[Janel Maples]

Hi Mary,

I thought I would share some things with you that I learned by accident and now use to my advantage. I do not have years of experience behind me but my wheels turn fast when what I am doing isn't going well.

I have a soon to be three year old son who, like most toddlers, isn't still for a second. Before I bought my digital Rebel I couldn't get a clear shot of him because everything was blurred due to motion. I know you to have a good camera so that is a good thing.

Janel's Reccommendation #1 for photographing balls of energy-- Have a good camera.

#2-- is to take pictures of them doing what they love to do ( and are very good at doing with a natural expression) ........play.

#3--If you have to pose them, have them tell you a story about something important to them while you take "test shots" to "adjust you camera" (wink) I just did a photo shoot of a 5 yr. old future drama major and the best shots were the ones she did not know were the real thing.

#4--Do your homework ahead of time. Take an older, more cooperative child to the park (or wherever) and locate the shots that have good possibilities. This way you are educated about lighting and where you need to be and when. Then, when your subject enters that space, you are ready for the shot.

I don't mean for this to sound like hunting.

Hope this helps. It works for me, I now have a really nice collection of great photos of my three year old.

Janel