April 2008 Featured Member: Todd Laffler

TODD: What interests me about child photography is that you never truly know what kinds of images you are going to come home with. That's exciting to me. Every child is so different and unique that they always manage to keep me guessing as to what they might do next. The real challenge is to be ready for when something happens because you can safely bet that it will be fleeting. For the lack of a better description, I feel adults are somewhat hard wired already. They are predictable. They also have a pretty definite idea about their self image. They are hyper sensitive to their visual "flaws", and seem to obsess about them. I always hear things like, "can you photoshop my wrinkles out, photograph me from above because I have a double chin, this is my good side, can you make me look thin" etc. Most children haven't learned this yet. This makes photographing them so much more enjoyable because I'm not worried that they won't like the way they look. I like to think of myself as a child as well while I'm photographing them, except that I have much more expensive toys!

TODD: Before I even take my camera out, I try to find out what the child I am photographing is in to, and then make a connection based on that. Also, just talking with the parents as well helps put the kids at ease. The child must be comfortable or nothing will come of the session. If the child isn't engaged in something they like, or is unhappy, I will suggest changing things up, or even taking a break. Typically, after about 20 minutes or so, the child becomes camera semi-unaware. They obviously know I am there, but the novelty has worn off already. It always amazes me at how quickly this usually happens.

There are a few quick and easy things the average parent can do to improve their photographs. Firstly, if they are not bouncing their flash, turn it off! Find some good, usually soft, ambient light in the house, or maybe some open shade outside to set the child up with some kind of engaging activity that they like to do. Secondly, change your perspective. Get down low to the ground, get up high, or at the very least, get down on their level. Also, try zooming in closer. Maybe just the head and shoulders, but usually you want to focus on the eyes. If the eyes aren't sharp, then the whole photo won't seem right. Lastly, shoot a TON more photos. I sometimes shoot over 100 photos of one scene, or interaction just to pick out the best 5 or so.

TODD: It depends really. For kids around 0-7 months, I will bring my portable studio to the clients house. The main reason being that kids in this age range don't tend to move all that much. So it's nice to have more controlled lighting when you can. Also, I bring the studio to them because I want the child to be comfortable in their familiar surroundings. My portable studio usually consists of a plain backdrop with stands, a few compact light stands and umbrellas, and a couple of Canon 580 EX's triggered via radio slaves.

Most of the time though I am on my knees/stomach with just my Canon 5D and my 85mm 1.2, following kids around for two hours. My Canon 70-200mm 2.8 sees a bit of action as well on kids sessions. I also like to go really wide with my Sigma 15mm fisheye. I try not to get too hung up on gear if possible. I think some people spend too much time analyzing equipment or asking what shutter speed and aperture someone used on a particular photo.

TODD: I swear Josh didn't tell me to say this, but photo.net is a great resource for learning. Although there isn't a Children's section (yet) under the Learning menu, someday I believe there will be....nudge nudge! There is a wealth of useful information in the Learning menu though, and on the forums as well. Beyond that, just being able to see all these great photos at one place is amazing. I suggest going through the top photos in the category you are interested in and spend some time with the images that move you. Don't keep on clicking through. Stop, and ask yourself what it is that you like about a particular image and why? Pick it apart and figure out if it's the mood, emotion, composition, lighting, use of color etc. that draws you to it. I do have to say though, as useful as all this information is, it's absolutely useless until you put it into practice on a daily basis. This is the key! There is no magic bullet or lens that will make you a better photographer. You must go out and experiment, play and practice. Remember, it's the wizard, not the wand!

Todd Laffler

TODD: I feel very fortunate to be able to make a living using my camera. I am well aware of the many people out there who don't like their jobs and aren't living what they love. Having said that, I don't know that there is one particular genre that I enjoy over the others. I suppose my children's photography and the weddings are pretty special though. This may sound a little "Hallmarky", but in my minds eye, I frequently fast forward 30-50 years in time and imagine the people I photograph today looking at the photographs I made for them. I like to think that my pictures will continue to bring them immense joy, and help to keep their memories alive not only for them, but for their children and grandchildren as well.

As for a dream project, I would love to take a year off and travel the world to see what is has to offer. And of course there would be a gigantic and immensely successful coffee table book made when I got back! ;)