First time shooting kids...

JAC526 · Nov 2, 2011

My cousin has asked me to shoot his kids. He has a six year old, 3 year old, and 1 year old.

The six year old will be easy. She is easy going and likes getting her picture taken. The 3 year old I'm guessing is going to be a problem. The 1 year old is a toss up...maybe good, maybe bad.

So this is my first time shooting kids and really my first time doing any type of formal portraiture. I am not charging for this.

So, I am shooting a F100 with a 50mm 1.8D. Should I rent maybe an 85mm or 105mm lens?

I already know I'm going to need a flash. Thinking about an SB-400 b/c its affordable.

With these facts in mind:

What time of day should I arrange the shoot?

How many pictures (on average) for each kid should I need to whittle it down to 3 good ones (one of each)?

How much time do you think (on average) each kid will take?

Anything you think might help that I have not mentioned here is much appreciated.

The final product of this shoot is to be 3 framed 12x18 or 16x20 framed prints.

Thanks for your help.

Joe

PS...I expect KmH to link me to all kinds of helpful tutorials/webpages.

gsgary · Nov 2, 2011

What film will you be using ?

JAC526 · Nov 2, 2011

Fujifilm 400H most likely.

I am however completely open to suggestions.

gsgary · Nov 3, 2011

Good film got a wide exposure latitude and great skin tones only use it a few times because when i shoot film it's mostly B+W

tirediron · Nov 3, 2011

I'm curious about why you would use film for something like this as opposed to digital.

I would arrange the shoot for the time of day when the light is best at the venue assuming that it will have an effect (that is, if the shoot is in a room with no windows, it doesn't matter, but if it's outside, or in a windowed room...). Scout the location ahead of time, look for backgrounds, note the lighting, and mentally 'jot down' pose and shoot ideas.

Doing something like this with 35mm film, I would plan to shoot 4-6 rolls.

Without knowing the children, venue, etc, there's NO WAY one can guess how long it will take, but I would plan for at least 30 minutes per person.

An 85mm lens is a nice addition, but if you're not going to use it wide (or nearly so) open, you're not gaining anything that a few footsteps won't get you.

If you're shooting 400 film don't get expect to get 16x20 prints of decent quality. IMO, 11x14 is the limit of a 35mm negative and that at 100 ASA or below. If you want 16x20, then plan to rent some MF gear.

JAC526 · Nov 3, 2011

Thanks Tirediron. I'm not sure where we are going to be shooting yet.

I'm guessing outside. The only digital camera I have is a Panasonic GH1. I'm not sure it will provide high enough quality.

cgipson1 · Nov 3, 2011

I would recommend a better flash.. the SB400 is underpowered and has extremely limited functionality. You can probably find a used SB600 for not much more.

SGorman · Nov 3, 2011

Just in my limited experience... It is nearly impossible to keep childrens' attention for that long. 30 minutes each will give you whiney, crying children. Make sure the shoot isn't during normal naptime and the youngest two and group photos are taken first. The 6 year old will be pie compared to the younger two. The one year old will probably benefit from going second if someone plays with him/her while the three year old breaks the ice. Put the toughest one first and be happy about it. Kids can sense frustration and it makes them uneasy.

Try to not "pose" them, just encourage poses by props and lighting and capture them being natural kids. You'll go crazy trying to get the shot if you're going for a certain pose. If you pose the 6 year old, she may be able to keep the 3 year old in a pose for a short while on a good day, the one year old will likely just roll with it, albeit doing what he/she wants to do...

That's just what I have from shooting kids. They're tough, and you would probably benefit from digital in this case because I like to shoot kids in bursts because they move constantly. Hope some of this helps.

JAC526 · Nov 3, 2011

That helps a lot. Thanks for the advice. All three are good kids and they are all comfortable with me and my wife (who will be playing assitant).

The reason I'm looking at the SB400 is simply cost. I can find one for around 100 bucks. Do you think it will get the job done?

SGorman · Nov 3, 2011

I'm not completely up to speed with that one, does it still overheat & shut down?

Not that it matters, just curious, it's a good price, I think if you're not spraying and praying it will work just fine.

JAC526 · Nov 3, 2011

My cousin's wife is fairly particular so I'm sure she's going to have some concrete ideas.

I'm going to need to iron all of that out before I worry about gear.

That is probably the best approach.

Who knows when I'll actually do this but hopefully I'll have some good shots to post.