baby photos - advice

My friend is coming over this weekend with her nearly 2 yr old son and we are looking after him for the night.

My friend would like some pictures done of her child and i havent really done any formal (is that the right word) pictures of children before- a candid or to yes but not in a studio enviroment.

I have converting my attick into a studio. (although not kitted out totally yet)

I know i am going to get him up there but any ideas on what to try to make him enjoy himself up there.

I will have a selection of his toys and was wondering how to keep his attention on the camera as well as what he is playing with.

Do i have to be quick? will he get annoyed with the flashing of lights?

any tricks you can recommend?

I wouldn't even *try* to pose a two year old. Let him play with his toys (IF he decides to cooperate - which is doubtful) be ready to take the pics.

I would say you have about 15-20 mins if you are very lucky to get the shots you want - after that he (and maybe you) will need to take a break!

TJ

Oh, as far as "tricks" - try sticking a tiny label - or piece of sticky tape, on the palm of his hand. While he is trying to remove it - take all the shots you want (but keep the tape out of the picture!)

TJ

sound like im going to have fun then! I can usually make him laugh playing peek a boo! so i am going to try that!

the tape idea sound like a good one unless he doesnt like it all and starts crying his head off! - (at this point i will still be taking pics)

33L wrote in post #5528077
....and starts crying his head off! - (at this point i will still be taking pics)

Thats just plain cruel!

The only problem with "you" playing peek-a-boo is that while your head is popping up, you are not looking through the viewfinder at the subject (him)

Do you not have someone else that can "amuse" him, while you concentrate on the photography?

I have found that children of this age will either cooperate or not cooperate (what was it Yoda said, you either do or not do, there is no try)

Good luck - don't forget to post your results!

TJ

Having spent the last 8 months photographing my twin Granddaughters my tips are have the camera set as if you were taking sport pictures, their expressions change very quickly and they are constantly moving.

Get down to their level, I've spent most of my time lying on the floor just watching them play firing off burst when they look towards the camera.
I hope this helps you enjoy the session.

I know its cruel and i feel very small now!

My wife will have to play with him so i will have her near me so he looking in the same general direction.

Its a learning curve i will post the results if i get any?

Get someone to help, you'll need it. With a toddler they move around too much and too fast to do everything yourself.

Oh and remember to have fun, if you don't it will scare the child away from further sessions. They're more likely to work with you if you can get them to play and have fun.

Another tip is to show them the pics, this engages them and lets them relax and/or play for the camera.

sanctuary wrote in post #5528134
Having spent the last 8 months photographing my twin Granddaughters my tips are have the camera set as if you were taking sport pictures, their expressions change very quickly and they are constantly moving.

Get down to their level, I've spent most of my time lying on the floor just watching them play firing off burst when they look towards the camera.
I hope this helps you enjoy the session.

Yeah i had similar intension of getting low or doing a make**** stage for him to raise him a little higher so i can kneel rather than on my stomach.

Faolan wrote in post #5528140
Get someone to help, you'll need it. With a toddler they move around too much and too fast to do everything yourself.

Oh and remember to have fun, if you don't it will scare the child away from further sessions. They're more likely to work with you if you can get them to play and have fun.

Another tip is to show them the pics, this engages them and lets them relax and/or play for the camera.

the idea is just generally take it as fun and not a serious sessions at all. if there are a few keepers from it i may make a little money!

my tip

keep things close to you that you can use to attract his attention.

Things that fit on your head (alice bands with sparkly flashy stuff) helps too

Funny noises you can make to get him to look at you when you are ready to take the shot. And as he looks - take the shot.

Um um um get someone to help you, move him into position, but be ready to take the shot quickly

Fast shutter speeds

They get cranky with the lights really quickly so be prepared to take breaks

Oh and tell him the lights are magic it only works if he behaves lol and then do a test flash

Show him the pics on your cam - tell him its magic there is a little him in the camera

these are things i do and it works well most of the time

make it a game and they normally co-operate

and if u have to - bribe him with sweets

TeeJay wrote in post #5528038
Oh, as far as "tricks" - try sticking a tiny label - or piece of sticky tape, on the palm of his hand. While he is trying to remove it - take all the shots you want (but keep the tape out of the picture!)

TJ

I love that idea!!!! Thank you. This may help me with my daughter (13 mos) and her "a.d.d" like behavior (like mother like daughter LMAO). Her attention is always distracted.

With my 7 month old girl I've almost given up using flash. I try to make the room as bright as possible, set my ISO to 1600, shutter at least 1/125, use a prime at f/2.8-4, set shutter to "high speed" and take a zillion pictures (jpegs). Hopefully, a few might turn out good. For a background/stage I simply use some solid color bed sheets and let her play around on the bed.

bubbles . . . works like a charm. Haven't had a kid yet under 2 years who didn't just sit there and stare in awe & amazement. most even smile and clap

My daughter tries to pop them.. I have a cute candid though of her looking up at one.. it needs major PP sorry for the hijack.. promise i wont do it again

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Byte size: ZERO | PHOTOBUCKET ERROR IMAGE

markubig wrote in post #5528632
bubbles . . . works like a charm. Haven't had a kid yet under 2 years who didn't just sit there and stare in awe & amazement. most even smile and clap

oh yes thats a brilliant idea and might have to get some - im a kid at heart too!

I have always though to f getting one for kids photos but never had the need to get one till now! how did i forget that! one! I have only got tomorrow to get it though! hmm....