Jodie Otte, Baltimore Maryland Child and Baby Photographer

I’m happy to announce that Workshop Date June 28, 2008 is open.  If you wish to register or would just like to get more information, please click here. 

I received an email asking some specific questions, and I will answer them here.

1) Which Nikon lenses would you say are a staple for you and would be highly recommended to Child photographers? I am relatively new to the industry and have not developed an arsenal of lenses, as of yet. I do love Nikon. I just wanted to know which (maybe top 2-3) lenses you would recommend for most versatility. Also, why do you recommend using those particular lenses? Why do they work so well for you?

If you are very new to photography, and have a regular DSLR that is NOT full frame, I would highly recommend a 50 mm/1.4 lens to start you out.  This is a prime lens, therefore has no zooming capabilities.  In other words, your feet will be the zoom ;)  The reason I recommend this lens for beginners is because it is one of the easiest ways to start out learning how to work with your camera in manual mode and learning how you can change your depth of field with your settings.  It is a sharp little lens and a fast lens, and will allow you to manipulate lower lighting situations better, and it is not too long, so hand-holding your camera, keeping your shutter speed above 1/150, will give you great sharp results.   It also still allows you to be close enough to the child for interaction.

I use this lens probably the most at this time; however, once my full-frame Nikon D3 comes in, I will probably change to either the 85 mm or 105 mm as my ’staple’ child photography lens.

If I were to recommend a zoom lens that I use (and we are talking non full frame DSLR), I would typically recommend the 17-55/2.8 (be VERY careful with this one - you do not want to distort the children you are photographing with that wide of an angle) or the 28-70/2.8.  Again, as soon as my full-frame D3 comes in, I will probably be choosing different favorites.

I choose these lenses in particular because they are sharp.  I do not compromise on lens choice.  There is a huge difference between cheaply made lenses and expensive lenses, and I would not use a cheaply made lens on a client, ever.  Good glass is well worth the investment.

2) Are there any particular camera accessories you feel are a must for you or are a must when photographing children, in general?

Good glass, and as a preference, a hand strap/grip - I cannot use neck straps, but that’s just me