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If you’re planning a photo shoot in which your subjects will be children, you might want to consider adjusting the gear you’d normally work with otherwise. If you plan to specialize in child photography, it’s important to explore and weigh your equipment options before you start compiling a camera bag full of impractical additions. Daniela Dawson, student advisor at the New York Institute of Photography (NYIP), shares the importance of the right gear: "Reliable gear - and backup gear - will assure you feel confident going into a shoot and knowing nothing can go wrong." Here are some things you can do to get the best results!
1. Routine setup
Chiefly, you want to reduce your compositional technique to an almost robotic, routine operation as often as possible when it comes to working with babies and kids. Once your logistical routine is in place, you’ll be able to establish a relationship with the young subject, something crucial in this particular niche.
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2. Entertainment tools
Since children have much shorter attention spans and patience, you will not have the privilege of focusing on your gear and fine-tuning operational adjustments at the time of the shoot. You’ll need to be talking to, communicating with, and entertaining the children as much as possible instead.
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3. Digital camera with quick operation
A digital camera is probably the best choice for this field of work.
Why? Digital cameras are versatile and user-friendly for capturing quick movements, which are common with younger children or teenagers who desire action photography.
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4. Wireless tethering setup
You might also want to consider tethering it with a wireless communication setup so that it links directly to a computer monitor, or a camera field monitor.
Why? Linking your camera to a camera field monitor allows you to view photos on a larger screen than the screen on your camera. This real-time feedback helps you adjust quickly without interrupting the session.
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5. Photo retouching tools
If senior portraits or prom pictures are going to be a part of your workflow, you should probably familiarize yourself with an image-editing software as well in anticipation of this.
Why? If your clients are in their teen years, many will ask for your help with retouching blemishes they might have on the day of the shoot.
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Want to learn more?
NYIP offers online photography classes that can help you learn photography or start a new career. Hear from real students who benefitted from these courses to see if it’s the right fit for you. Request your free course catalog today!
