A couple of children's portraits for c & c.

[kharp]

These are the first photos I've taken since breaking my wrist a few weeks ago. I had a little trouble reaching buttons while holding the camera vertically but I managed.
I usually always shoot in RAW but I realized after taking these that the camera was set on jpg. I'm not really sure how that happened because I don't remember changing it. So anyway, this posed a challenge when editing. I learned to always check that before shooting every time. I also learned (or remembered) that 2 and 3 year olds don't sit still for very long. Lol.
I didn't charge anything for these. I did them as a favor.
Any c & c is welcome. Also, if anyone has any tips for getting kids to look and smile and be still, that would be very much appreciated. The boy here was not happy.

 

[Granddad]

If you have someone helping you (like their mum) get them to stand behind you and look over your shoulder as close to you as you can, that's worked once or twice for me. The first thing that stands out in these is that they're both looking at something above and to the right.
I'm sure you noticed yourself and were frustrated. Personally I hate trying to photograph children, 9 times out of 10 they can be little monsters - photographically. Another idea is to get them doing something they enjoy and go for the action shots instead of trying to get them to sit still and look at the camera. If you take loads that way you have a chance of one or two crackers.

I'll soon have a chance to put my money where my mouth is as we're visiting out grandchildren next month - I may not be able to do better!

Hope your wrist is better soon!

 

[kharp]

Thanks for your reply. I'll keep all that in mind next time. I definitely learned a few things from this shoot.
And yes, I had a very hard time trying to get them to look at me. I think the boy hates me. Lol. I gave him a truck to play with and tried to get some shots of that but everytime he saw me, he stopped smiling and turned around and went the other way. The girl and I are best buds now, though. Next time, I'll try to get mom and dad to help me out a little more.
At least one good thing came of this though. My daughter who usually hates it when I get my camera out saw all of this and is now really excited about taking her birthday photos this week. Yea!
Good luck with your grandchildren next month.

 

[tushjain]

Loved the way you've captured these. The girl seemed to have cooperated

 

[LShooter]

If you're going to sit them on a chair, bench, etc., and have it show in the final product; show more or all of it. Otherwise, sit then in the grass, on a blanket, etc so the entire focus is on the them. Kids can be a real challenge!