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Category: Informative Topics on Photographing People

Photography Question 

Susan Bohanon
 

Shooting Children ... and Focus Issues


OK, I have searched the site and don't think I have found the answer to my question yet. My main business is centered around babies and children - who don't seem to want to sit still. The problem I have is once I get them in focus they may move slightly and then be out of focus. So I spend the majority of my time trying to refocus them. I'm trying to determine if I need a different kind of lens or what.
I have a feeling that the reason they move so easily out of focus is because I'm too close to the subject. But to get the kind of shots I want (photojournalistic style), I tend to take tight shots.
So any recommendations on how I can get tight shots of those precious little ones and keep them in focus? I currently use the Canon Zoom Lens EF 28-105mm 1:3.5-4.5.
Thanks for any and all help!


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February 20, 2005

 

Bob Cammarata
  A few things that might help:
- A simple prop or play thing will divert the child's attention from the camera and leave them free to "be themselves". (You will have to use flash, or a fast shutter speed, and be quick on the trigger to capture the natural poses that will ensue.)
- A longer lens will allow for more working distance from the camera to the subject. (Even small children can be intimidated with something pointing at them up close.) With your zoom, try working at its maximum range of 105 mm.
- A wireless-remote shutter release can allow for quick captures of spontaneous expressions, or rare moments when the child is posed perfectly. (This is much easier to determine when you are not standing behind an intimidating camera and tripod with your face pressed against it.)
- Finally ... you can solicit a little help from "Mom", or anyone else the young one recognizes, to get his or her attention at the critical moment when you press the shutter.
Hope this helps.


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February 20, 2005

 

anonymous
  Susan,

I too have a photography business that centers around babies, children, and families. I have only just started out, and I tell my clients I am still "in training", but they are always happy with the photos.

I have the same issues, I also like tight photos and the slightest movement means you have to re-focus. Although your lens seems faster than mine, I have terrible difficulty focusing on children's skin as it has very little contrast, etc.

To help me to get the children to sit still, I will usually ask mum or dad to stand behind me and blow some bubbles, pull funny faces, or ask them questions. If I have older children like the age of 8+, I ask silly questions like - are you married? etc. It usually makes them laugh, and it breaks the ice. But the bubbles work wonders. I use the little wedding bubbles that way if the container is in the photo it is only a little white thing, instead of a huge container with pics on it, and then they can take it home afterwards.
Hope this helps! Any tips, I'd also love some thrown my way!


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February 20, 2005

 

Jon Close
  Susan, use Canon's AI Servo autofocus mode. Most EOS cameras can set this directly, but with many lower-level Rebel models, including the original Digital Rebel, this mode is only available in the Sports (running man) exposure mode.
In AI Servo, the camera will continuously follow-focus/refocus so long as you have the shutter button half-pressed. This mode should be able to keep up with your fidgety subjects.
In One-Shot mode, the AF stops as soon as the camera confirms focus and will not refocus unless you lift and repress the shutter button. AI Focus (the default for many EOS models) starts in One-Shot mode and is supposed to automatically switch to AI Servo if it detects movement, but in my experience it is not as effective as AI Servo.


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February 21, 2005

 

Gregg
  I bought a lens that has VR. (vibration reduction) It works really well now allowing me to hand hold the camera for toght shots vs a tripod.


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February 22, 2005

 

Nicky Trainor
  Natalie - I just checked out your gallery - GREAT WORK! I love your shallow DOF with your close-ups. What type of lighting and backdrop did you use for your indoor shots with the dark backgrounds?? - Nicky


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August 14, 2005

 

Debby A. Tabb
  I agree with Bob,
* starting with a "Helping Prop" such as a craddle, wagon, basket etc.these do help.
*Also using a posing table instead of the floor would be of great help. *Also for your help but mostly for safty's sake mom and /or dad belong at the sides of the child- ready to catch them at any time- this is also a benifit to you as well-
*pose the child and have mom talk to the child to keep thier attention- then when ready - make a funny noise , wistle etc. and the child should give you thier attention.
*And if hands are the issue-give mom a small toy and again have mom talk to baby and when you are ready have her hand them the SMALL toy and then make a sound to grab the attention.
*these types of things will help- marrcas, rattles, squeeze toys, bells are all great.
best of luck ,
Debby


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August 14, 2005

 
- Gregory LaGrange

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Gregory LaGrange
Gregory LaGrange's Gallery
  learn how to follow focus. They move, focus with them.


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August 14, 2005

 

Suzy Betancourt
  Props, like flowers.
Spray them with some light fragances
a few hours before the shooting so the smell is not that strong and the child does not become allergic to the smell. Also, ask the parent if it is okay to sprinkle a couple of raisings around the area of the child were it is safe for them to find them and eat them. Keeps them occupied!
Suzy


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January 13, 2006

 

Autumn Hernandez
  I have a toddler and I shoot a lot of photos of her. At her age, I like to do more of the candid shots, so I'm constantly following her around. I always use autofocus and I will focus on her eyes, for example if I'm close, and then just keep moving the camera with her, with my finger still on the shutter, halfway. My camera holds the focus even if you move it (for the most part). Obviously, I don't just sit with my finger on the shutter for like 5 minutes, sometimes I have to refocus if she's really busy bodied. Then when the perfect expression occurs, I finish pushing the button and shoot. I hope you find something that works. :)


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January 14, 2006

 

Tom Walker
  And if all else fails,,there's rope and super glue,, seriously, I use the smallest f stop I can so small movements don't make a lot of difference.


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January 14, 2006

 

BetterPhoto Member
  There's a saying. "The hardest things to shoot are pets, children, and anything wild. All I can say is keep practicing. BTW, loved your gallery. Have a great day and keep shooting.


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January 20, 2006

 
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