First Shoot With a Toddler. How'd I Do?

Well, I just finished my first shoot with a child that's too young to take direction. This pretty lass is 2-years old, and she was quite happy to make goofy faces, but getting a decent pose was just not happening. I had lots of fun, though, and the mother was thrilled with the pics. I'm interested in any feedback on these. No PP except the usual tweeks of the RAW files (contrast, WB, and saturation).

John

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

I LOL'ed at the second one. I would also seriously consider editing the mouth crust from the first shot.

They are okay. But not very appealing in my opinion. The natural light was probably pretty harsh. Should have waited until later in the day.

Oh, and I noticed the dry skin around her mouth. Unfortunately, it wasn't until after I downloaded the shots onto my computer. I told the mom I'd PP those out on any that she wanted to print.

Thanks, Nicholas. I actually tried to shoot earlier in the day, but this was the only time she could make it. Most of the shots were in the shade, with a reflector to bounce some light on her. I included that second one because of her expression. She was trying to be a pirate and was saying "Arrrggg" the whole time. These were taken around 9:30am.

gibbit1 wrote in post #10162977
.... I included that second one because of her expression. She was trying to be a pirate and was saying "Arrrggg" the whole time. ...

She must've heard of the sexy pirate movie. The one rated Arrrrrrr.

When I saw the second shot I was going to ask if you had a reflector. I imagine at that time of morning the contrast could've been worse.

Scatterbrained wrote in post #10163032
She must've heard of the sexy pirate movie. The one rated Arrrrrrr.

When I saw the second shot I was going to ask if you had a reflector. I imagine at that time of morning the contrast could've been worse.

Ha! I love it. Yeah, I had a reflector, and I learned a crucial lesson on this shoot: You can't count on grandma to properly aim the reflector when her granddaughter is being so cute. Well, at least I didn't have to pay her.

she is very cute!

Love the second shot! Cute little girl. I've had a ton of personal experience photographing my kids (longgggggggggg time ago) and my grandkids, and frankly, it's a real challenge on any day. Still is only a small part of the equation. Luck, phase of the moon and amount of sleep (child that is) are the bigger parts. You did a nice job. A little PP and you should be good to go. I'm sure the grandmother and parents will be happy. How can you go wrong with such a cute little one.

georgebowman wrote in post #10166855
Love the second shot! Cute little girl. I've had a ton of personal experience photographing my kids (longgggggggggg time ago) and my grandkids, and frankly, it's a real challenge on any day. Still is only a small part of the equation. Luck, phase of the moon and amount of sleep (child that is) are the bigger parts. You did a nice job. A little PP and you should be good to go. I'm sure the grandmother and parents will be happy. How can you go wrong with such a cute little one.

Thanks, George. She was amazingly photogenic. I just wish I had noticed the crusties around her mouth before the shoot. GOT...TO...PAY...MORE.​..ATTENTION TO DETAIL! (Pounding my head on the wall with each word).

Hey, you say you have lots of experience with children. Well, I've got a shoot with a 6-month old coming up. Having never had kids of my own, I'd be interested in any advice you could give. I'm thinking they're not mobile yet at that age, so it should be easier in some ways. Got any suggestions?

John

Hi John, Don't worry too much about the crusties..they are kids and that makes the image more realistic. At least that's what you can you client or friend...just trying to make it real! They'll buy it. You can always fix it later.

Six month old children are a bit tough to predict. I recommend you advise your client to have the child rested, fed, have some flashy toys, keep good ole Mom handy and things will be fine most of the time. Keep in mind that I have not photographed many young children professional; it's been about 10 years. My advice is based solely on my experience as a father and grandfather. Good luck and have fun! It if they turn out as nice as your others your clients will be thrilled.

Thanks, George. Advise from someone who's dealt with children this age, even if it's been awhile, is way better than the knowledge I have. About the only thing I know is that kids tend not to listen to me. I'll keep your advise in mind.

#1 is nice, but IMO it is too close in. A 2 year old doesn't need a close head shot. Shoot wider so you can tell that she's actually small. #2 is funny, but one to delete if this was a serious paid shoot.

This was a freebie. I had no experience shooting children, so I decided to do a couple for free. I know that there's a blown-out area on her left arm in the second shot, but I included it because of that priceless expression. She had been in the shade, but she crawled into a sunny spot right before the shot.

Here's a couple more, including a wider shot and more goofiness. I had planned on having her and her mother lay on the blanket in opposite directions, with their heads next to each other looking up. Boy, that never happened! It's not something I planned, but I think the shot I got captured the playfulness of the moment.

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.