To Get That Baby Portrait, You Must Learn All The Tricks Of A Pro by Dale R Smith
Shooting babies is one of the most difficult types of photography. Due to the fact that young childres, babies, are not capable of holding a steady pose.fAs an amateur picture taker and not a professional and even getting your own children to pose can be a major affair. More succintly, children just seem to not be willing to cooperate.
Consider that the most important rule wnen photographing children is that they are the boss and are not usually prone to be still and cooperative. The total camera shoot must necessarily be around that frail moment that requires infinite patience from the photographer. Even so, there are certain cunning or skilful acts that must be a part of the skillful child photographer.
A baby responds well and proper if they are not hungry, rested and well toileted. Furthermore, they respond as expected when shown complete attention.fIn the very beginning, mom and dad must attend to all the aforementioned necessities to assure a happy child. However, that may not be an entirely simple task. The appointed hour of the photo shoot may not match baby’s mood and will be a trying and difficult for both parent and photographer.
For these and many more reasons, every effort should be taken to avoid any shots in a studio. If at all possible. the shoot should be at home because baby will be much more comfortable in a familiar setting. The surrounding is familiar as well as sound and smells. Getting that priceless smile or comfortable expressions come much easier when at home. Of course, this entails a “house” call by the photographer with all the misery of hauling equipment, lights and cameras to the home. If the photographer truly wants that priceless shot of baby, the extra work may be totally worthwhile.
Furthermore, scheduling the shoot at home will assure that you know that baby is normally at his or her best behavior. Schedule the appointment at that time of day when all is as perfect as possible. Should the photographer ask the mom when nap time usually occurs, allow enough time to stage the perfect shot when the little angel comes awake.This arrangement will eliminate the ride to studio and the enormous risk that fragile moment will be lost.
Always remember that children and babies are more comfortable around people they know. Fpr tjos reaspm. tje photographer must take time to meet the child, perhaps play with him or her for establishing camaraderie. Then at that point, the child will be more accepting and perhaps playful direction from the photographer will keep the scene at a very comfortable level. Of most importance is how the camera and all that equipment is introduced to the scene. This could become an object of fear to the child or, perhaps, thought of as a toy with which the child will want to play. A skillful photographer will take a cue for all aspects of this and take full advantage of all this.
At this point, it is important to mention the camera, tools or other objects needed for completing a task. Never, I mean never, load up the baby’s senses with an overload. The camera should, of course, be totally portable so location shooting can be made with ease. If the photographer is tense and nervous, the child will note this. Preferably, it should be small and unobtrusive, both for portability and to not frighten the child. Digital is by far the better so that noisy and bothersome reloading is eliminted. And with digital, many shots can be taken quickly, Certainly be sure the camera is of high quality and high resolution so that perfect, one of a kind picture will reflect your skill as a photographer.
Set up the room with adequate backdrops that will assure a good portrait. Warning … never overload the scene with too much artificial scenery. Remember, you would want the scenario to be natural for the child and the parents. Withing a few moments, you will have the baby in a playful mood and enjoying toys as well as interacting with parents, siblings and the photographer in a happy, gleeful way. In no time at all, the clicking sound of the camera and the, at first, startling flash will be familiar and the baby will no longer pay attention to these distractions.
You will find that the best shots will come from the baby laughing. Attempt to be on a level with the child and he or she is playing. Pay attention to mom and day for they will probably know what games or toys seem to get a giggle. Exploit this to the fullest but use your own judgement for achieving the utmost level of childhood playing. Babies will always respond to your projecting yourself into their world with familiar games and sounds coming from you. You will probably be able to get a prize winning shot with a little effort. But a word of advice … be aware of the somber moods of the baby. Oftentimes you will be privvy to a somber and very childlike mood and, when this happens, this is your chance to get that real winning shot.
By learning the baby’s personality and how to get in sync with the child, you can coax pictures from the shoot that might other wise be impossible to get. Learn the personality of the baby and try to get in touch with the moods of the baby. Coax the best pictures from the shoot that may under other circumstances never be seen. If you learn to see inward to the moods of the child, outstanding shots will evolve, believe it with all your heart.
Dale R Smith - retired teacher and graphic artist. Experience in both civilian and military environments. Fitness guru with consuming interest in health and nutrition. Lifelong photography hobbyist. Fun Personality