How Do I Shoot Babys?

in a few weeks/months (no idea just yet) i'll be photographing my friends baby's christening.
i've never shot babies before, and i'm wondering - willthe flash make them cry? :S

what are some easy tips and tricks?

also, how do i stop a friend from paying me! she's a really nice person, so i refused being paid for it - just told her i'll ask her which she likes, then tell her how much it is for printing.

but, back to the baby. what happens at a christening? and how do i make them look cute? :P

Typically, a B-B gun, is strong enough to hurt a baby. Oh wait...

Mmm, anything can honestly irritate a baby. Most are different. Some may not like the flash, some may care. I wouldn't probably guess more find it intrusive, and you'll have them blocking their face with their hands.

As for accepting money, if they're persistant, why not ask to have maybe a cheap dinner in exchange. Just a Mcdonalds meal, or a beer, if you're old enough.

Babies have only a few basic fears. The rest are learned behavior. I don't think flash photography is a basic fear, and my Grandaughter's doctor said the flash is not harmful.

What happens at a Christening is the baby normally cries a lot with or without the flash. Very few babies know that humans don't all periodically emit bright lights while looking at them.

If the baby doesn't look cute to you, there's not much you can do about it, but chances are every baby looks cute to parents and grand parents.

Jim

You are also going to want to make sure that flash is allowed in the church or where ever the service is being done. I would play this one flash free, but it dosen't look like you have a fast lens, so you might want to look at the Canon 50mm f/1.8, which will be a great investment ($80) for you right now. Good luck.

Just don't lead em as much (ala full metal jacket)


...lots and lots and lots of shots. Quick speed if they are being cranky too. No flash!!!

Many churches prohibit (or at least frown upon) flash during the service. If you ask, usually the minister / vicar / officiant will pose with the baby, parents, godparents etc. after the service for photographs, and you're usually allowed to use flash then.

A polite request to the person officiating or the church office should get you the information on whether or not flash is permitted, and what restrictions or suggestions they may wish to offer photographers.

David

i just did my friend's baby's christening. it was a private session after sunday mass. the priest had no problem with me walking around and using flash. i just made it a point not to go overboard with my flash photography.

In terms of the child, I had no problems getting his attention. i'm always making faces and stuff to get the kids to smile at me. The flash doesn't scare them, it actually grabs their attention and then you can snap off another shot with them looking.

Here's how some came out:

thanks guys, & mark.

i'll be sure to do some research, maybe try and find a lens to borrow.

ta

nice looking family mark.