an attempt at potraits of children...suggestions please!

I have a much better time with kids if they don't think they are in a photo session. Your photos and the kids, by the way, are darling, but they do show some 'camera shyness' in the subjects. Give them something to do, then shoot when they are not expecting it. (This technique does NOT work for adults by the way   )

Another trick I use, especially with recalcitrant Sam is to ignore him, wait until he's ignoring me, then call his name and shoot when he first looks.

The classic squeeky toy has never worked for me, nor does "Look at the birdie!" Say cheeze does though, especially if you substitute their favorite 'annoyance' word. I've been using "Say Butt" and they break out laughing.

 

Try a reflector, fill flash or the dodge tool in Photoshop.

It does for me   !

 

WHAT?!?!?! You're not a pro? If it weren't for the fact you're married to the guy that sweeps up around here at night ...  

Except for Ron and a couple other guys, we're all hacks. Some of the amateurs can sure shoot pretty pictures though. Astounding even.

PS: Here's another trick I've used with kids who hang their heads - turn the camera upside down so the flash is below the lens. It makes grown-ups look goulish, but gives a sense of mystery and curiosity to shy little ones.

 

I know absolutely nothing about portrait shots. I will say these shots a warm. Nicely done!!        

 

Looks good Leigh. It's hard to take closeups like these without long lenses. I usually put on my 70-200 and then I am far enough away that the kids quit looking at me. Your brother should be happy with these.

Once you get Photoshop you will find ways to make these type shots even better.

 

Leigh,

I have approached this 2 different ways. First way was with 180 f2.8 at a distance while the kids played. You got to be quick on the trigger with this method.

Another way was for me to join them in play. Set the camera on a tripod with a 50mm. Do some crafts at a table by a window. :wink: Use the remote to catch different expressions or angles of lighting. The only problem with this is the crop factor reduces printable image size.

For lighting the eyes use fill flash or reflector. I keep a small 12" reflector in my camera bag. Flash is better for fast moving targets though.

Squeaky toy never worked for me either. A rush of air from a hand fan works with todlers.

I am no pro though so take it for what it worth.


Charles

 

A couple of thoughts on kid-pics, Leigh...

For candids, I stalk them, just like I do with the Snowy Egrets. I go to where they like to play, sit quietly,
and don't lift up the camera until they're absorbed in their activities. They never notice when I start shooting 8) .

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Posed shots are more difficult, but I get their cooperation by making them part of the process. I ask them
if they'll be my assistant, and help me pick out a good picture. Then, between every shot, they run over
and look at the results on my tiny "TV screen", and critique the images. They get involved and excited and
cooperative! It works every time :lol:.

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