have their tongues sticking out. In that case, have mom reach in and touch the tongue (actually, tap it a few times) with her finger. Often, just as with newborns, they will suck it back in when she does that. Otherwise, you can just wait it out if it matters.

Sometimes, for whatever reason, you find the bean bag isn't suiting your needs on that day, with that subject. This is where the "suggested parent" shot works. You have the mom scoop up the child and hold her in a way that is a pleasant pose for a headshot or whatever. The mom can be looking down at the child or you over the mom's shoulder, whatever. Mom is IN the photo, but certainly isn't the focus of it, and her face is probably not even showing. Only her hair, her shoulder, her hands. You might want to start off this way to get the child used to you and your camera and lights. Mom looking at a picture book with the child in a big old chair with soft, window light is always nice. Once the child is comfortable, you can move on from there.

I have found one of the most important things about photographing children with special needs (emotional, physical, developmental, doesn't matter) is how you relate to the PARENT. You have to understand how nervous they often are coming in for photos, will my child act up or not be able to do what they are supposed to? Reassuring the parent that you've seen it all, that you can deal with whatever happens, that their child isn't DISabled, they are just DIFFERENTLY abled, will go a long way. If the parent is squirrelly and nervous, the child will pick up on that. The parent of a 2 year old hasn't been dealing with the issues involved for very long yet really, so be confident and upbeat (not nervous and tentative) and have FUN with her beautiful child!

[Rolfe D. Wolfe]

Originally Posted by suecassidy

Bonnie, I have a lot of experience in this area, and was a contributing writer to a book on the subject (google, Photographing Children with Special Needs, Karen Dorame). From my experience, I can tell you that large bean bags are terrific for positioning subjects that don't have a lot of control over their neck muscles etc. The majority of people with special needs that I photographed were not as young as your 2 year old subject, so you will face other problems than I have in regards to her age, just as with all 2 year olds. One thing that I've always had to deal with, regardless of age, is drooling. With older subjects, I always talk to THEM before I shoot. Many of them have nothing wrong with their intellect and can understand you even if they can't respond. For example, I always say to them, "Is it ok if I wipe your mouth, if I need to?" In your case, you can have the mom do this, as it is much easier to wipe it dry, rather than photoshop it out. And remember that a lot of drool is easy for the mom to notice, but it is the less obvious wet spots that will get you if you are using studio lights, so make sure she wipes it well! Also, some subjects might have their tongues sticking out. In that case, have mom reach in and touch the tongue (actually, tap it a few times) with her finger. Often, just as with newborns, they will suck it back in when she does that. Otherwise, you can just wait it out if it matters.

Sometimes, for whatever reason, you find the bean bag isn't suiting your needs on that day, with that subject. This is where the "suggested parent" shot works. You have the mom scoop up the child and hold her in a way that is a pleasant pose for a headshot or whatever. The mom can be looking down at the child or you over the mom's shoulder, whatever. Mom is IN the photo, but certainly isn't the focus of it, and her face is probably not even showing. Only her hair, her shoulder, her hands. You might want to start off this way to get the child used to you and your camera and lights. Mom looking at a picture book with the child in a big old chair with soft, window light is always nice. Once the child is comfortable, you can move on from there.

I have found one of the most important things about photographing children with special needs (emotional, physical, developmental, doesn't matter) is how you relate to the PARENT. You have to understand how nervous they often are coming in for photos, will my child act up or not be able to do what they are supposed to? Reassuring the parent that you've seen it all, that you can deal with whatever happens, that their child isn't DISabled, they are just DIFFERENTLY abled, will go a long way. If the parent is squirrelly and nervous, the child will pick up on that. The parent of a 2 year old hasn't been dealing with the issues involved for very long yet really, so be confident and upbeat (not nervous and tentative) and have FUN with her beautiful child!

This feedback is spot on.

Very good stuff.

I work as an X-ray Tech and i have had to obtain images of children as young as 3 days old all the way though!

100s of shapes and sizes and definitely children with special needs!

One thing that works wonders is having EVERYTHING setup already so that they can basically step right into the set and not be startled by setting up all this unfamiliar equipment.

You probably will have more leeway with photography equipment, since X-ray equipment is bulky and squeaky.

Being on the same page with the parent is a MUST. Children in general, but especially with special needs, will be in tune with their parents. If you are on the same page with the parent and make them part of the team, then the child will surely be relaxed and be easier to work with.

That is another plus for photography, as in X-ray, the parent has to leave the room as to not be radiated(unless circumstances dictate otherwise etc)

Hope that helps!

[Bonnie boo]

Thank you so much for your great advice!

[S.Horton]

Originally Posted by suecassidy

Bonnie, I have a lot of experience in this area, and was a contributing writer to a book on the subject (google, Photographing Children with Special Needs, Karen Dorame). From my experience, I can tell you that large bean bags are terrific for positioning subjects that don't have a lot of control over their neck muscles etc. The majority of people with special needs that I photographed were not as young as your 2 year old subject, so you will face other problems than I have in regards to her age, just as with all 2 year olds. One thing that I've always had to deal with, regardless of age, is drooling. With older subjects, I always talk to THEM before I shoot. Many of them have nothing wrong with their intellect and can understand you even if they can't respond. For example, I always say to them, "Is it ok if I wipe your mouth, if I need to?" In your case, you can have the mom do this, as it is much easier to wipe it dry, rather than photoshop it out. And remember that a lot of drool is easy for the mom to notice, but it is the less obvious wet spots that will get you if you are using studio lights, so make sure she wipes it well! Also, some subjects might have their tongues sticking out. In that case, have mom reach in and touch the tongue (actually, tap it a few times) with her finger. Often, just as with newborns, they will suck it back in when she does that. Otherwise, you can just wait it out if it matters.

Sometimes, for whatever reason, you find the bean bag isn't suiting your needs on that day, with that subject. This is where the "suggested parent" shot works. You have the mom scoop up the child and hold her in a way that is a pleasant pose for a headshot or whatever. The mom can be looking down at the child or you over the mom's shoulder, whatever. Mom is IN the photo, but certainly isn't the focus of it, and her face is probably not even showing. Only her hair, her shoulder, her hands. You might want to start off this way to get the child used to you and your camera and lights. Mom looking at a picture book with the child in a big old chair with soft, window light is always nice. Once the child is comfortable, you can move on from there.

I have found one of the most important things about photographing children with special needs (emotional, physical, developmental, doesn't matter) is how you relate to the PARENT. You have to understand how nervous they often are coming in for photos, will my child act up or not be able to do what they are supposed to? Reassuring the parent that you've seen it all, that you can deal with whatever happens, that their child isn't DISabled, they are just DIFFERENTLY abled, will go a long way. If the parent is squirrelly and nervous, the child will pick up on that. The parent of a 2 year old hasn't been dealing with the issues involved for very long yet really, so be confident and upbeat (not nervous and tentative) and have FUN with her beautiful child!

Having shot Special Olympics, I agree and fully applaud your work.

I am also writing a book (trade, not photography), so double-kudos for taking on a project that size.

Golf clap.

[suecassidy]

Thanks for the golf clap, but I don't deserve one. I was merely a contributing writer to the book. The credit goes 100% to Karen Dorame! She also put on workshops for photographers who wanted to get certified in this area, and even though I attended the workshop, I didn't apply for the certification. Once accredited, she has listings on her website for photographers who want to be listed. Very special lady, Karen Dorame. Golf clap for her!

[hitchcockb]

Make sure her mom brings some familiar items from home. These can help in getting her to focus at the camera with them dangling nearby. You could also take pictures as if she was an awake newborn. Check out www.brittanyhitchcock.com for some picture ideas. Good Luck!

[suecassidy]

yes and be sure to ask the mom what the little girl tends to respond to, as she will know best. Maybe it is sight, maybe it is sound, maybe a favorite character like Mickey Mouse or Spongebob Squarepants, or maybe bubbles. What ever it tends to be, the Mom can give you some clues to what makes the little girl happy.

[Bonnie boo]

Thank you all so much for your help and advice. We keep having to postpone because she keeps getting sick & is in and out of the hospital.

She has been extremely fussy for months b/c of her meds. We could use some prayers too!

[nes_matt]

Originally Posted by suecassidy

Bonnie, I have a lot of experience in this area, and was a contributing writer to a book on the subject (google, Photographing Children with Special Needs, Karen Dorame). From my experience, I can tell you that large bean bags are terrific for positioning subjects that don't have a lot of control over their neck muscles etc. The majority of people with special needs that I photographed were not as young as your 2 year old subject, so you will face other problems than I have in regards to her age, just as with all 2 year olds. One thing that I've always had to deal with, regardless of age, is drooling. With older subjects, I always talk to THEM before I shoot. Many of them have nothing wrong with their intellect and can understand you even if they can't respond. For example, I always say to them, "Is it ok if I wipe your mouth, if I need to?" In your case, you can have the mom do this, as it is much easier to wipe it dry, rather than photoshop it out. And remember that a lot of drool is easy for the mom to notice, but it is the less obvious wet spots that will get you if you are using studio lights, so make sure she wipes it well! Also, some subjects might have their tongues sticking out. In that case, have mom reach in and touch the tongue (actually, tap it a few times) with her finger. Often, just as with newborns, they will suck it back in when she does that. Otherwise, you can just wait it out if it matters.

Sometimes, for whatever reason, you find the bean bag isn't suiting your needs on that day, with that subject. This is where the "suggested parent" shot works. You have the mom scoop up the child and hold her in a way that is a pleasant pose for a headshot or whatever. The mom can be looking down at the child or you over the mom's shoulder, whatever. Mom is IN the photo, but certainly isn't the focus of it, and her face is probably not even showing. Only her hair, her shoulder, her hands. You might want to start off this way to get the child used to you and your camera and lights. Mom looking at a picture book with the child in a big old chair with soft, window light is always nice. Once the child is comfortable, you can move on from there.

I have found one of the most important things about photographing children with special needs (emotional, physical, developmental, doesn't matter) is how you relate to the PARENT. You have to understand how nervous they often are coming in for photos, will my child act up or not be able to do what they are supposed to? Reassuring the parent that you've seen it all, that you can deal with whatever happens, that their child isn't DISabled, they are just DIFFERENTLY abled, will go a long way. If the parent is squirrelly and nervous, the child will pick up on that. The parent of a 2 year old hasn't been dealing with the issues involved for very long yet really, so be confident and upbeat (not nervous and tentative) and have FUN with her beautiful child!

I know this is an old thread, but seriously - Could Sue be a more classy lady? I don't think so... great post. I'm looking up the book now.

I remember bringing my daughter with DS to the studio when she was real young and we were clueless. Really would have like to have someone with Sue's attitude at the camera.

[Daship]

Hi, I am a single father of a 11 year old boy with Cerebral Palsy. Don't be affraind to use what ever equipment he/she comes with: stroller, wheelchair ect...... Toss a backdrop over his equipment as long as any straps he/she needs can still be hooked up. Try tossing a backdrop over moms lap and let her hold up the child under the backdrop. HAve mom hold the child on one side of her knee with her hands under the childs shirt to prop the child up and compose the shot some mom is not in the shot.

Plan lots of time, and take lots of shots. Don't be scared or nervous. Heres a couple of samples of my little guy. My son does not sit still at all.

Pro school picture: notice the hand on the shoulder and the pony tail behind the headrest, and the chapped lips. I accpected more out of a pro photog, especially since I paid for touchups.



The rest are ones I did:

[brokensocial]

Solid advice in this thread, particularly by suecassidy and Daship. My only addition is an echo of what's alrready been said, which is to focus on the child and the parents more than technical perfection.

[Daship]

Just remember be patient and do your best. With all of the above advice you should beable to get some great shots. The mom wont expect miracles and she is used to seeing her child everyday, and she loves her child exactly the way he/she is.

My son can't eat by mouth or talk but he did just get a computer with a camera on it that follows his eyes and we are learning some basic communications, and he is doing a super good job.