 LaChelle A. |
Chilren Portraits This might be a question never asked, but what I'm wanting to know is what is the secret to taking children portraits age ranging from 18 months to about 3 years old? I'm not asking about posing, props, lighting or any other photo technique. Just how to keep them still, smile, focused! I have been taking portraits going on four yrs. now and still haven't master this secret. Infants has never been a problem just when they first start walking. So anyone's suggestion would be well appreciated!
|
|
|
|
||
|
Kerry L. Walker |
Valium works well. Toddlers are very difficult to shoot. I am sure you have tried enlisting the help of the parents so I won't suggest that. The best thing is to be ready when the shot becomes available. Use a remote release. You will probably burn more film (or digital memory, whichever the case) to get what you want. However, when you do get THAT shot, it will be good.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Mark Feldstein |
Hmmmm, 4 years is a long time eh? Mark
|
|
|
|
||
|
LaChelle A. |
Well I'm not trying to be rude when I say this cause I do appreciate all response to the question, but I have tried all of the things, toys, remote release, bubbles, getting the parents to bring favorite toys. Most of the time they don't work. And last I would like to know what Mark means by the 4 years? I'm not saying that 4 years is a long time or that you are a master of photography in four years, but that there is always room for improvement. That Mark, is what I'm trying to do.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Michael H. Cothran |
Seriously, you might be better off posting your inquiry on a Child Psychology forum. Short of that, the only suggestion I could make would be to watch some of those chain portrait studios at the mall, or Sears, and see how their "photographers" deal with this age. Perhaps, you could even get a job at one for a while. I would suspect that if you have been at this for four years, and are still having problems, that you definitely need to change YOUR ways somehow. Good Luck, Michael H. Cothran www.mhcphoto.net
|
|
|
|
||
|
Mark Feldstein |
What I meant Lachelle is that, experience is the best teacher and 4 years is a long time for a technique not to work. I agree with Michael as well. This sounds like it could be a clash of personalities, i.e., your dogged persistence and devotion to capturing the perfect child portrait and the child's equally persistent devotion to acting like, well...a kid. Sometimes its a battle you can't win unless you simply get off the tripod, so-to-speak, and lower yourself to the level of your subject. Get the picture?
|
|
|
|
||
|
Melissa L. Zavadil |
I have been going to a great ok fantastic photographer who I idolize for a long time now. Her name is Sandy puc. She is so outstanding, I take my kids still once a year to her for a portrait because she is THE BEST. I have learned a great deal just watching her. She definately has a gift. Most of all she is patient. She sets up all her shots before hand and has a series of positions precalculated before we even arrive. She has video and video games in the waiting room for the kids so they don't get antsy. She always gives the kids a special treat after each session she has a huge box of candy with suckers and such. (this works marvalous). But what I have noticed most is that she has this delicate way of talking to the kids and interacting with them while she is shooting. She is NOT your typical shooter and is by NO means a KMART shooter. She is a high end professional childrens photographer that sells high end photos of children that one can only marvel over. She doesn't use typical gimmic type tricks like bubbles and stuff. She talks to the kids, she has a really long stick with fuzz on the end, she uses a high powered blower that blows air in their face (that gets them going). Also, she always gets them to do really goofy shots first so they start to have fun with her. I think that she 'plays' with the kids. She doesn't treat this like a kmart shopper get in get out service, it is you are here and we are here to have fun until we get this done attitude. Its so much fun going to see her my kids don't mind. Her studio is called Expressions Photography by Sandy Puc and I am forever her customer!
|
|
|
|
||
|
Mark Feldstein |
Nice story Melissa and nicely told! As you indicate, and my point exactly, you've found a kids shooter who's gotten off the tripod, lowered herself to the level of her subject...and has a blast doing it. It's kinda like the old adage: "If we love what we're doing, then we never have to work a day in our life". ;>)
|
|
|
|
||
|
This old forum is now archived. Use improved Forum here
Report this Thread |
||