Photographing Kids, any advice?

theraven

theraven

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Jenna
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I have been nominated as the photographer at my God Sons 3rd birthday party this weekend and as many of you may have noticed, I don't really shoot people.

Looking for any help, hint's tips etc. The kit I'll be using is as follows,

Sony a200, Sony 18-70mm, Tamron 80-210mm, wide angle converter, pop up flash diffusers.

Anything else I should be using? Any advise on settings? I'll be keeping my aperture wide open excepts for group shots. I'm a little worried about the flash ruining them though. ISO?

:shrug:
Thank you...
 
ask them questions, give them something to think about - it makes them focus on the question and give some genuine great expressions - rather than faking a smiles for the camera

try dropping in the phrase "i can't hear you" for group shots - sure to get them animated - and make everyone al little deaf
 
For some inspiration have a look at Audrey Woulard's child and family photos.
She only shoots natural light portraits, although it is almost exclusively using an 85mm 1.4 (Nikon) lens, rather than zoom. Only shoots jpgs and does very little post production. But you could still get some inspirations from her photos.
Lots of different sections on her website and blog.
http://http://www.alwphotography.com/
 
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Amanda great link, cheers. Cant believe her book is $150!!! Thats like £95! Was going to order it if it had been around £20 but that price is ridiculous (and the fact she is not posting outside the USA)
 
Unfortunately the A200 is terrible with ISO performance above 400 - I had one a few years back. Great little camera, it's just no good for pushing ISO. And since you don't have fast lenses [constant 2.8 aperture] - your best bet is using flash. Does your diffuser allow angling so you can direct the flash upward? to bounce off the ceiling? If not, maybe make something that will help direct it upward. Bouncing the flash will prevent red-eye, harsh shadows and that rabbit in head-lights look direct flash can give off. I've made diffusers in the past from paper, cut up milk cartons, anything white/reflective - make a kind of cup shape to go around the front of the flash so the light goes up instead of directly forward. And because the flash will be weak, coming from the pop up, use the widest aperture settings you can for your lenses. Keep the ISO to 400. Definitely do some testers in similar conditions before the day.
 
Fast shutter speeds are a must with kids as they NEVER stay still for long.

Also, wear something comfortable and flexible as I find I get the best results if I get down on the floor and join in with the playtime.
 
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