Two year olds are particularly hard to photograph because they have decided without reguard that for the rest of thier life they will do exactly as they please. Take for instance this adorable blond haired little boy! Oh he looks angelic.. as if he just popped up on the ottoman and smiled with that seriously heart melting smile. What is not shown was the 20 minutes prior that his mother and I tried to coerse him to even step onto the backdrop. The time it took to re-tie his shoes, tuck in his shirt, and try to cover the big gooseegg on his forehead with that gorgeous hair! Two year olds are amazing becuase they typically don't care what you have to offer them, they remain unbribable as they were just a few months earlier. The best way to photograph them is to do WHATEVER THEY WANT! I do not reccommend this in ANY other capacity, but in photography a meltdown means its all over. I have seen countless parents try to punish thier two year old in a session and in each and every scenario-- the session is OVER, eyes get red, tears flow, kicking and throwing begins. I use the do whatever you want scenario from about 18 months to three. I try to get them to play with me, by carrying furniture, playing with toys, catching things. If we are outside I get them to chase me, or play hide and seek, or climb up things. It may sound silly but they are the boss! They control the session and it takes a very strategic plan to get a good photo! A lot of times I even try to catch the attitude-- simply because thats who they are at that moment in thier life. This little guys mama may want a re-shoot or she may not! Either way it is never a boring job! I love this kid! Thank You QUINN-- until we meet again! lol
