Baby Photo Shoot
A smiling baby is one of life's most beautiful things, no argument here.  When parents hire a photographer to come into their home and capture this thing of beauty they envision that one big smile captured forever.  So, I say, give them what they want and then show them how much lasting joy they can get from an artistic photo.


Chasing the smile can get a bit tedious (okay it can drive you nuts) so while you wait for the elusive event delve into some dramatic photos that will make the parents forget all about the smiles and start thinking of the giant piece of art that will hang over the mantle. 





That was my goal on my latest baby shoot. 

Like most artists I want to 'wow' people.  I want to create an emotional response.  When someone says, "that's a good picture." it's not enough for me.  I want tear-filled eyes, shortness of breath, quivering lips... you know, the powerful stuff.  That is what I want.  I know this gets into the philosophy of a photo shoot but everyone needs a personal philosophy.

To get to the art of the matter I believe you have to do 3 things.

1. Study Lighting and Poses (check out this e-book, it's worth it!)
2. Take Chances
3. Trust Yourself

Let me explain...

Study Lighting and Poses

If you're serious about your photography chances are you're already doing this.  I liken this to music.  If you're a master pianist you must know everything about the piano and its capabilities.  You must study the masters of music.  However, you're not going to copy them and you're not going to use every note or phrase on every piece you play, even though you must know it all in order to play it well.   I hope that make sense.

Learn all you can, but don't use all you learn.  

I've heard it said like this,

"Don't just go through a book.  Let the book go through you."

You must study.  Get on the Google-Internet-Machine and look at other photographers stuff.  Take notes of poses and lighting.  Hopefully this is how you found yourself on this site, reading this article.  Your clients are doing this, so should you.

On this particular shoot the parents literally printed off pictures that they liked from other photographers.  This helped to me understand what they were expecting and the cool thing was, I was able to blow them away.  Study.  It will pay off.

Baby Photo Shoot

Take Chances

Here is how it happens.  You're an hour into the shoot and you suddenly get an idea.  The problem is that this 'idea' will require you to adjust your lights and your lens and will take a few minutes to set up.  You pause, reconsider and keep shooting.

You missed the chance.   You have to start listening to those ideas.  Take those chances. 

Sometimes I'll pass on these flashes of creativity because they represent something completely new that I've never attempted.  I fear it might make me look amateurish in the eyes of the client if it doesn't "work".  It would be embarrassing if it looked like I don't know what I'm doing... or would it?

The truth is in those moments I don't really know what will happen... I'm composing and creating.  If  I'm only willing to do what I know, then how am I going to grow as a photographer?  You must try stuff you haven't tried. You must lose site of the shore in order to find new and amazing worlds!  This is the heart of an artist.

Trust Yourself

It comes down to trust.  If you've studied lighting and you've bathed your mind in the images of the masters, then you have to trust that you can create pieces that are lasting.  You must trust your knowledge and instincts. 

I'm on the verge of preaching at you, so I'll cool down, but I hope you feel the motivation to get a little bit crazy.  Come out of your comfort zone as a photographer and shoot to create art. 

Enjoy the photos.

[ more at http://www.KeithEddleman.com ]