The Dangers of Infant and Toddler Photography

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Thank you for all those who have come back for another entry of my blog. Today we will be discussing the joy and wonder of photographing infants and toddlers.

I know you said “awwww”

Oh yes. Adorable aren’t they?
Well hidden beneath that beautiful face, baby soft skin, and diaper full of poo, is a mini-photographer-saboteur. Little do you know looking at all the beautiful smiling faces that it took about 200 photos to happen upon that gem of a photograph. It should be noted the child is very annoyed at his or her slip of cuteness during the session.
In most photos they tend to look like this:

Mommy wants a 30x40 canvas of This

I should note this does not generally apply to newborns. I am not one of them as of yet, but there are baby whisperers out there who have a magical ability to put newborns to sleep so that they will be free to fire away with their camera.

Not Me

I have only had one opportunity to work with a newborn and fortunately the parents were very helpful. The trick with newborns is just that...put them to sleep. Once they are out you can manipulate them into any outfit and adorable pose you want.

got to hide their no no parts

Toddlers, on the other hand. They are a different breed. I imagine after a year of cameras being thrust in their faces they are going quite tired of the whole thing and have decided the best course of action would be to cause as much problems as possible so as to ensure the parents will not bring them their again.

There are some facts about children that age that can help guarantee a fun-filled day of boo-hoos from the child and pulling out of hair by the photographer. About the time parents are wanting one year pictures of their darling little bumkin sweet heart lovey cakes shnookums; many children have begun teething. It is inevitable that little brittany or robby will have their molars and bicuspids coming in together at the exact moment your are set up and ready to shoot.

someone get this kid a popsicle

Another important facet about children around the toddler age that can lend itself to a whole Host of problems especially in a studio setting...Little Janie has just learned to Walk!! *gleeful smile from proud mom*
What does this mean for the unsuspecting photographer. Chasing Janie away from all the wires, softboxes, and props she manages to find in the moment it takes you to take your settings down a stop.

Lawsuit

If possible, stick to available lights and on location photography. Unless your studio is baby-proof (and unless you specialize in infant photography it surely is not) ask the parents if they would like you to come to them. The Pros far out way the Cons. yes you have to pack up your equipment and haul it-but your studio remains intact and no parents are suing you for the flash bulb that inexplicably ended up in little Janie’s nose.
If the parents are unsure about this arrangement, talk to them about the sentimental moments it can create with professional photos in such a familiar environment.

*sigh* the fond memories

Perhaps the toddler won’t know what is going on until you have procured a number of satisfying images. Rest assured Bobby, Janie and little Susie have every intention of making you look like a fool. Perhaps now you (parents and photographers alike) can be a little better prepared.

Next Week: Christmas and family expectations of the new photographer.

There are still a few openings for the Blog Contest from last week. Check it Out!