I am a proffessional photographer who has had a lot of toddler sessions lately. Does any one have any great tips to keep these little monkeys on my backdrop. Also, I get many requests for sibling photos. With a toddler, this is so hard. It seems they are always running all around, but never where the light is metered for.

-- stephanie (happy606@aol.com), January 11, 2002

Answers

A couple of options. One, have a background that is big enough and evenly lit so you have a chance to get a picture as they move back and forth. Two, have a toy or object that will work as a prop, holds their attention and doesn't move from the spot you want to focus on. Three, put velcro on their feet. It doesn't stop them, but it's slows them down.

Most of the time, it's better to let the kids be themselfs and give them something that will hold them still for a moment, several boxes, a fuzzy animal, colored ribbions, etc. Or have the parents bring their favorite toy with them and add that to the picture. In most cases you are not going to have very long to get a group of pictures. Make sure and have everything ready before you start, be at your camera and have the parent put the toddeler in the general area of where you want him or her and step back. If the child is going to follow or look at the parent as they move back, be ready for that. If the child likes to run across the area, put them on one side and let them go. When they get at a spot you want to shoot at, make a noise, whistle, bell, flute, anything that will cause the child to pause in suprise and look. Be ready to shoot though, cause you will only have a moment.

If the parent brings the toddler in and they are not happy, don't let them yell or scold the kid because of it. That will only make everyone uptight and the kid worse. See if you can get the kids attention. Let them play with your camera (only kidding ;D). Have something that they might like to play with. Boxes are good, as is crumpled up seamless paper or tissue paper. If you start playing with an umbrella, twirling it around that might get their attention enough to get them past the bad mood.

And if all else fails, don't do kids and switch to dogs like I did.

Good luck.

Mike

-- Mike Jordan (mjordan@europa.com), January 11, 2002.

One word: Gaffer Tape

Think I'm kiddin'? You know that ad with like a score of children in a long line all sitting on the pot? There was an interview with the guy who did it. Yes, he really did glue them to their pots :-)

-- Allan Engelhardt (allane@cybaea.com), January 13, 2002.