Christmas Portrait. Photo © Jim Doty, Jr.

Photographing 15 month old toddlers is a challenge.

We spent well over an hour together, out of which we spent about 15 minutes shooting. Most of the time we played (small furry toys are essential) and when a good moment presented itself, I grabbed the camera. There was a stool for her to sit on but she enjoyed pushing it around instead. So I followed her around, hoping to catch a good facial expression and still have her in front of the photographic backdrop. The studio lights were set to evenly light the whole area she was playing in.

We also did a mother-daughter portrait which was easier to do, even though she would sit in her mother’s lap for only short periods of time. When she got squirmy, we would let her get down and play. Then we would put her back in her mother’s lap.

Mother-Daughter Portrait. Photo © Jim Doty, Jr.