children photography tips??

[chloewindle1]

I own a Nikon D5100 with nikkor 18-55 and nikkor 70-300. I'm photographing a friends children at Longlet Safari tomorrow and was wondering if anyone has any tips on poses? (mainly natural but few posed) and also camera settings (I use manual). Just a shame my new lens, nikkor 50mm 1.8, wont be arriving till mid week so will have to cope with what I have!!! Completely new to portraiture as I shoot equin photography.

 

[pixmedic]

Chloroform

 

[bribrius]

sedation

 

[pjaye]

Duct tape.

 

[tirediron]

Agree ^^

Perhaps manual isn't the best idea in this case? If they're going to be active (as most children usually are), I would suggest shutter priority, and set your shutter speed to at least 1/250, preferably 1/500, or even higher if conditions are sufficient to give you the DoF you need.

 

[wyogirl]

Bribery. Seriously, a small toy or piece of candy can go a long way for getting cooperation. Also, realize that they will be kids and that candids will be much better than anything you can pose. Let them play and capture that. If mom wants some formal poses, the best thing I can tell you is bribery and be quick. Snap a lot of frames and you might get one where everyone looks happy and has their eyes open.

 

[Designer]

Do you have a speedlight? If so, take it along with you. Set the flash for a little bit of fill light. Try to position yourself so you can get their faces looking at animals. Capture candids ask they approach and then gaze at the animals.

Pose the children near any identifiable structure associated with the park, including the sign. Continue to use your flash for fill light for the informals.

 

[jjparson]

How old are the kiddos?


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[chloewindle1]

Kids are eight and two, lovely kids who love pictures being taken so that is a bonus!

 

[jjparson]

My girls are 7 and 8 and I have a 2 year old boy. The older girls really respond well when I ask them about the boy they like at school or just general teasing them. I get my best expressions right after these questions. For the two year old I like the bribery idea!


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[snowbear114 45]

I'm photographing a friends children at Longlet Safari

Threaten to have them eaten by the wild beasties.

 

[Designer]

See, I was going to suggest something like that, but wasn't sure.

Have the children pose really close to the lion cage. Maybe with their fingers on the bars. When the lion approaches, swing toward the mother and grab a shot of her horrified expression.

Oh, and get the kids to come away from the cage before the lion gets them.

 

[AggieBecky]

I have a 1 1/2 year old and a 3 1/2 year old. The 3 1/2 year old needs to be bribed for good pictures. I find I get the best pictures if I sit them down somewhere very close together and take some shots where I have them interact and some where I get their attention and attempt to get a smile. For smiles I have someone run up and tickle them, I ask the oldest questions and I respond with silly answers, or I sing silly songs like "Twinkle twinkle little COW". For interaction pictures I get them to hold hands, give kisses, or I give the oldest a flower or some other object and tell her to show it to her little sister .

 

[vintagesnaps]

Might be an idea to do some test shots before you try to do photos with the kids, the little one especially probably won't wait while you figure out what settings will work best in the existing light at the location.

I think it takes knowing how to interact with kids to keep their attention and give them direction if you want to try posed shots, or maybe have the parent direct/guide them or help you get them posed. You probably should have the camera ready and get the shots quickly (at least with the 2 yr. old I would expect he/she may not last too long at waiting). I agree it takes being playful and silly, singing or making funny sounds etc.

As someone else mentioned taking some candids might be the best option, and I'd expect the 2 year old to be on the move and active at that age so you might have to frame and compose shots quickly.

 

[gsgary]

You should get some good shots if you throw them into the lions