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Need suggestions on upcoming Christmas Portraits


12 years 4 months ago #179911 by reneeb1710
I have offered to take Christmas photos for a friend of her 3 children (3 year old girl and 17 month old twin boys). I don't have a "studio" but I do have a white vinyl backdrop and 2 studio lights. I recently lost my job due to downsizing so can't afford to go out and spend a lot on props. I was wondering if anyone could offer suggestions for settings for Christmas photos. Also, posing suggestion for the 3 children. Thanks so much!
Renee
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12 years 4 months ago #180009 by icepics
Getting three little ones that age to sit at the same time for any length of time could be the biggest challenge in this! - I worked with babies and toddlers with delays, not as a photographer but as an early intervention specialist.

I'd try finding out what time of day is good, what they like and would respond to; parents know their kids best. Some kids might do well with you using mom to smile/wave to them. Depends on their personalities and activity levels, sometimes kids do better sitting if they have a little toy to hold (although you may not want something like that in a portrait). I'd go by the mom's guidelines about what will help them be calm more than active.

One thing we did that helped was to use a little carpet square (sample) for kids to sit on for floor time, it can help the younger ones to have something 'concrete' along with telling/pointing to where you want them to be (that can be too 'abstract' for young ones to understand 'here'/'there'). Then if they get up you can redirect them back to their square (it wouldn't have to be a carpet square, you could improvise with whatever works).
Sharon
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12 years 4 months ago - 12 years 4 months ago #180059 by photographynext
that's lovely :) Wore them Santa clause dresses and make a snowy background with gifts all over there. I think its not costly :)
Charleston Bridal Photographers
The following user(s) said Thank You: reneeb1710
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12 years 4 months ago #180079 by Baydream
If you have some post-processing experience, go shoot a batch of "backgrounds" (lighted houses, Christmas trees, wreaths, etc.) to use as PP backgrounds. If you can't use them now, you may later. icepics has a great idea on the squares. They could be post-its, an old Twister game, or strips of ribbon.
For your background, use colored bulbs (red/green - not "Red Green") in cheap clamp on lamps from the hardware store to "project" color onto your white background - or if your backdrop material is thin enough, hang strings of lights BEHIND the fabric.

Good luck.
Shoot, learn and share. It will make you a better photographer.
fineartamerica.com/profiles/john-g-schickler.html?tab=artwork
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12 years 4 months ago #180084 by trugo
I always like outdoor location shots. So if it's not too cold, you shoot the portraits by a pine tree, or by Christmas lights decored on a house. I mention outdoors as it will give you the light you need.
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12 years 4 months ago #180104 by reneeb1710
Thanks for the tips! Yes, I did tell the mom to bring the over at a time that is best for the "kids". I also agree with you that anytime you have more than 1 or 2 subjects chances are slim of getting them all with their eyes open...or a smile..or one of them not crying :-) I like the idea about the squares. I will try that! Thanks again!
Renee
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12 years 4 months ago #180108 by reneeb1710
Thank you for the suggestions!
Renee
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12 years 4 months ago #180116 by reneeb1710
Thanks all for the suggestions. I really appreciate the advice!
Renee
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12 years 4 months ago #180123 by bexi58
Good Luck I hope it all works out. Remember to relax and have fun, your energy will feed off of the kids and they will also be relax. :)
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