Introduction
SECTION 1 VISION
1 START WITH THE KID
Snapshots vs. Portraits
The Real Kid
2 BRACE YOURSELF
Laying the Groundwork
Kid Psych 101
It’s a Phase
Common Mistakes When Photographing Kids
3 DEVELOPING YOUR STYLE
It’s Been Done
Your Critical Eye
What Attracts You?
Find Your Muses
Learn by Doing
Experiment. Evaluate. Continue.
SECTION 2 PROCESS
4 LIGHTING GEAR
Light Is Your Medium
A Word About Flash
Lights, Camera, Action
Start Somewhere
5 THE FIVE M’S OF STUDIO LIGHTING
Mood
Main
Modify
Measure
Move
6 ONE LIGHT, FIVE WAYS IN THE STUDIO
#1 Feathering the Light
#2 Up and Over
#3 Rembrandt-ish
#4 One-Light Silhouettes
#5 Spotlight Drama
7 THE WHITE SEAMLESS MANIFESTO
The Setup
Lighting the Background
One Background, Multiple Looks
Lighting for Action
Cleaning Up in Postproduction
8 LIGHTING ON LOCATION
Location Flash Technique
Location Lighting Styles
Studio or Location?
SECTION 3 THE SHOOT
9 STYLING AND PROPS
Styling Kids
Props or No Props?
10 DIRECTING THE SHOOT
It’s All Your Fault
What’s Your Angle?
Posing
Directing for Expression
Managing Energy on Set
Common Problems
Shoot First, Discipline Later
The Unexpected Element
11 PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
Studio Shoot: Lucy
Studio Shoot: Samantha
SECTION 4 THE FINAL PRODUCT
12 FINISH THE JOB
A Real Photographer
Value Your Work
Index