Toddler Technique?

amp'damp'd Registered Users Posts: 59 Big grins
edited June 25, 2009 in Technique
This is for the children's photographers (or any photographer that must work them lol). Now let me start off by saying I am a 30 year old mom to 4 kids from 1 year all the way to 7. I am young, active, on the go, can run with the best of them. I know my way around toddlers and work well with them. Buttttt....

They are wicked fast. I mean fast. Fast. Yesterday's session was SO insane I am sore today and can barely walk. It's laughable! LOL And I used up TWO whole 2BG cards for a 90 minute session. I NEVER need to do that...well only for toddlers. :huh The little girl adored me. Followed me around. Giggled endlessly (mom actually seemed a little bothered that her daughter was so...charming? for me.).

But I'd see a moment, frame it, press the shutter for focus-lock it- push it down all the way- she was already half way across the lawn. How does that even happen? Cameras are fast! She wouldn't sit for anything (or be still you know what I mean)- no bribe would work. Just resulted in typical toddler meltdown.

Is there a toddler technique? Because if there is- I don't have it. I cut off limbs left and right. I can't tell you how many great pictures I got...missing a leg/elbow/hand. :dunno And then chasing her all over- while the sun played peekaboo and I was constantly adjusting for exposure.

Maybe I am still too slow with my fingers? Yikes!

ANY tips at all for working with toddlers? Pleassssse? =0)

Comments

  • amp'damp'd Registered Users Posts: 59 Big grins
    edited June 22, 2009
    And sharing some of the captures, I felt turned out well. The one with her laying- that fluffly thing behind her was her teddy- you couldn't pry him away from her (towards the end of the session and he was her pal). I have no idea how to remove an object that large and next to a body. I hope teddy isn't too distracting- mom at least knows what the blob is! lol I did manage to remove a person standing in 2 of the pictures. Whew- what an accomplishment!

    4858_1152425860242_1515511540_381207_7601750_n.jpg

    4858_1152425900243_1515511540_381208_2228305_n.jpg

    4858_1152425940244_1515511540_381209_6002500_n.jpg

    Anyhooooo- any advice offered for working with super active toddlers- sooo appreciated- thanksss!:D
  • whitericewhiterice Registered Users Posts: 555 Major grins
    edited June 22, 2009
    These turned out nicely!!

    I'm eagerly awaiting some responses from the experts here......my 3 year-old boy drives me crazy sometimes.....JUST SIT STILL....PLEASE! :D

    From my experience, bribes don't work....you end up with cheesy "posed" expressions. Tranquilizers...rolleyes1.gif
    - Christopher
    My Photos - Powered by SmugMug!
  • WingsOfLovePhotoWingsOfLovePhoto Registered Users Posts: 797 Major grins
    edited June 22, 2009
    These are really cute! I didn't even notice the bear until you mentioned it. Rather then clone it out maybe try to use a soft brush on it using hue or color with the color set to the gray that is right next to it and just change it to the pavement color. Not sure how it would turn out but just a suggestion. With toddlers I use a lot of different things..... containers, bubbles, flowers, things to climb on (like you did very nicely) umbrellas, water, rocks, lollipops, ice cream cones. Saying things like blow a kiss, aw hug the teddy, singing songs, for some reason "yo dude" makes kids at least look in your direction. ( dude must be universal language) All can make for really cute candids. I try to remind my parents that getting a "formal" portrait of a toddler is just sheer luck most of the time especially if it is outside. But what you have shown us is great! keep shooting!
    Snady :thumb
    my money well spent :D
    Nikon D4, D3s, D3, D700, Nikkor 24-70, 70-200 2.8 vrII, 50mm 1.4, 85mm 1.4, 105mm macro, sigma fisheye, SB 800's and lots of other goodies!
  • whitericewhiterice Registered Users Posts: 555 Major grins
    edited June 22, 2009
    Thanks Sandy.....I was expecting you to chime in!
    - Christopher
    My Photos - Powered by SmugMug!
  • amp'damp'd Registered Users Posts: 59 Big grins
    edited June 22, 2009
    whiterice wrote:
    These turned out nicely!!

    I'm eagerly awaiting some responses from the experts here......my 3 year-old boy drives me crazy sometimes.....JUST SIT STILL....PLEASE! :D

    From my experience, bribes don't work....you end up with cheesy "posed" expressions. Tranquilizers...rolleyes1.gif


    haha! Glad to hear I am not alone at least. My own toddlers- although busy and active- at least would have moments when they would pause for a moment. Giving me an opportunity to happily snap without posing.And so far- so has most of the other toddlers I've worked with. But this little girl reminded me of a butterfly. You watch them land on a flower and as soon as you try to capture their image- flutter away and just keeping 'soft landing' on blooms but never sticking around more than a second. I have 2 more sessions in the next week that have toddlers- I *hope* I can figure out a few things to help me!

    Maybe I need to practice taking pictures of butterflies? rofl!
  • ChatKatChatKat Registered Users Posts: 1,357 Major grins
    edited June 22, 2009
    Engage them
    I seem to be able to chat with them and engage them. I play with them. Sort of like Simon Says. I have bribes like kid's party favors, little finger puppets, stuffed animals and stickers. I have a feather duster that facinates them.
    Kathy Rappaport
    Flash Frozen Photography, Inc.
    http://flashfrozenphotography.com
  • KellyCKellyC Registered Users Posts: 129 Major grins
    edited June 22, 2009
    Not sure I can be of much help, but instead of the usual suggestion of "shoot closer/tighter", why not try wider shots? Maybe then you will get the whole child in the picture, and then just crop it to what you like.

    I have 7 children and 13 grandchildren and can imagine what fun you are having trying to get a good picture. The little buggers have way too much energy. I am supposed to do a shoot for one of my daughters friends who has 2 little ones sometime soon... probably in the next few weeks. I have been trying to think of a good location to shoot at and waiting on some good weather.

    The pictures that you have posted look good. Just keep up what you are doing and leave a little more room around the subject and hopefully you will get the shots you want... Maybe try the "machine gun" effect (continuous mode ) and soon or later you will get the killer shot(s) you are looking for.

    Best wishes,
    Kelly
  • WingsOfLovePhotoWingsOfLovePhoto Registered Users Posts: 797 Major grins
    edited June 22, 2009
    oh and I forgot one other good thing...beads! for some reason all the little girl toddlers are meserized by the beads. Here is an example :)

    556093703_sDhjn-L.jpg
    Snady :thumb
    my money well spent :D
    Nikon D4, D3s, D3, D700, Nikkor 24-70, 70-200 2.8 vrII, 50mm 1.4, 85mm 1.4, 105mm macro, sigma fisheye, SB 800's and lots of other goodies!
  • amp'damp'd Registered Users Posts: 59 Big grins
    edited June 24, 2009
    WingsOfLovePhoto wrote:
    oh and I forgot one other good thing...beads! for some reason all the little girl toddlers are meserized by the beads. Here is an example :)

    556093703_sDhjn-L.jpg


    This is stinking adorable, oh my goodness!
  • amp'damp'd Registered Users Posts: 59 Big grins
    edited June 24, 2009
    WingsOfLovePhoto wrote:
    These are really cute! I didn't even notice the bear until you mentioned it. Rather then clone it out maybe try to use a soft brush on it using hue or color with the color set to the gray that is right next to it and just change it to the pavement color. Not sure how it would turn out but just a suggestion. With toddlers I use a lot of different things..... containers, bubbles, flowers, things to climb on (like you did very nicely) umbrellas, water, rocks, lollipops, ice cream cones. Saying things like blow a kiss, aw hug the teddy, singing songs, for some reason "yo dude" makes kids at least look in your direction. ( dude must be universal language) All can make for really cute candids. I try to remind my parents that getting a "formal" portrait of a toddler is just sheer luck most of the time especially if it is outside. But what you have shown us is great! keep shooting!

    I keep forgetting to set my posts so that I get them in my inbox. Ack! Thank you so much for the tips! I have another one with varying ages on Sunday. A 9 month old one on Saturday but they are easy peasy compared to toddlers! lol
  • amp'damp'd Registered Users Posts: 59 Big grins
    edited June 24, 2009
    ChatKat wrote:
    I seem to be able to chat with them and engage them. I play with them. Sort of like Simon Says. I have bribes like kid's party favors, little finger puppets, stuffed animals and stickers. I have a feather duster that facinates them.

    I am going to keep trying bribes thank you! This particular little girl could not be bribed. She was outside...and for her- end of story lol. Run run run! lol
  • amp'damp'd Registered Users Posts: 59 Big grins
    edited June 24, 2009
    KellyC wrote:
    Not sure I can be of much help, but instead of the usual suggestion of "shoot closer/tighter", why not try wider shots? Maybe then you will get the whole child in the picture, and then just crop it to what you like.

    I have 7 children and 13 grandchildren and can imagine what fun you are having trying to get a good picture. The little buggers have way too much energy. I am supposed to do a shoot for one of my daughters friends who has 2 little ones sometime soon... probably in the next few weeks. I have been trying to think of a good location to shoot at and waiting on some good weather.

    The pictures that you have posted look good. Just keep up what you are doing and leave a little more room around the subject and hopefully you will get the shots you want... Maybe try the "machine gun" effect (continuous mode ) and soon or later you will get the killer shot(s) you are looking for.

    Best wishes,
    Kelly

    Definitely going to start taking advantage of that burst mode again! lol Thank you! I have been leaving room, these were almost all crops. Laughing.gif I can not believe how many limbs I cut off. I need to work on making my fingers fly faster than a toddler too. ha! I am sure that will help with getting more great captures- thanks!
  • WingsOfLovePhotoWingsOfLovePhoto Registered Users Posts: 797 Major grins
    edited June 24, 2009
    amp'd wrote:
    I keep forgetting to set my posts so that I get them in my inbox. Ack! Thank you so much for the tips! I have another one with varying ages on Sunday. A 9 month old one on Saturday but they are easy peasy compared to toddlers! lol

    feel free to check out some of my childrens galleries on my site. I am doing a huge number of little ones these days. Mostly inside right now because of continual rain in NY..ugh... but you can see some of the ways I entertain them! Good luck on Saturday...I am looking forward to seeing more from you!
    Snady :thumb
    my money well spent :D
    Nikon D4, D3s, D3, D700, Nikkor 24-70, 70-200 2.8 vrII, 50mm 1.4, 85mm 1.4, 105mm macro, sigma fisheye, SB 800's and lots of other goodies!
  • amp'damp'd Registered Users Posts: 59 Big grins
    edited June 24, 2009
    WingsOfLovePhoto wrote:
    feel free to check out some of my childrens galleries on my site. I am doing a huge number of little ones these days. Mostly inside right now because of continual rain in NY..ugh... but you can see some of the ways I entertain them! Good luck on Saturday...I am looking forward to seeing more from you!

    Thank you Sandy! I am going to go check out your site right now. I've been lurking for a while and just recently grabbed my gumption and joined. I am learning a lot already!
  • Photog4ChristPhotog4Christ Registered Users Posts: 716 Major grins
    edited June 24, 2009
    amp'd wrote:
    ANY tips at all for working with toddlers? Pleassssse? =0)

    The Sandy Puc' Guide to Children's Portrait Photography

    Do not pass Go! Do not Collect $200. Proceed directly to Amazon.com (or your local bookstore) and GET THIS BOOK!


    http://bellies-babies.com/

    http://www.tots-teens.com/
    <><
    Neal Jacob

    [URL="http://nealjacob.com/twitter"]Twitter[/URL]|[B][URL="http://photos.nealjacob.com"]SmugMug[/URL][/B
  • WingsOfLovePhotoWingsOfLovePhoto Registered Users Posts: 797 Major grins
    edited June 24, 2009
    Photog4Christ wrote:
    The Sandy Puc' Guide to Children's Portrait Photography

    Do not pass Go! Do not Collect $200. Proceed directly to Amazon.com (or your local bookstore) and GET THIS BOOK!

    I have had this book since the day it came out and have gone to her seminars. I look at it often for inspiration. Glad you suggested it!
    Snady :thumb
    my money well spent :D
    Nikon D4, D3s, D3, D700, Nikkor 24-70, 70-200 2.8 vrII, 50mm 1.4, 85mm 1.4, 105mm macro, sigma fisheye, SB 800's and lots of other goodies!
  • Photog4ChristPhotog4Christ Registered Users Posts: 716 Major grins
    edited June 24, 2009
    WingsOfLovePhoto wrote:
    I have had this book since the day it came out and have gone to her seminars. I look at it often for inspiration. Glad you suggested it!

    Ditto! :)

    The first thing I did during the first break (of the seminar) is I went right up to Sam and got her autograph on the book. :D
    <><
    Neal Jacob

    [URL="http://nealjacob.com/twitter"]Twitter[/URL]|[B][URL="http://photos.nealjacob.com"]SmugMug[/URL][/B
  • WingsOfLovePhotoWingsOfLovePhoto Registered Users Posts: 797 Major grins
    edited June 25, 2009
    Photog4Christ wrote:
    Ditto! :)

    The first thing I did during the first break (of the seminar) is I went right up to Sam and got her autograph on the book. :D
    Me too!!!... Had conversed with her several times prior to the seminar on the Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep forum as I have done bereavement photography since 2003. I almost fainted when she said she charges 150.00 for an 8x10!
    Snady :thumb
    my money well spent :D
    Nikon D4, D3s, D3, D700, Nikkor 24-70, 70-200 2.8 vrII, 50mm 1.4, 85mm 1.4, 105mm macro, sigma fisheye, SB 800's and lots of other goodies!
  • amp'damp'd Registered Users Posts: 59 Big grins
    edited June 25, 2009
    Photog4Christ wrote:
    The Sandy Puc' Guide to Children's Portrait Photography

    Do not pass Go! Do not Collect $200. Proceed directly to Amazon.com (or your local bookstore) and GET THIS BOOK!


    http://bellies-babies.com/

    http://www.tots-teens.com/

    I have a few treasured books already- I'll add this one to my library! hehe Thank you!
  • Photog4ChristPhotog4Christ Registered Users Posts: 716 Major grins
    edited June 25, 2009
    WingsOfLovePhoto wrote:
    ... I almost fainted when she said she charges 150.00 for an 8x10!

    That's because you're paying to have Sam Puc' do your portrait! If you want Sam Puc' you pay the Sam Puc' price. :)
    <><
    Neal Jacob

    [URL="http://nealjacob.com/twitter"]Twitter[/URL]|[B][URL="http://photos.nealjacob.com"]SmugMug[/URL][/B
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