Backgrounds and Props for 2yo?

[hhscr]

I have been asked to shoot a few studio shots for a 2 YO. Children are not subjects I have experience with.

Anyone got any ideas for backgrounds and props?

Thanks

[epoh]

Age appropriate toys - dump trucks, teddy bears, etc.
Child-sized chairs or rockers. (They sell these at Walmart and Target.)

I wouldn't try to plan too much. Trying to photograph a 2yr old in a specific place with props is like trying to pose a puppy dog. Good luck!

[BabyHopes]

Sometimes bubbles can keep a two year old in place long enough for a few shots. Otherwise, I try to keep it simple.

[HotHolly]

If your props are something that they can play with - great. If you are trying to get them to pose and line up - you and the child arent going to be happy.

I usually do play sessions at that age. If they come to the studio I have a tea set arranged for little girls to play with. They can pour, eat a cookie, and there is a dolly or bear in the other chair. Works great to keep them engaged and I can get a range of stuff from serious, to smiling.

My advice would be to find functional props to keep the toddler interested in staying on your set.

[hhscr]

Thanks for the ideas.

I like them all.

[toverman]

Keep your lighting pretty simple and adaptable to a wide area, too, because some 2-year-olds (like mine) really like to roam. I have to use shutter priority so I can prevent him from being just a big blur across the frame.

[hhscr]

So umbrellas instead of soft boxes is the way to go??

[epoh]

I would have the softbox on-hand. Assess how hyper the child as once the family gets there. You may be able to use the softbox for some shots.

[Shelby Lane]

Originally Posted by epoh

I wouldn't try to plan too much. Trying to photograph a 2yr old in a specific place with props is like trying to pose a puppy dog. Good luck!

As someone who photographs kids this age in the studio (with a softbox) all the time, I would take the opposite approach. I'd want to know what they're wearing ahead of time, what type of shots are most important to them, etc and plan as much as possible ahead of time. I agree with Holly that you have to engage that child with something that interests them and goes with the feeling you want. You're going to have to work fast because of attention span and that takes more planning. I am not a kid chaser -- I give them a location where everything is already set up and I let them play, and if they run away then we take a break or mom brings them back and we get them involved in their activity again.

[PictureCow]

Originally Posted by toverman

Keep your lighting pretty simple and adaptable to a wide area, too, because some 2-year-olds (like mine) really like to roam. I have to use shutter priority so I can prevent him from being just a big blur across the frame.

Well if you're in the studio you can't shoot shutter priority. As far as softbox vrs. umbrella your selection should be based on the quality of light you're looking for as each provide a different look.

A two year old needs to be engaged. I don't chase kids. They stay in the shooting area. I limit props and introduce them one at a time. Planning is key. Once we're done with it... it goes out of sight. Cookies are a good motivator. You ask them, "do you want a cookie?" then give it to them. Ask them if they want another when they say yes... you tell them. "Okay you sit here and then you give them another one". Continue with the reward even if it slows shooting down because once you loose their interest it's over. Of course check with parent before offering food incase there is any issue there.