Adoption Hearing tomorrow

[Disney Chick]

My BIL and his wife are finally getting to make their adoption official tomorrow, and I am getting the honor of shooting it. I had no idea that they allowed photography in the courtroom, but apparently they really encourage it for adoptions. Has anyone ever shot one of these? I have no idea if I'll be able to move around freely or not. I'm hoping to make use of my Better Bounce Card. Tips for such an event would be appreciated!

[HeatherLou]

Congrats to them! I know that is a very long long road!

[L Stegall]

I've never shot one, but I've been to one when a friend finalized her adoption. Just go and enjoy. If I remember correctly, I doubt you'll be moving around much in the courtroom and you'll be back behind the railing, so you'll have lots of shots of them from behind, while they are up at the judge's bench. You're opportunity to shoot more is out in the hallway before and after. Congrats to them.

[carrbowl]

Sorry I didnt' see this yesterday. Our friends adopted a boy almost 3 years ago. We drove to Dallas for the adoption and now are part of the will !! He's adoreable!!! But he is 3!!


PS Do you think I used a flash back then???



I'm sure you photos will be better!!! I'll be looking forward to them!! ( to see how to do them correctly!!)

[ShaneKislack]

I'm thinking you shoot this guerilla style. No bounce cards. High ISO, lot's of grain. I think anything you can do to be covert is better since it's really about the adoption and I'm sure the kid (depending on age) might be insecure.

[Disney Chick]

I'll post pictures later, but I wanted to say that it was wonderful! I had the ability to go anywhere I wanted. I used the flash, but I just bounced it and didn't use a BBC. They let the whole family and friends that went go all the way up to the bench. It was so sweet.

[andyz]

I guess the judge is in a good mood since these are joyous occasions. Glad it went well.

[carrbowl]

Rachel, The judge said to us that most of the time they have to deal with families in bad situations and usually fighting..so when they get to do an adoption, they are excited because it is finally a "good" thing they get to do. The Mom was trying to calm the boy down and keep him quiet and the judge told her this was "his" day and he could do what he wanted...just let him!! I thought that was cool. Let us hear about your story and what happened...And photos!!

[CallMeAl]

My wife and I have adopted two children ( finalized last year and the year before) and the finalization is always a good time. If you are finalizing in Dallas, they are very accomodating for photographers and let you move around and the judge will pose for pictures too. Depending on which judge is there, they may also give the child a teddy bear. Congratulations and I look forward to seeing the pictures.

[Disney Chick]

Thanks for all the comments! Here are just a few shots:













The judge kissed them each and let them say their new names for the court:

[AndrewCCM]

LOVE IT.

Great job! Great day!

Glad you got to capture it!

[iCe]

You did a great job on these. What a cool thing to share with us. Thanks!!

[Disney Chick]

Thanks, y'all!

[carrbowl]

Thanks for sharing....those are so fun...

[TXFZ1]

Trey cool photos that make me grin with the happy face!

David