Pictures of other people's kids?

I've done a lot of "freebies" for practice (also because I just don't charge my friends), but it's paid off because they've referred me to other people who I can charge. At some point, you will realize that your time and talent costs money.

Thanks guys and gals. This has been very helpful. I will take all this into consideration. Any thoughts on where I would take them? They told my husband they'd like some taken around their own home as that's where their kids are comfortable. I believe they have an 8-month-old and a 3-year-old. Luckily, not quite old enough to be in the overly-defiant stage like mine.

I bring lights and backgrounds sometimes, but children often feel safer at home or at the playground. If there is a colorful place to go to, that may be easiest.

I would charge anyone that would not do something for me. Would they be inclined to return the favor-free professional advice or fix my sink or whatever?

I'd really consider picking up some reflecting accessories, such as the inexpensive Westcott reflector kit which provides both a warm reflector, a silver reflector and a white reflector/diffuser -- all of which can be very useful both inside and out, to reflect or diffuse the sun, lights, and your flash. You can do much to achieve balanced lighting with these when doind informal non-studio portraits.

tonylong wrote in post #5275658
I'd really consider picking up some reflecting accessories, such as the inexpensive Westcott reflector kit which provides both a warm reflector, a silver reflector and a white reflector/diffuser -- all of which can be very useful both inside and out, to reflect or diffuse the sun, lights, and your flash. You can do much to achieve balanced lighting with these when doind informal non-studio portraits.

I still have the 5-in-one reflector kit I got from Adorama five years ago. It's rather large, round and inconvenient. I'm not sure why they come round and not square. Is this to do with how the light reflects off the subject? I'd really like to get a smaller one - or at least one I can lean against me without having it roll away, lol.

Mum2J&M wrote in post #5277582
I still have the 5-in-one reflector kit I got from Adorama five years ago. It's rather large, round and inconvenient. I'm not sure why they come round and not square. Is this to do with how the light reflects off the subject? I'd really like to get a smaller one - or at least one I can lean against me without having it roll away, lol.

Try amvona. They have 5-in-1 oval ones. I have one and have had no problems with it staying put while leaning. It's a bit tricky to fold but my hubby knows how to do it so he takes care of that end for me.

My advice, do it for fun and practice. If they ask how much you want, tell them to pay you what they see fit and let them worry about the prints.

Holding a reflector will be a good way to get buy-in to the shoot from the parents and any siblings as well, so will help you to control the situation.

I used to have the same fear. I actually asked some friends if they cared if I used their kids as practice. They pretty much got a free session and prints if they liked. Less pressure and let me practice. I dont do anymore feebies though.

Just have faith and believe in yourself. We as photographers are very self-critical of our own images. I may see an amage that is wee bit OOF and slightly overexposed, but Little Jimmy's mom loves the expression on his face and orders tons of prints.