I take a lot of pictures of a lot of events, people and things, but some of my favorite images come from child portrait sessions.  These little people are the most genuine and conformable people I photograph and we get along very well.

This session was a lot of fun.  Our little toddler was always on the move, so she was a challenge to follow, but that energy came with a lot of personality.  The session started in the park where she wore us all out running back and forth with her ball and when we finally got back to grandma’s house, she was settled down pretty well… and was content to draw, read to her stuffed animal or hold meetings on her cel phone.

Always smiling.  The park is her natural habitat.

Get a load of that excitement and energy.  That’s truly infectious.

Grandpa got the most love of the day.  Grandma spent more time running.  I’m glad I got this shot.  I would want this shot if it were my daughter.

As I approached the house, after the park visit, she was waiting at the door.  I wasn’t really ready for the shot, I was packing in gear and so I had to set a few things down to get the shot and I only got one shot and then she was gone.  It pays to be ready for the shot.  Also, having an assistant to cary the other things would have given me more freedom to get more shots, but I think I got what I needed regardless.  I love the shot.

Snack time.  This is important on many levels.  It is essential that a child have a snack half way through the portrait session so the energy levels are replenished and there aren’t any major breakdowns.  It also gives the child a chance to do something they love to do.  And finally, it gives me a chance to get some cute photos that are a little different than the rest of the shoot.  Snack time is a great part of any toddler portrait session.

When my wife saw this photo, she said in an envious tone, “I want that photo.”  With her daughter in it (of course).  That’s how I know I got a great shot.  My wife covets the shot for her own child.

Story time.

I was very pleased with the entire setup for this shot.  The windows already had great light coming through, which made for a nice backlit situation.  The lamp was also proving a glow, as were the lights in the room.  Just one addition flash was needed to fill in the shadow and give the subject a little extra volume.  The light was a Canon 600RT Speedlite with a Strobie small soft box on a Cheetah Stand.  I exposed at a higher ISO and first figured out my exposure for the window light.  Then I fired up the flash and pushed it up to a few stops below the window light.  I always find the ambient light first, then add flash of constant light to supplement the natural light.

 

And finally, a happy formal portrait.  I am so pleased with all of the shots, but second only to the shot of her on the phone with the bear to her side, this is my very favorite image.  She’s just so happy and everything works well compositionally for a portrait print.

Children’s Photography by Jared Platt, www.plattphotography.com

Slideshow music by Anna Sali, courtesy of www.TripleScoopMusic.com

Location, Phoenix, Arizona