Special Event Videography - Tips for Filming Toddlers and Other Fierce Creatures

You have the perfect ending shot in your minds eye for the end of your special event family film. You are holding your camera at knee height and have Bobby the Toddler in your view finder. Two foot of obstinate intimidation. All you want him to do is run away from you to the tree and glance gleefully behind him as you chase him filming a toddler POV (point of view.) It will make a poignant and lovely ending to the film. Bobby, however, is standing with one hand on his hip and the other jammed up his nose to the second knuckle and is refusing to cooperate.

"You have a big head" he notes as a matter of fact. Right, it's getting personal. "Come on Bobby, show me if you can run to the tree." You are starting to plead and that may be eroding your power base. Bobby notes the change in tactic and alters his psychological toddlercology accordingly. "I have a willy". His eyes narrow, searching for the shock reaction that usually follows. Before this can predictably move on to the 'what have you got' conversation I review the golden rules for dealing with toddlers.

Engage the Toddler

Children are very quick to make friends, if you find the right common ground. From their perspective you are a stranger who has come into mummy and daddy’s home with a rather large camera and you are making all these demands, none of which make any sense. You are treating them as you would any film subject and attempting stage direction but this will not work. Start by introducing yourself. They are little people and fully aware of social niceties. Let them know what you are there to accomplish. Show them the camera, give them a quick tour of the more obvious features. Your flip out LCD display panel is about to become your best friend. Toddlers love nothing more than to see themselves. You will get great footage this way and also alleviate any fear factors as your camera has now become a large toy. Be sensitive that you are dealing with teeny tiny people who have all the standard emotions, fears and concerns, unfortunately without a filtering mechanism, control or the power of reason.

Personalise the Camera

I have in the past attempted to over personalise my camera. I gave it antenna and ping pong ball eyes. This was a sure fire hit with the kiddies but it caused external noise on the film and made me look quite daft. You don't need to go this far. Give your camera a name, tell a little story about the films 'Eric' likes to take and some of the places he has been to shoot those films. If however you are dealing with a savvy Generation Z toddler, who has brutally honest parents, tell them that this is the Sony Z1 and ask his views on progressive filming versus interlaced.

Camera Games

Hide the Object If you want a toddler to go in a certain direction, give them a reason. Hide a toy and tell them to find it. Do it a couple of times before using the camera. Do not hide their favourite blue blanket that even mummy cannot touch or you will find your public liability getting a hammering for psychological damage.

Hide and Seek Get mum or dad to start this one off and then join in. If this is not a favorite get mum or dad to play the game that typifies fun for the family and film it as a participant. Wear flat shoes and use the smaller lighter battery.

Show me a Face Turn around the LCD panel and play 'make that face', these bits of film are adorable and make good transition shots between scenes.

You Scratch My Back..

Realistically, you will be shooting a large amount of film, and the balance of probabilities that you will get some useable footage. If however, the toddler is not going to cooperate on any level, bribery is your last resort. I sometimes ask parents of self proclaimed high need children, that if they wish they can consider an 'encouragement' gift. Prior to the shoot, they have the option of purchasing a toy that can be offered in exchange for helping mummy and daddy with the film. This is a one off and not going to cause Dr Spock to spin in his grave, or Dr Phil to frown and ask 'What were you thinking??" If the toy is not required then it will make a nice gift for a job well done. Do not, repeat do not, attempt bribery without parental consent, toddlers should not eat confectionary and may have allergies you are not aware of. And if you offer an unsanctioned gift you will infuriate and alienate parents and possibly lose a client. At the end of the day, mum and dad know their toddler better than you and their guidance will be more valuable than sugar and bribery.

In the case of non-compliant Bobby and upon reflection of the golden rules I considered the odds of me winning this battle and with discretion being the better part of valor I conceded defeat to my better opponent and left it all in mum's capable hands.

Amanda Nella is a professional videographer who operates her own special event video business in Perth WA. She provides quality documentary style films for parents about their children. She is trained in the field of investigative interviewing. She holds Diplomas in Investigations, SCAn,Stage Production, Computer Programming & Business. Visit her site at Bump2babyFilms