For Consideration

[Karin Wells]

I agree with all that Stanka has said plus the following:

I meet with the child before we schedule the shoot. We plan the shot and make sure the child is dressed in "paintable" clothing that he or she agrees with. I always ask the child how they want to look...we're partners in this afterall.

I shoot indoors in my studio with a strobe...you don't get anything out-of-focus this way (and that can be tough with a wiggley kid). They are more apt to behave on your turf.

I place them on an elevated platform with a backdrop and tell them to pretend that they are on a stage. This clearly defines their area and keeps them from running around. It also saves my back on a long shoot. I got this idea a long time ago while watching a children's photographer at Sears...some of them get pretty good pictures, so why can't we?

Keep ice cream in your freezer for small and deserved breaks.

Sometimes I place a TV with a VCR behind my camera with a Disney-something videotape to keep 'em amused and looking in my direction.

When they wave or "mug" at the camera, I shoot with an empty camera until they forget to do it and relax. If I don't do this, the cost of wasting that much film dents the bank account.

I will reschedule the shoot as many times as necessary in order to get the shot I need.

If you settle for a poor photograph, you cannot produce a good painting. I am glad that you are willing to reshoot this one. Any chance you could do it indoors and get some control over your pose and lighting?