bv52gyf Loc: Kincardine, Scotland

Hi All,

A colleague at work has asked if I would take some pictures of her kids, she has twin 4 year old boys. This is the first request that I have received and although I have explained that I have not done any portrait pictures, she is still happy for me to go ahead. This will be a great learning experience for me and I am hoping for some advice.
I only have a Canon sx240 p&s (which she knows about) and no lighting equipment so any and all suggestions are very welcome. I am both nervous and excited by the prospect.

Andy

butterflygirl77nc Loc: North Carolina

Pick your background ahead of time and make sure you have as much natural light as possible since you don't have lighting. You can use lamps to get rid of any harsh shadows too, just move them around until you get the desired affect.

The next thing you need for 4 year olds is a funny sounding toy, dancing and singing little animals are good too... (dancing chicken singing "the chicken dance" etc... Not too hard to find at places like Walmart. Use a tripod, stand behind the camera with the toy positioned right above it and assuming they like the toy (I carry a few, including funny hats) click click click as fast as you can and you'll get a good shot. Remember to be happy and make silly faces...basically be a clown. Serious photographers get serious faces from little kids. Stressed ones get crying kids!

Dont let them smell your fear!! And if you can get a few of the twins interacting over a toy... Those are great informal shots that show their true personality's.

Hope that helps and have fun!

bv52gyf Loc: Kincardine, Scotland

Thank you very much for your reply butterflygirl77nc. That all sounds very good to me.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

If these kids are normal, I have never heard of well behaved, twin, four year old boys! I would take my Smith&Wesson as my back-up camera.
Otherwise, I'm sure you will do fine. Have a good time and try not to use your back-up.

bv52gyf Loc: Kincardine, Scotland

Thanks SharpShooter, i didn't want to head my post as "shooting kids" and hope not to use the back up

robert-photos Loc: Chicago

Use the available light that exists such as a north or unsunlit window. Use normal house hold lighting, take the shades off of table/floor lamps. Bring a hot light such as a clamp on utility light with a reflector. See the natural light and try not to use that tiny built-in flash if at all possible.

If OK, I'll post a window light pic as an example, PM me.

Doc Ward Loc: North Carolina

One trick, especially for younger than 4...get everything set up the way you want (location, lighting whether natural or artificial) then place a piece of 'looped inside out' masking tape or scotch tape in the palm of the child's hand...'stick both hands together' and then while the child is pulling them apart and is fasinated with the tape, call out to him/her and just as the child looks up, snap the photo...voila you have a shot of hands clasped together and child looking up with interest.
Another idea I had great succes with was getting away from traditional portraits. Let the child be dressed fomfortably, turn them loose in a playground and get lots of close-ups of them doing what they do best - playing. If mom can stay out of it, you usually can get them to ham it up for you...hang upside down on the bars...jump..etc. You get the picture. Then suggest the parent do a montage wall of various size framed prints of the whole shoot. Good luck.

sixshooter Loc: constitution state

A few tips for working with children.... Bring an assistant!! I personally draft my teenage son to be my "clown" You'll need someone who dosen't mind acting silly,singing,falling down.
"If you're happy and you know it" Is a great way to get kids doing things you'd like to capture. Having your assistant clowning or popping up behind your shoulder is a great way to keep little eyes facing you,or wherever you want them looking.
Bribery: Sugarfree pops,small toys and/or party favors,stickers
Award the best smiler,best poser ,etc... With siblings this really works as they're naturally competitive.

Bring an extra ,cheap camera. Take turns..you get a few shots of them. then they can take a couple of you.be sure to follow thier directions.

Let them do some silly photos,and show them the results. Sticking out their tounges,picking their noses..All in good fun,you'll likely get some great shots,gets em laughing.

Have a PLAN..Chaos ensues with hesitation. Have your lighting,settings locations and shotlist ready before you begin..keep things running smoothly.

If the kids get cranky. It's time for a break!! Do this immediately.Announce"cookie time" or "fun activity time" Have mom set up a couple things for just this purpose. A favorite snack,Play-doh, A new craft. Grab some shots of them doing the fun thing.then get back on track.Generally once they get cranky you don't have much time left.

expect the unexpected,keep your cool and a positive attitude,also plan on a second shoot either to break up the session into easier to swallow pieces or in case all hell breaks loose and you just don't get through it

PrairieSeasons Loc: Red River of the North

Use a baby wrangler, and use the "P" mode on your camera.

It's very difficult to pay proper attention to the camera and the subject at the same time, and even more so with kids who will get bored watching you trying to focus, get the light right and get the pose right simultaneously.

I use manual mode for most shooting, but revert to programmed mode when photographing kids.

Having an assistant (the wrangler) distract and entertain the kids makes a huge difference for me as well.

waterbug49307 Loc: All over, currently Big Rapids Michigan

Patience, patience, patience, and shoot, shoot, shoot And don't forget to have fun!

Coolcameragirl Loc: Bradenton, FL

All I can say is, good luck. I have 4 year old twin grandchildren who NEVER sit still. They work off one another and if there is a stranger in the room, it's even worse. All of the above advise is good, but I also offer bribes - show them something they can have after the photoshoot - candy, small toy, etc. Work that out with the parents.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

First, get the kids all hopped up on cotton candy or other sweets so they will sit still for you. Then have mom stand behind you an make funny faces at the kids so they are really confused. Last, don't listen to a thing I say. Just messing with you. LOL

photophly Loc: Old Bridge NJ

An idea that I have used at times is to have someone behind me with a flashlight......they blink it on and off to get the children's attention.....click away.

normsImages Loc: Alabama for now

get down on their level. Don't shoot down on them. Eye level.

bv52gyf Loc: Kincardine, Scotland

Many Thanks to everyone. I appreciate you taking some time to reply. So far on my list :
Get the kids spaced out on candy
Bring a Smith & Wesson
Mom behind me making funny faces
Hang upside down, sticking out my tongue while doing the "chicken dance"

What could possibly go wrong!!!!