The Challenges of Taking Newborn and Child Photography
Taking pictures of infants is a challenge and best done when they are tired. Make sure and feed the child prior to taking the shots you want. Do the best you can to get up close to get the best shot. Newborns shots are easier if you right up close. If they have a big brother or sister do your best to incorporate them into the shot. It is a challenge shooting newborns and infants, but these are lasting memories that you will never get to try for a re-shot.
Toddlers are best when you can get them to act normal and play with an object or have someone distract them. Formal posing for children in this age group does not work very well. Most children do not want to sit still for more than a minute or two at most. If you can get them from looking directly into the camera and realizing it is there. They will tend to try and act in a manner that looks posed. I find children in this age group are best too photography in multiples. Meaning that you should try and find another subject of similar age. They will gravitate towards the other toddler and act much more normal.
Usually children who are over 8 are better subjects to try and sit in a formal pose. You want to make sure and give them an incentive for sitting still. That can be an ice cream or something they really want. This does not mean they are not going to complain and give you the fake smile. Try not to force them to take a picture. It is definitely not going to give you the picture you want if you do that.. If at all possible try and use natural lighting. If you have to use studio lighting then make sure you do not over expose them and make them look like they need to get a tan.
Your teenage children are probably going to be your best subjects. They are usually happy to have their picture taken. With facebook and other social media out there they are used to a camera in their face. For a photographer social media is a great thing as it has made older children more willing to give you a good smile and cooperate. You still have to employ lighting and pose techniques with this age group. Overall though you will probably get a better picture and have a more enjoyable time shooting.
Being a professional photographer has it is challenges for sure. The biggest at times are your subjects and how they will interact with your camera. If you use a few of these techniques you will be able to maximize your portfolio and make your clients happy. Newborns are my favorite when they sleep. Makes me miss my children being that little. Just try whatever method works for you
Toddlers are best when you can get them to act normal and play with an object or have someone distract them. Formal posing for children in this age group does not work very well. Most children do not want to sit still for more than a minute or two at most. If you can get them from looking directly into the camera and realizing it is there. They will tend to try and act in a manner that looks posed. I find children in this age group are best too photography in multiples. Meaning that you should try and find another subject of similar age. They will gravitate towards the other toddler and act much more normal.
Usually children who are over 8 are better subjects to try and sit in a formal pose. You want to make sure and give them an incentive for sitting still. That can be an ice cream or something they really want. This does not mean they are not going to complain and give you the fake smile. Try not to force them to take a picture. It is definitely not going to give you the picture you want if you do that.. If at all possible try and use natural lighting. If you have to use studio lighting then make sure you do not over expose them and make them look like they need to get a tan.
Your teenage children are probably going to be your best subjects. They are usually happy to have their picture taken. With facebook and other social media out there they are used to a camera in their face. For a photographer social media is a great thing as it has made older children more willing to give you a good smile and cooperate. You still have to employ lighting and pose techniques with this age group. Overall though you will probably get a better picture and have a more enjoyable time shooting.
Being a professional photographer has it is challenges for sure. The biggest at times are your subjects and how they will interact with your camera. If you use a few of these techniques you will be able to maximize your portfolio and make your clients happy. Newborns are my favorite when they sleep. Makes me miss my children being that little. Just try whatever method works for you
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