How to Photograph your Little Ones

I’m often asked how I get such sweet photos of my little busy bees…

Of course it helps to have fancy camera equipment and experience with different settings, but there are also some really practical things you can do to catch the essence of the little ones in your life too.

884543_10151501625666052_288903331_o1. Some of the best photos are taken when your child is NOT looking at the camera and saying “cheese.” Set your child up with their favorite activity/toys or take them outside and let them explore. Then just sit back with your camera and let them be them! 

2. If you have a digital camera (especially a DSLR), don’t be afraid to snap LOTS of pictures in a row. That’s the beauty of digital photography! For example, when your child is running around through the fountains at the local splash park, snap a whole bunch of photos one after the other. Now, please don’t store every click of your camera on your computer or hard drive. It’ll take up tons of space, keeping your photos organized will become nightmarish, and you won’t think this is a good tip any longer. Simply go through your photos each time you import a batch to your computer, pick the best few, and delete the rest. It’ll feel painful at first, but remember to think QUALITY, not quantity!
1899269_10152608588411052_1765211036434923295_o (1)3. Look for natural light. Average indoor incandescent or fluorescent lighting can be really difficult to work with, especially when it’s all mixed together. Ever tried to take a picture in a school gym? Then, you know what I’m talking about. So if you really want to get some good shots of your little ones, either go outdoors or get them near a large window or sliding glass door in your home.

10382076_10153239900306052_5268975856163740880_o4. Get in close. Ever look at photo some time after taking it and wonder, “what was I even trying to capture here?” Of course getting in close won’t be best in every situation, but remember to switch up your perspective from time to time. Some of the sweetest memories are of little hands, toes, eyes, shoes, etc.

5. Get down to their level. When photographing kids, you lose so much of their expression and the essence of their little world when you shoot from 3 feet above them. Just bending down or sitting on the floor in front of them will make a phenomenal difference.

Let me know if this was helpful, and happy snapping 🙂