Ok, so realistically I know most families are going to have one, maybe two professional photography sessions per year. So that leaves 363-364 days of photographing your baby, your toddler, your tweens living in the moment (your everyday moments). Moms (and parents) are the ones documenting all of children’s memories-the small everyday to the big family vacation. Did you know that children don’t really form memories until they are 3 or 4? But oh hey! over here-mamas are definitely storing those memories of experiencing childhood right alongside our children. Photos are our way of looking back fondly at CHILDHOOD, but also our MOTHERHOOD. So mamas, I want to give you 5 easy tips and tricks for capturing better photos of your kids.

Home is a place where a kid is usually found being themselves (authentic), so these are some of my favorite photos. Part of capturing your child authentically is thinking about their personality, likes, favorite things and places. You will want to capture your child in their element-do they love nature? do they love playing make believe? making forts? going to the library? The “best” pictures are going to be unique to your child. I simply want to give you some ideas to add creativity and add extra “wow” factor 🙂

#1: Capture the Real Stuff!

As a parent, don’t force your kids to smile! Let the kids be kids. The best smiles come from moments of joy. Playing with their favorite toy, constructing giant forts or putting on a puppet show with siblings- moments that capture imagination! There are times for those forced “cheese” smiles (i.e. that kids love to display for school photos or on the first day of school etc). The photos become so special when take a step back and take the picture (or hide and steathly take it!).

Believe me-your kids will feel a lot less stressed if you aren’t mom voicing them “smile for the picture!” (believe me I see this tendency all the time). And then we wonder why we get that horrible (but sorta cute in its own way), forced smile.

ENJOY THE CHAOS- the forts, the running through the sprinkler, the messy fingers, bed head, Taylor Swift karaoke (that’s my 10 year old). Smartphones make it easier to discretely pull out your camera as a special moment is unfolding. A lot of times, kids will act differently if mom pulls the camera out. Invite kids to interact and enjoy activities together. Let go of perfection. The everyday stuff is the good stuff. This is my favorite tip for taking better (which to me is authentic) photos of your children!

#2: Change perspective-get down on their level

When you are taking photos of your children, try getting down on their eye level. It makes such a difference seeing the world as they see it. It adds a sense of connection and honestly to your photos. I love kneeling or even laying down to get this perspective.

#3: Be patient!

If you are taking photos of kids, they are unpredictable. I know sometimes before I can even grab a camera, the moment goes from “awwwww” to “argggghhh” (as a fight or something unfolds). Using “live” or burst modes help as kids are typically on the move and it helps avoid getting that dreaded photo of the kid with their eyes closed.

#4: Capture the details, but don’t forget the big picture!

As my third child is getting *almost* too big to hold, I truly appreciate all of the small details. But this is true for any age. A baby’s finger holding yours, a toddler’s sweetest curly hair, a kindergartner’s missing teeth smiles, your tween’s room. Details can include features of their face, their artwork or crafts as they create it, handwriting etc. However, don’t forget to also capture some photos that incorporate the big picture-the background. Grabbing a picture of your little toddler at the big park just really emphasizes how small they are. Pictures of rooms of your house, the outside of your house, even your car tell your family’s story.

#5: Add aesthetics!:

If you have an iphone (I can only speak to the iphone, sorry any Android users), you have great tools at your fingertips to level up your photos. Here are some easy ways to use your iphone to take better photos:

• Portrait mode: I know most people know about this, but it has to be on the list. The main downside is that is doesn’t work well with anything on the move! Therefore, I recommend taking the photo as a live photo and then going back into “portrait” button to adjust the aperture/depth/how blurry background is after the photo. win, win! (pic below)
• Use live or burst mode: I love these features as you can easily fix “I almost missed that cute moment”
• Correct your brightness as you take the photo (click on screen and then the sun icon shows up-use that to make photo brighter or darker).
• Move yourself instead of zooming in whenever possible. Zooming in always decreases the quality of the photo.
• Crop: this isn’t fancy, but a great way to get more details!
• Have fun, experiment and be artsy! try using the rule of thirds (subject is on the “line” if you divide the image into 3 sections), use bursts of color, embrace blurriness with motion, play around with where you stand for different lighting
• If you want more info covering more of the “technical” adjustments to your photos and editing, you should read this article by Artifact Uprising.

I hope you try these tips, but remember just to have fun with it! Now even though I want you to take better pics of your kids at home and all of the places you frequent, don’t forget that you can always invite me along as well. I love capturing family’s at home or at their favorite spots (i.e. ice cream shop, parks, library, sports courts, your neighborhood)! Interested in a laid back authentic photo session? Learn more about my family sessions. I also have a blog all about unconventional ideas for your next family session if you want some new ideas this year 🙂