looking for help

I have tried searching google for a gadget that you could attach to the camera for Baby and Child photography that would capture the subjects attention while trying to photograph them.I found one that used a Pez container http://michaelcostolo.com/blog/archives/4

but that seemed pretty static and boring,i was looking for something a little more animated.

I suppose i could attach just about anything to the hotshoe but was wondering if there was already something out there or something you use.
cheers
Ralph
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http://www.ralphmeznar.com

Your eyes, voice and interaction would be the best source. Babies tend to respond to their mothers voice best. Getting the attention of a baby or child takes work and people skills. You can try all sorts of things in addition such as a new fuzzy feather duster, baby rattle, baby squeaky toy, the sound of the wrapper on a smarties candy, a silly duck.............think like a child and what attracts their attention. No need to attach it to your camera.
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ckb
Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
'Life isn't about how to survive the storm but how to dance in the rain.'

visit my sites at http://www.photographybychris.net
and at http://www.pbase.com/ckb

I have to do child passport photos all the time, and just a bell usually does the trick.

The hotshoe is the last place I'd stick anything, other than my radio popper, or flash if it's a better alternative.
--
The masterpiece is created by the artist, not the camera.
http://bcscenicwonder.com/blog3/

http://www.bcscenicwonder.com

http://studiostu.bcscenicwonder.com/

ckb said:

Your eyes, voice and interaction would be the best source. Babies tend to respond to their mothers voice best. Getting the attention of a baby or child takes work and people skills. You can try all sorts of things in addition such as a new fuzzy feather duster, baby rattle, baby squeaky toy, the sound of the wrapper on a smarties candy, a silly duck.............think like a child and what attracts their attention. No need to attach it to your camera.
--
ckb
Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
'Life isn't about how to survive the storm but how to dance in the rain.'

visit my sites at http://www.photographybychris.net
and at http://www.pbase.com/ckb

Click to expand...

Thank you for taking the time to reply.I didnt explain myself as usual.

I have no trouble when i am using a tripod and remote release ,you have a hand free to wave whatever works in front of the child ,but when shooting with camera in hand i am not steady enough to hold the camera in one hand and try and amuse he child with the other.I really thought there would have been something out there that attached to the camera or lense that would do the job,but it seems not.Using the parents works to a point ,but i am really after the looking into the lense shots.

Looks like it's time to experiment with some of the kids toys to find something that works.

thanks again

cheers
Ralph
http://www.ralphmeznar.com

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.......make sure it has an electric motor.

--
Nick in Shanghai.

I'm not sure what country you're in but given the American propensity to park their children in front of TV sets I would suggest you get a small LCD screen and make a bracket that would place it next to the lens. That should work. Insert value judgement about TV.
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Austin based portrait photographer and author of the book series, Minimalist
Lighting and the book Commercial Photographers Handbook