What the heck? Two Simple Shares
Thu, October 15, 2009 This week I wanted to share two simple tips. Sorry to be a little all over the place, but each of these tips don't really deserve a full post, so I am going to throw them all together and hope for the best!! :)
Toddler Tip: When I am photographing a child that I am just meeting for the first time, I take a few seconds to say hello. If they are old enough to realize that you are a stranger, it can be difficult when they are shy or reserve. I always ask the parents before the shoot what they are interested in. What is there favorite TV show, or character they love. If I don't already know the show, I make sure before I go to the photo session to know the main characters. If I can, I go to Target or Walmart and if they have a little Dora, or Pony for $4.00 I will pick it up. It helps break the ice. Also you can use the small character to make them look at you. Keep the little toy in your hand and have them "find" it. Put the toy on top of the camera, make the toy disappear and then re-appear (always makes them sad and then smile!) If I can't get to the store, or I am short on cash, I ALWAYS try to bring bubbles. Bubbles are awesome. Have the parents blow the bubbles for you and then go to where the bubbles are floating and you can usually get great eye contact with the camera. I have never used candy on a photo session because I am always concerned how the parents would feel about that tactic.
Camera Tip: Never, ever, ever leave your camera down near the air conditioning vent on the way over to a photo session. On a photo session I had during the summer it took about 40 minutes to drive to the location and it was HOT and Humid outside. I had my camera bag on the front seat floor of my truck and I had the air conditioning on full blast. When I got out of my truck I was calm, very cool and ready to shoot, except my camera was not. When I took my camera out of the bag it had condensation on the lens. It took about 20 minutes for the camera to finally be ready for shooting. Very, very stressful and very big lesson learned. PS.. it also happens when going from really hot to really cold. Learned that this weekend while I was upstate and it was 20 degrees out and my car was at a toasty 80 degrees. Now some of you may have already known this, but I did not, so maybe, just maybe there is one other photographer I can help.. :)
It has been a crazy week on my end here, but if you guys have any questions you want to ask, you can email me at kim (at) kimpacephotography (dot) com.
Happy Shooting!!
Reader Comments (2)
I love the bubbles idea..very clever. I will keep the air/heat in mind with the camera. Thanks :)
The ol' camera condensation problem got me the other day, This is a great reminder. I didn't have it chilling next to the vent either, it was just in the car.