Gizmos & props for taking pictures

[Nathaniel]

I have mentioned elsewhere that I use a laughing bag (giggle bag in today's language!!) to bring about natural smiles and laughter in my subjects, without the artificial smiles which I sometimes see in some photos. The laughing bag is quite a child's toy but very often these children's toys bring out effects which I personally like. I attach two pictures for which I used the laughing bag. The trick is NOT to tell the subjects what the bag is and I say that it is a "modern flashlight" which would light up when I press the shutter. The group photo below,from the respected Cathedral Servers brought out the "Jitter bug", while the other one shows natural smiles.

Cathedral servers & Allsworths 014 by Nathaniel Ramanaden, on Flickr

St.Asaph Cathedral voluntary choir concert 23rd July 2016 007 by Nathaniel Ramanaden, on Flickr

[enneo]

Re: Gizmos & props for taking pictures

Certainly does the job Nat. Say cheese or rhubarb not the done thing today then.

[Nathaniel]

Re: Gizmos & props for taking pictures

Thanks Derek. I post below a photo of the same couple above, with an "artificial smile"( no laughing bag used here) and it doesn't give me that spontaneous look. YOu can decide.

St.Asaph Cathedral voluntary choir concert 23rd July 2016 006 by Nathaniel Ramanaden, on Flickr

[tesarver]

Re: Gizmos & props for taking pictures

Nice idea Nat that seems to work well for you

Tom

[Nathaniel]

Re: Gizmos & props for taking pictures

Thank you Tom.

[enneo]

Re: Gizmos & props for taking pictures

Yep, definitely a better image with the "giggle bag"

Thanks Derek. I post below a photo of the same couple above, with an "artificial smile"( no laughing bag used here) and it doesn't give me that spontaneous look. YOu can decide.

St.Asaph Cathedral voluntary choir concert 23rd July 2016 006 by Nathaniel Ramanaden, on Flickr

[Nathaniel]

Re: Gizmos & props for taking pictures

Yep, definitely a better image with the "giggle bag"

Thanks Derek. I am of course aware that every photographer has got his/her art/method of taking photos of people and I personally find that my method of using an artificial prop helps the subject to be more relaxed!!!!!

[Bill53]

Re: Gizmos & props for taking pictures

Seems to work well Nat, thanks for sharing that tip it is something I would never have thought of.

Bill.

[Nathaniel]

Re: Gizmos & props for taking pictures

Thanks Bill.

[Bill53]

Re: Gizmos & props for taking pictures

Where do you purchase these gadgets Nat?

Bill.

[Nathaniel]

Re: Gizmos & props for taking pictures

Bill, just enter "laughing bag" on Ebay and you will see quite a collection. They now use the word "Giggle bag" and costs from £3.50. They have a built in battery which lasts ages- mine has been going for over 3 years now. The bags also have a "funny face" printed on it and when I take it out of my camera holdall to use, I place it face down so that my subjects do not see it, other than that it is a "marvellous Wi fi flashgun!!!!", which is activated when I press the shutter. The element of surprise on my subjects faces too is an important factor for me.

I hope this is helpful, and I am sure you will ENJOY using it esp when photographing people including children. I have actually lost a few as when I photograph my grandchildren, they want it for themselves;the same goes for some of the Cathedral younger choiristers and I can't say "No". At their low price, I can always replace them!

[Bill53]

Re: Gizmos & props for taking pictures

Thanks Nat.

Bill.

[Nathaniel]

Re: Gizmos & props for taking pictures

Bill, if you are going to get a laughing bag, I suggest you get 3 or 4 depending on the subjects, as if they are young, they are bound to ask you for it!!!! I have "lost"/given away about 10 of these between my grand children and young choiristers (only given to those between 7-10yrs of age!!!!- unless "uncle" Nat/grandpa wishes to go bust!).

[John27]

Re: Gizmos & props for taking pictures

Excellent idea Nat, its amazing what you need to do to get a natural smile from people. If I remember theres quite a famous photog that uses a horn to relax people, I'd have thought that would have shocked them lol

John

[Nathaniel]

Re: Gizmos & props for taking pictures

Thanks John. Simple Gizmos work best. The laughing bag is quite small and lightweight and goes easily into your holdall.