Alas, here we arrive at a group that I think is more delicious than any mentioned thus far.  Given their level of delicious-ness, coupled with their general lack of speed (notice I say general) and the fact that they can sit up (and sometimes stand/walk), they are a wonderful group to photograph.

First off, don’t forget to check out the Newborn Posing Series and the 3-6 Month Old Posing Series if you missed them earlier.

A number of these poses will overlap with the other posing series. As well – you may already incorporate many of these options into your shooting routine. Hopefully, however, there will be something that will cause you to say ‘oh, yeah – I forgot about that’ or ‘that’s something I haven’t tried yet’.

Let us begin.

If I am in a client’s home – I will often check out the baby’s room and put the baby in his/her crib for a few shots – making sure some are taken up close and some farther back. It also adds a personal touch for the parents because it is the baby’s room. I always ask the parent if the baby will be happy to be in their crib first – as I don’t want the session to start off with a crying baby. As well, seeing as I shoot using only natural light, the child’s bedroom is not always a possibility.

Yummy...

Ready to party...

Next… a basket or container can give you some nice variety, nice composition – and best of all, it contains your subject if they are on the move.

Not going anywhere fast...

Yes – the trusted blanket still works well for this age…

Close-up and personal...

These young babes are often immersed into whatever they are looking at – so capturing a picture where they are looking down is generally very easy…

Happy boy...

Always make sure to get a range of body poses – full, partial, and headshot. The full body ones are a must – as they always include those luscious fingers and toes!

Love his expression here...

If the parents are open to it – a few pictures without clothing on, or with just a diaper are wonderful reminders for them years down the road of how squeezable their babies were. These shots below also speak to the importance of changing up direction of the gaze of the child.

Squeezable...

One from my studio days...

It follows when talking about no clothes, that paying attention to clothing is important as well. Thus, adding in a different outfit or a hoodie or hat can give you and your clients more options (one clothing change is fine – I am not a fan of doing more than that but that is simply personal preference).

Does this little guy look familiar?

Another studio shot. The navy is a nice contrast to the background...

My experience is that many of these babies can cruise or at least stand with support. Thus, having a stable bench is a nice change of position for the baby and for your images. The bench in this photo is 1 foot high.

Loving life...

There are a number of shots you can capture when the baby is in their parents arms – some where you don’t really even see the parent…

Warming up...

Safe and sound with Dad...

I like to try and get them with their back to me – and either take the shot if I think it’s cute (as in the first one below) or make a noise so they will turn…

Immersed...

Who me?

This is also a fantastic age for walking between their parents legs. Most of the time they are thrilled to be testing out their legs.

Farther back...

Our crib enthusiast from earlier on...

Getting them fully enjoying a ball or toy is lovely and rounds out a shoot nicely, especially if you can get some shots of the child on their tummy as well.

Blocks...

Finding the ball fascinating...

I can’t forget to include that young child that is already on the move. My advice if you remotely have the option – follow them around!

Up the stairs...

Checking out somethin' in the grass...

Reading and traveling about...

Capturing his personality...

Okay… I’ve saved my favorite (or one of them, anyway) for last… books. I love the book shots. I have this terrific ‘Colors’ book and the kids love all the colors and objects to be discovered in there.

Could he be more engaged... I don't think so.

Love the color here...

Love that you can see the cover of the book here...

O. M. G. – I think that does it for today!

What’s your Bottom Line to consider when shooting 8-12 month olds? Consider the following:

• Location – if  you’re on-location, move around to keep things fresh for the child and to create a variety of images. If you are in-studio, you may want to consider one backdrop change
• A Container or Basket to contain the moving baby
• Body Crop – make sure to get in nice and close, then partial and then full body
• Use a Blanket and shoot over top of them if they are captivated long enough
• Pay attention to Clothing – no clothes, hats/hoodies, or change of clothes
• Direction of Gaze – Get them looking down, at Mom or Dad, and at you
• Get them Standing up with something to support them – a bench, couch, ottoman
• Take them Over the Shoulder of Mom or Dad
• Get them From behind – either looking out a window or doing something interesting
• Engage Them With a Toy that works well in the photograph, like blocks or a small ball
• Get them Between the Legs of one of their parents
  
• Give them a Great Book to look at or ask their parents if they have a favorite
• Follow Them Around – whether they are crawling, cruising or walking

Ahhh… done. I hope that was helpful/interesting/entertaining. If you can take a moment and spread the word, you know I will GREATLY appreciate it.

As well, you may be happy to know that I am going to be starting a ‘Session Debrief’ series in the near future – where I will take you through my thought process on how I choose where and what to shoot when I first enter a client’s home. I’m excited about it and I hope you will be too!

Oh… and did you just land here? Lucky me! Please subscribe in the right sidebar if you’d like to get interesting and informative reads delivered directly to your inbox or by RSS feed.

Technorati Tags: baby photography, posing guide, Shooting Tips

Tags: baby photography, posing guide, Shooting Tips

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