by Guest Contributor Amber Scruggs of Little Moon Photography

Photographing newborns is not as easy as it looks! It takes years of practice and lots of newborns before you get it right. I’ve been photographing newborns for 3 years and specializing in them for 2 and I’m still learning. I shoot about 100 newborns a year in my natural light studio located in Leesburg, Virginia so I’ve learned a lot of tricks along the way!

1. Comfortable Baby

Keep the room nice and warm, my studio is usually close to 90 degrees and while it feels hot to us it’s the prefect temperature for a newborn. They spent 9 months in their Mom’s warm womb you want to mimic that environment once out.

Have the baby fed really, really well. I have Mom undress and top off the baby once they arrive so that their bellies are nice and full.

White noise is also very important, I usually have two different ones going at the same time and any time the baby startles or looks like it’s waking up a little bit I pat and SHHHHH really loud in their ears, puts them right back to sleep!

2. Tummy Poses

Babies love being on their tummies so if the baby is asleep I usually start off in a pose where they are on their tummy, I lay them on the beanbag with all of my blankets and fabrics layered on it and lay a small blanket on top of them. I then pat and get them nice and sleepy and pose them while they are under the blanket. If they are already asleep, I pose them in my arms and then lay them on the blanket. The tushie in the air is a great starter pose!

3. Switch it up!

While in the same pose I tweak it a little and shoot at all different angles to get totally different photos. You can take one pose and get 10 different images out of it if you just switch up the pose a little bit, move a hand, add a headband, etc. Stand up and shoot that angle, get on your knees and shoot that angle, get creative!

4. Changing up the pose

When changing a pose or blanket, I lift the baby myself keeping them in the same position they are in on the blanket in my hands. I then have the mom or dad throw  back the blanket to reveal the next layer. I then switch up the pose while baby is in my arms and then lay them back down on the blanket.

5. Props and planning

I have an area in my studio that I do all of my prop and parent shots, I plan which pose I will do with each prop and how I will do it beforehand so once they are in the pose on the blanket I can keep them in that same pose and just move them over into the prop. I also plan ahead which blankets and poses I want to do. This helps me keep organized and keeps the session flowing well. I aim to get the session done in 2 hours but it depends on the baby, 3 hours is my average.

6. PATIENCE AND PERFECTION

This is the most important tip, you have to be very, very patient and take your time with every pose so that everything is perfect. Take the time to get the blanket smooth, the babies fingers nice and flat and make sure you are not shooting up the nose, always shoot square, straight on, with their faces.

Always have someone nearby to spot on any prop shots or hard poses, the babies comfort and safety is always your number one goal.

Enjoy them! Newborns are so beautiful and sweet, it’s really the best job in the world.

Amber Scruggs owns Little Moon Photography Studio located in Historic  Leesburg, Virginia. She specializes in modern, artistic natural light  newborn photography. Amber also offers her Little Posers Newborn  Posing and Business Workshop a few times a year, email her for more  information: amber@littlemoonphotography.com

 

by Guest Contributor Gayle Vehar of Mom and Camera

Does the title of this blog post shock you? Maybe intrigue you a little? Are you sure that getting good shots of your toddler is next to impossible? With a 3 year-old who rules my house, photographing little kids who are constantly on the move is a challenge I am all too familiar with! I love being a mom to a busy little boy. I love photographing him, too.

I know it is a challenge to get good photographs of kids who are always moving, so I thought I would share a few of my tips with you with the hope that it will give you the courage to photograph your toddler! These days vanish all too quickly and photography is the perfect way to preserve them!

(Lens: Nikon 50mm f/1.4, ISO 200, aperture: f/2.0, shutter speed: 1/400, taken at 6:10 p.m.)

• First, I plan. I plan for light and I plan what I want to capture. If I will be photographing indoors, then I find a room with lots of light and open the blinds to let in as much light as possible (since I dislike flash.) Good light is crucial because of point #2. If I am photographing outdoors, I try to avoid the bright mid-day sun in the summer and dress for the cold in the winter. If we will be photographing inside, I plan what we will be doing based on my toddler’s interests. Maybe we will be playing Lego’s or cars. If we are outside, I also try to have an activity to do–playing baseball, running through the sprinklers, or drawing with sidewalk chalk. An activity helps to keep a toddler’s attention (and also keeps them a bit still), even if just for a short while!

(Lens: Nikon 50mm f/1.8, ISO 400, aperture: f/2.2, shutter speed: 1/100, taken at 11:28 a.m.)

• When photographing 2 year old’s and all small children, it is important that you have a fast shutter speed. Generally this is the #1 reason for blurry pictures when trying to photograph small children. They move quickly and in order to freeze the motion, your shutter speed needs to be 1/100 of a second or faster (under ideal conditions I try to keep mine at 1/200 or faster.) In order to have a fast shutter speed, you’ll need good light. You may have to raise your ISO quite a bit if you are photographing indoors. If you aren’t sure how to shoot in manual or how aperture, shutter-speed, and ISO work together, check out my posts on The Big Three of Photography.

(Lens: Nikon 50mm f/1.4, ISO 200, aperture f/2.0, shutter speed: 1/1600, taken at 6:25 p.m.)

• Whatever you do, DON’T EXPECT A TODDLER TO POSE FOR YOU! They won’t. And you’ll be disappointed! However, you may be able to give them something to do that will keep their attention and allow you to capture them somewhat posed! Whatever you do, TALK TO THEM to engage them and get their attention. My favorite way to capture my son is to get out some of his toys where I know there will be good light and then play with him and talk to him and occasionally pick up the camera and photograph. Then put down the camera and repeat!

(Lens: Nikon 50mm f/1.8, ISO 320, aperture: f/2.2, shutter speed: 1/80, taken at 11:55 a.m.)

• Get on their level! If they are sitting, sit or lay near them. If they are standing, kneel or sit when possible.  To capture them running, sit and capture them running away or towards you. Occasionally, you will need to get to your feet to chase them, but I definitely prefer photos when I can stay at my toddler’s level.

(Lens: Nikon 28-105mm, ISO 200, aperture: f/4.5, shutter speed: 1/400, taken at 10:17 a.m.)

• Be Patient and Go With the Flow! They won’t always look at you when you want or do exactly what you have planned. This shouldn’t surprise you if you live with a toddler! Just be patient. If their interests change, you’ll change along with them. Play with them, interact with them and you’ll be rewarded with a few opportunities to capture what they are doing.

(Lens: Nikon 50mm f/1.8, ISO 1000, aperture: f/2.0, shutter speed: 1/60, taken at 11:37 a.m.)

• Keep trying. If it doesn’t work the first time, try again another day. Whatever you do–DON’T FORCE IT! They will quickly begin hating the camera if you do! Knowing when to cut your losses is an art :)!

Happy Photographing!

Hi!! I am Gayle. I am a wife to my handsome husband and mom to 4 beautiful kids. In my spare time, I am a photographer and blogger at Mom and Camera. I have a passion for sharing my love of photography with others. I teach local photography classes and regularly share photography tips and tricks on my blog. I hang out there a lot—I’d love you to stop by and visit!

 

 

by Guest Contributor Anna Bilowus

Summer is here! Long walks on the beach, sandcastles, bonfires, family picnics, the fun is endless in the summertime. A great way to capture those fun summer moments is creating a silhouette. I love silhouettes as they leave so much for the imagination. A late summer afternoon is the perfect time to take a silhouette photo.

Here are the 5 easy steps to creating a summer silhouette:

1. LIGHT. First, it is very important to have your FLASH OFF. Second, you want a strong light source in the background – behind your subject. Excellent sources of light are sunsets and sunrises. So, make sure you have little or no light in the foreground(no flash) and strong light in the background.

2. COMPOSITION. Since you are not relying on color or texture, SHAPE is very important when creating a silhouette. There are a few things to help your shape stand out. First, you don’t want anything in the foreground or background that will cut off your subject(s)’s limbs. Sometimes getting down really low (on your belly) helps keep the ankles and feet visible. Placing your subject(s) in front of a big open sky is best. Second, avoid clutter in your photograph. You don’t want too many other things (grass, trees or rocks) surrounding your subject. Too many shapes will distract the eye. Third, consider their positions. Placement and movement can really help create a great shape. Holding hands is a great way to bring your subjects together.

3. THE CAPTURE (Exposure). Before you take the picture you want to be sure to meter off the brightest part of the sky. Then bring your focus back to your subject(s), compose and snap. You can do this with Priority and Aperture settings but Manual is the definitely the best way. Also, I have great success with the default setting, Evaluative metering but you can also change your metering mode to Spot or Centered-weighted. This will help you meter off the brightest part of the sky. I wanted to keep this easy but it is good to know all your options. Last, consider zooming out as far as you can to grab the big beautiful sky. If you are still using AUTO place your focus on the bright sky; press the shutter button half way; then bring your focus back to your subjects and snap.

4. POST CAPTURE. When you are all done you may want to touch it up a little bit. If you want more color in your sky consider increasing the saturation. To make your silhouette pop more you can increase the blacks, contrast and/or clarity. Remember, this is subjective trust your eye.

5. HAVE FUN!! Oh, one more tip – try to avoid all white and sheer clothing, they are more difficult to darken.

Now, get out there and capture summer!!

I have always had a desire to be creative but could never sit still long enough to sew, paint, draw or glue. I think photography is the perfect creative outlet for me. I am learning something new everyday by capturing the beauty of life.

Visit Anna at her WEBSITE | FACEBOOK pages today!

 

 

 

 

by Guest Contributor Megan Drane

There are many types of photographers in our over-saturated industry, but there is one area that is still sorely neglected.  While there are countless baby and child photographers out there, very few are working with special needs children.

If you photograph children, it is likely that you have worked with a special needs child at least once.  If not, you will.  With 17% of American families having special needs children, it is only a matter of time before you will be asked to test your skills in this area. If you do not have personal experience with special needs, it is worth the time to determine if you should take such a session, and if you do, to be prepared.  I bring up if you should take such a session, because maybe you shouldn’t.  Photographing special needs children is not for everyone, just like wedding photography isn’t for everyone.  I don’t have the lenses needed, nor the experience to do a good job with a wedding.  I’ve been asked to do weddings, but I always turn them down because I know my limitations, and I always want to produce superior work.  If you aren’t extremely patient and flexible in your approach with sessions, then don’t bother with special needs photography.  Parents have enough experiences with people who judge or just show their displeasure with their children, photography doesn’t need to be another one.  All parents should be able to get beautiful portraits of their children.

Breaking Down Special Needs

I am not a medical professional, so everything I am about to say comes from a mother of a special needs child, and a professional who works with many areas of special needs.  Disabilities/special needs can be broken down into three categories (in terms of how we see them):  cognitive, physical, and behavioral.  Many diagnoses fall into more than one category, but it helps to think in these terms when approaching a session.

Physical issues are by far the easiest to deal with as a photographer.  They may take some creativity on your part in terms of posing or positioning children in flattering ways, but these require little “work” on your part.  For example, when a five year old child has severe hypotonia and cannot sit on their own or struggles to hold up their head, then you work with chairs and sofas or on the floor.  Again, these situations require just a bit of creativity.

Cognitive issues can be more difficult, but I find the best way to approach the subject is by their cognitive age – not biological.  Speak to children at the level that is appropriate for them.  This also helps in terms of how you come across to the parents.  If you know and understand that the 10 year old you are about to photograph has the mental acuity of a five year old, you will be far less frustrated when that child isn’t as responsive or attentive as a typical 10 year old.  Setting your expectations can make all the difference, as parents know if a photographer is frustrated with their child.

The hardest to work with are behavioral issues (which stem from a multitude of reasons).  Understanding sensory processing disorders is probably the key point for an outsider, as it is foreign to most people.  To an outsider, sensory issues would present as behavioral issues in response to stimuli that we do not  understand.  If you want to take the time to educate yourself, I highly recommend the book The Out of Sync Child.  Heck, Google “sensory processing disorder” and just read.  There is no quick and easy rule that will make such sessions easy, but educating yourself and being patient are good starters.

Working with Autism
I have photographed children with cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, Prader-Willi Syndrome, Downs’ Syndrome, chromosome 18q syndrome, duplication of chromosome 16p11.2, Trisomy 18, sensory processing disorders, and all forms of autism.  I’m known as “the autism photographer”, and I must say that by far, the most difficult subjects are those with autism.  Not all, but in terms of  educating photographers, this is the area where you need to look within yourself to decide if you can provide a great service for such a family.  And if you can’t, refer elsewhere.  Like I said before, we all have our specialties, and no one needs to feel badly about not taking sessions outside their comfort zone.

Many of these children are more difficult to direct than the average child, and if you push  too much, it is easy to hit a wall with them or make them angry.  This means a lot of improvisation on my part. I have to do a lot of moving with them.

Tips for working with subjects with autism:
· Ask about sensory sensitivities (will studio lights be a problem?  Can you touch the subject?)
· Ask about the subject’s interests (those on the spectrum are usually extremely interested in a certain subject – trains, super heroes, doors, etc).  Know these and talk about them during the session to build trust
· Ask what makes the subject calm and happy (those on the spectrum typically do stimming behaviors that are repetitive motions such as spinning, flapping, rocking.  If you see such activity, it is your cue to back off and take a break, as the subject is most likely getting overstimulated)
· Ask what sort of bribe you can offer – if you are the sort to offer bribes, which I am.  For normal sessions, I offer Smarties as bribes, but many children on the spectrum are also on a GF/CF diet.  Asking upfront builds trust with the parent, and they can offer input.
· Ask the parent what will help you be successful.  This opens the dialogue to specific quirks or behaviors that you need to know about.  For example, does this child tend to repetitively poke people?  If so, you need to know this and know that they aren’t being “bad”, but are trying to communicate with you.

Another major and obvious challenge with autistic subjects is eye contact and engagement.  My number one tip to photographers is to know what the child is really interested in.  Have the parents have something handy – if the child is really into Thomas the Train, I place the train on top of my lens.  Eye contact is easier to achieve if you aren’t trying to get the child to look directly at you or the camera.  Place something on the lens (skittles, smarties, lens pet, toy).  If the child is higher functioning, I’ve told them that my camera is a robot and the lens is its eye, and the eye blinks at people it likes.  Then I ask them to see if it blinks at them.  This can get them looking directly into the camera and engaged, though not usually smiling.

Asking a child on the spectrum to smile is most likely not going to result in a natural looking smile.  My son is a great example:

He has the most beautiful smile, and is truly a joyous person, but any time I bring out a camera, he looks like he is in pain or constipated.  Getting him really laughing, on the other hand, results in the expressions that I see in him, and that is what parents want.  In this image, my husband was behind me pretending to be a zombie about to attack me.

How to be Successful
When a client books with me, we have a conversation about their particular child, that child’s specific needs and challenges, so I can walk in the door knowing their child and having the best odds to succeed.  We decide if bringing my studio lights and equipment will be too disruptive, or if lifestyle images would be best.  I am blessed to know my own best skills – and paramount among them is my patience with children.  They do not get under my skin, no matter the behavior.  In fact, in my client contract which I make clients sign, my #1 rule is that there will be NO apologizing for their child’s behavior.

There are really two parts to having success with photographing special needs children. First is making the parents happy.  Parents of special needs children are not quite the same as parents of typical children.  Usually, these parents have had to fight for their children, they have to protect them from stares and mean remarks.  These parents have usually had bad experiences in the past, and this includes bad experiences with photographers who were impatient.  If you show some effort in understanding their child, they will appreciate you SO MUCH.  Get images that show the child that they love and see in the intimate moments at home, and they are yours forever.

The second part of being successful is building a bond with the child.  I always judge a good session by if a child leaves thinking it was fun.  If they had a good time, then I just altered their perception of having their pictures taken.  And in case I haven’t mentioned it in the past few minutes, the single biggest factor to being successful with special needs children is PATIENCE.

About the Author:  Megan Drane of Firefly Nights Photography is based in the western suburbs of Chicago, Illinois.  While being a baby and child photographer, she has focused on photographing children with special needs for the past two years since her son was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome.  She is a wife and has two children, one of whom is turning her grey and making her question her parenting skills, and the other has special needs.  She likes to eat too much good food and reads too many books.  In fact, she is a published writer and holds a Masters of Fine Art in Creative Writing and hopes to someday figure out how to squeeze writing back into her life.

She is an active member of the Professional Photographers of America and is a volunteer photographer for Inspiration Through Art (previously Littlest Heroes Project).  She was named a 2011 Director’s Choice by Stories of Autism, been featured on Chicago’s ABC News as well as autismpodcast.org,  and showcased by Autism Society of Illinois.  Next month, she will be photographing the families of the national support group for Trisomy. Her work has also been featured on the cover of the international magazine Autism File and within special needs calendars.

You can learn more about Megan and follow her work at her Website or stalk her Blog or FaceBook page.

 

About the Author: Elizabeth Halford is a professional photographer and blogger in Hampshire, England. She owns Glacier Cake Photography and a blog for photographers. Elizabeth is a second generation home educator and is, regrettably, quite addicted to Facebook.

 

 

by Guest Contributor Spanki Mills

You just put the last spoon full of sugar in your freshly brewed cup of coffee, sit down at your computer desk and see…
INBOX (3 NEW)
*Pottery Barn SALE 10% off
*Congrats, you just won the British lottery!
*New Client Inquiry: Sarah

I am not sure about you, but this is just about how my day starts every morning.
*Pottery Barn…my husband would kill me if I spent more in that store…Delete
*Well if that darn British lottery was real, I could use that 10% off at PB! …Delete
*Hummm, new client… Sarah, a local senior ready to take her senior pictures…

Now WHAT? Want to make sure you make the most out of every senior you get?  It is all in the details…

First bit of BUSINESS info: You DON’T market to seniors.

They do not care if they get $20 off or a FREE 8×10… they however DO care if they get a custom iPhone case or C.A.S.H.!  So remember that when you are running any kind of marketing or ad – only the parents care about a good deal and let’s face if the parents are the ones telling the senior to use us, we are doomed! “Parents just don’t understand…” remember 😉  So. It is all about getting in with the seniors. To do that, you have to be COOL. HIP. and down right GROOVY. Which I happen to be all of the above , so let me help you join me in the “cool club” …Yes, I have a club, all the cool kids do!

How to be COOL. HIP. and GROOVY, without being seen: You have to care about what they care about and go to the places they go to.

For instance, is there a local hair dresser that is the “go to girl”  that you can have her hang some of your stuff in her salon? Same goes for the tanning and nail salon. What about a local boutique? As you drive around, pay attention to where they go. Coffee shop? Burger joint? You have to think out side of the box, and do a little work but it pays off. Remember, what you leave in these places will be your “first impression” so spend some time thinking about what you want that impression to be.

When doing marketing pieces, make sure to design it to what they will find appealing and what will show who you are. You might not want to use primary colors and give the impression you are talking to a kindergarten class. Word things to make them relate to you, (you might not want to let them know we use words like “groovy and hip” ). Look at designs from popular bands or clothing stores, to help give you inspiration for design.  Remember to make it sound FUN.

One of my best selling sessions for seniors is my group session. I have sign ups for this type of session, one of two ways -either I will set a date and let 4-5 sign up (kind of like a mini session) or I will allow ONE senior to get 4 of their friends and give them a little something for putting it all together (like extra FB images or 3 wallet accordions, etc.). I sell it by letting them know because it is a group, we get to travel to a location that has more to offer for backdrops and create unique images by going there. I also let them know how much fun and more relaxing it is to have your friends around, laughing, sharing clothes and accessories, and we all get to go to dinner before we head home. This is a favorite among many of my seniors. So I make sure to include images and details in my marketing pieces.

Okay so now to the actual senior session…

They have e-mailed you, it is generally a very simple “I like your work, my friend used you. etc. etc.” e-mail.   How in the world are you going to find out WHO this person is, what do they like, how do they dress, what is their personality? Isn’t it our job to represent that in their photographs?  I start off sending them the “thank you for contacting me” e-mail and it has a few questions attached. BUT… not the typical  “What is your personality” question. I make mine a little more off the wall and unexpected fun.

For example:
*You can drive any car you want, you choose:
A. Jacked up 4×4…because there ain’t NO mud gonna stop me.
B. Sporty red convertible. Because it is ALL about looking good while the wind blows through my hair.
C. A yellow VW Beetle. I like to be different and besides,  yellow is the perfect accessory to my blue VANS.

I also give them my suggested “what to wear guide” and explain to them the importance of details, and how real fashion is clothing that won’t be dated once they graduate and look back at these images 20 years from now. Then I ask them to e-mail or text me a few of their ideas for outfits.  From there I will suggest to add or layer, accessorize, etc.  We then discuss a location. If the clothing is plain and simple, it is great to suggest a fun urban backdrop for that outfit. If the outfit is bright and bold with a lot going on, then I might suggest a more simple location so the background won’t compete with the clothing.

Once you have a better feel for their personality, you can tell what they will be up for. I find it is best just to be fun, down to earth, and make them as comfortable as possible.  I don’t expect my senior client to be relaxed in front of the camera until about the second outfit change, or 30 minutes into the session, which ever comes first. So I always use the more simple poses and outfit first.

I think it so funny, the first hour is like pulling teeth and right about the time we are about to totally lose light, I can’t get them to stop coming up with new ideas and poses!

I try my hardest to let their personality shine through along with remaining true to myself my work.  The seniors always come away from the session saying what fun they have had, and to me that is number one! It helps that the more fun they have them more they tell everyone about the session and it builds interest so when I post the sneak peeks on Facebook and my blog, their friends are ready to see!

The session is over, now the BUZZ begins: For me, it is all about word of mouth and the buzz the seniors can create among each other.

Like I said, teens do not like being “sold” to, but they sure love telling and showing their friends how much fun they had and the cool new stuff they got. With the senior market, it is more important than any to always offer top of the line, new and unique products. I also offer several “smaller than wall print” products so they can carry them to school and show them off, such as rep cards, wallet accordions, and the 4×8 senior books. We all know it is natural to want what someone else has… I am not saying I want the new iPad just because my friend got it… I don’t do that….I  actually “need” mine. *wink*wink*

I know that just like everyone else, seniors want to feel like their experience is different and unique from start to end. Just because they are younger, doesn’t mean they do not appreciate quality and special treatment. So don’t skimp on any detail. The more you get their heart to smile from the attention, the more they will share your name and brand with their friends!

Make them feel like they won something: It is wise to make them feel like they have something exclusive with you.

One thing that I have done, that has gone over really well, was to offer to my current clients ONLY, a “pre-prom” session for all of their friends. So ONE current senior from each High School can have me come to their home a few hours before the limo picks their group up for dinner. I will shoot each couple, friends, the entire group, candid images, etc. Only for the cost of the digital images for each couple there. The kids LOVE this, it gets fun and relaxed pictures of a night they will always remember with out the stuffy balloon arch and harsh light that is offered at the prom itself. It is also something the moms appreciate, they get to take the moment in and not have to run around trying to get all the pictures, that is why I am there! This also is a great way I get my name in the mouths of some of the next year seniors since most proms are a Senior/Junior prom. It is a win win for them and me!

Closing the deal: Make packages that have bonus incentives.

I try to think of all the details when creating my packages. Scholarship applications, sorority packets, family, friends, wall hangings, and the important…SENIOR! The stuff they want to show off as well! Don’t forget to put a little “special” into the packaging of their products. This too should mirror your marketing and branding. I personally wouldn’t make it too “young” or too “old” I like to think simple is safe. Never forgetting the special details, like the hand written notes to not only the mom or dad that actually wrote the check, but include one just to the senior and leave something momentous from the day…like “I had a great time, even though I did step on a dead bat to get that perfect shot…totally worth it! Thanks for making my work look fab…you ROCK!”

Congratulations, you have just joined me in the cool club! WELCOME.

About the Author: My REAL name is Spanki! I will go by just about anything…Stacy, Becky, and Sparky are what I get the most often. (I guess no one really thinks they hear right when I say Spanki).  I am a thirty “something” mother of 4 (if you don’t include my husband who acts 12 most of the time)!  I have 3 boys one 11yr old, twin 10yr olds, and a daughter AKA the “boss” who is 5 (and to think I was told I couldn’t have children) pshhhh!
I am no good at math, or spelling…I tend to make up words. My poor friends and family have learned they have to de-code me! I have no problem laughing at myself! I sing really good when my radio is REALLY loud, I still think I can cheer just as good as the girls who can actually FIT in their uniform, and there is never a dance competition I won’t break it down in!
I am a self taught photographer, who loves photography for the memories it captures. I wish I could be the “artist” that can cry over an image…nope, not me, I am just the one who had always had a camera in hand not wanting to forget a moment in time I knew I’d never get back!

Visit Spanki at her WEBSITE, BLOG, and FACEBOOK page.