first time baby/child photos

JayB

JayB

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Hey everyone, as title says, I've been asked to take pictures of a family's two children and I have told them that I hav'nt really taken any pictures of children except the nephews and nieces, they said that was fine and still want me to do it. My problem is (and this will sound stupid) I freeze up in a sense that is a total mind block. I never know what way to pose them or anything. One of the children is 5 years old and the other is 8 weeks old. I think I'll have my work cut out for me with the 5 year old as I know he is a active little devil but can anyone give me pointers on the 8 week old and how I can pose them both together? They are brothers by the way.
 
Hi Jay. I know exactly what you mean. I get that block too sometimes. Search the www and this forum for as much inspiration eg flickr, 500px and my personal fav pinterest for some inspiration and ideas but at the same time, relax, let children play and communicate with them all the time. Make it all fun for them. One thing I like to do is let them take pics of mum or dad being silly (with the camera strap around your own neck if you can :) ) and if you can make the whole session fun for them and keep their attention then great. You'll find children will then be natural and enjoy it and give you a lot more choice of what to and what not to edit.

If it was my shoot I would be tempted to spend a bit more time on the 5 year old first to win him/her over THEN introduce the baby into the fold
 
Hi Jay, take a look through some of these done by the daughter of one of the family, she has come a long way in a short spavce of time.
http://adriannejadephotography.com/
 
I have a 2 year old. I would say that be prepared to take your time, try to avoid making the older child pose. You'll have to just pick your moment. If you can get some photos of the baby asleep, focusing on the details - facial features, feet, hands, are good. Lots of "soft" like a soft plain blanket, that sort of thing. They need to look cosy. I keep my 2 year old (nearly 3) amused by giving her an old compact camera that still works. She loves taking photos with that!! You will have to let the 5 year old just do his/ her thing. I would probably get the baby shots started and wait for the 5 year old to come and be nosy and start interacting. They usually do!! Then you can perhaps ask the 5 year old to "help" with the baby shots - you know - could you just tuck the blanket in a bit - that sort of thing - and sneak some shots of both of them looking natural that way. The baby will probably wake up, so you can get some of them both awake together. Then if you can get the 5 year old outside to just play whilst you "talk to mum and/or dad" (i.e., take photos without the 5 year old noticing too much), you'll probably find you get plenty of chances for candid shots. Clothes are quite important too - make sure the 5 year old is wearing something that looks good (maybe work this out with the parents before the day of the shoot) and is comfortable. Sometimes things like a little stool can be a good "prop" as the 5 year old is bound to want to sit on it....
Main thing is don't try to do a "formal" posed shot as probably won't work. If you want a whole family shot maybe ask mum or dad to give 5 year old a piggyback!!
 
bribery works, could get them a cheap toy, and giving them attention, they will probably want to see pics right away too :-)

oh and kids love instax and polariod
 
You don't say what the plan is? Studio or on location? Flash or not?
 
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