Question for Mommies whose DC won't sit still in front of the camera

Do you have any tips?

I have been putting off doing her Christmas card for this reason. DD will not sit still. She'd rather be behind the camera than in front of it. It's a waste of money to get prof. pics because we get only one good shot.

Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks!

Re: Question for Mommies whose DC won't sit still in front of the camera

Not really a tip, but one of us has the camera and the other wrangles DD to get her to stand still. Sometimes it works, but we just keep snapping away until we get one we like.

Re: Question for Mommies whose DC won't sit still in front of the camera

Instead of trying to get her to sit still, take candid shots while she is playing or interested in something else. Get her playing with lights or outside in the snow.

Re: Question for Mommies whose DC won't sit still in front of the camera

I wish I could help but we are in the very same boat here so I welcome all suggestions too I have not bee able to get ONE decent shot of DS and I have been trying since before Thanksgiving. I swear I am about to give up on the entire photo card this year since it's getting too late now.

After the fiasco when trying to get prof. pics done for his birthday a few months ago, I won't even attempt to take him anywhere again (he FLIPS out at those types of places) so I keep trying on my own but still haven't had ANY success

So no advice but I feel your pain

Re: Question for Mommies whose DC won't sit still in front of the camera

Posted by FeliciaDP

I wish I could help but we are in the very same boat here so I welcome all suggestions too I have not bee able to get ONE decent shot of DS and I have been trying since before Thanksgiving. I swear I am about to give up on the entire photo card this year since it's getting too late now.

After the fiasco when trying to get prof. pics done for his birthday a few months ago, I won't even attempt to take him anywhere again (he FLIPS out at those types of places) so I keep trying on my own but still haven't had ANY success

So no advice but I feel your pain

Re: Question for Mommies whose DC won't sit still in front of the camera

This year we went to Sears and PP. DS would NOT sit still and actually threw tantrums in both places. PP got one shot that i am not even excited about sending out but I cant go take pics every weekend.

Next year I am doing it myself or hiring one of the photographers on here to take shots

Re: Question for Mommies whose DC won't sit still in front of the camera

What did I do? I just learned to make do with the best ones I got! I was slightly upset I couldn't get better pics but I have to tell you I tried EVERYTHING. And, with the santa hat - forget it - he ripped it off after two seconds.

Re: Question for Mommies whose DC won't sit still in front of the camera

My DC sit still in front of a camera for the most part but here are some things you can do - or at least that I've tried with some success.

My trick is YOU NEED TWO PEOPLE. One with a camera, the other is the baby wrangler. The baby wrangler is usually the mom. The other person is the one with the camera. If that doesn't work swap who has the camera. If you can't use your DH, pair up with another mom on the board since you all seem to be in the same boat. One stands with a camera ready. Baby wrangler makes them laugh, sings to them & is generally there to get their attention. Camera person talks to them sometimes if they want them looking directly at the camera.

- Try putting the kid on his belly or tush. Step quickly out of the way and snap, snap, snap before he/she gets up.
-Have the person engage him in conversation. Knock on walls/trees, ask if Elmo is in there.
- Park them in front of a TV.
-Play peek-a-boo.
-Hold the kid & have the person with the camera zoom in.
-Have the baby wrangler person sing a song.

Re: Question for Mommies whose DC won't sit still in front of the camera

We always used the two-person method, and the "digital pics are free, so just keep snapping until something usable shows up" method...

Usually, DW would hold DC, then I would count down from 3. She would immediately let go, and I would snap a pic (hopefully more than one). If they are crawling or toddling, you can always "lead" them by staying 5' in front of them, and going for a "catwalk" modeling shot.

I also like the "candid" shots (or the "sneak up when they aren't paying attention" shot). Keep the camera handy, and when DC is preoccupied, take the camera and get a few shots in before they realize what you did.

Re: Question for Mommies whose DC won't sit still in front of the camera

well we did try professional ones and we got some OK shots IMO...we had TWO girls in the room ( target) and me and DH and we could distract him or get him to do things much easier with that many people....you could try, if they come out bad, dont buy them.

The other thing we do here if have someone make him laugh while I take the picture, or have someone else occupy him...and when Im alone I just shoot shoot shoot ....

Re: Question for Mommies whose DC won't sit still in front of the camera

We always have this problem when we tae DD to a studio-every holiday, etc. It has gotten worse since she started walking. We just have them take a ton of pics and usually we can find something. Good luck!

Re: Question for Mommies whose DC won't sit still in front of the camera

Same here!

1/ Give up on formal posed photos.

2/ Do candide pics. Go to a park, take pics when he is reading, playing, etc...