How to Take Beautiful Photos of Your Kids
Why is it Important?
Time goes by so fast, especially once you become a parent. Luckily, we now have phones that allow us to capture every special moments of our lives! However, photographing your own kids can be tricky – they usually are in a playful mode and pull faces, or they will straight up refuse and be pouty. In the end, you might have loads of real life photos in your phone’s gallery, but non that you feel you’d like to print. Let me give you a few insights on how to take beautiful photos of your kid, from a professional lifestyle family photographer!
CHOOSE THE RIGHT LIGHT
When taking a photograph, considering light is absolutely essential. And no, you don’t need fancy gear and flash and spotlights to make it look good. Just consider setting up next to a big bay window, or close to a natural source of light. If you’re outside, avoid harsh sunlight, prefer the shadows or a time of day where the sun is lower in the sky.
GET DOWN TO THEIR LEVEL
Instead of shooting from above, from your perspective, crouch down to your child’s eye level. This will create a more natural perspective and a stronger connection in your photos. If you want to shoot from above, do it with purpose : you can have your child raising their arm towards you to be picked-up for instance. In that case, that “above” perspective” is part of telling the story.
Focus on candid moments
Some of the best photos happen when kids are just being themselves—laughing, playing, or lost in their own little world. If they see you coming to photograph them, it might ruin it all! Therefore, instead of asking them to pose, engage them in an activity (that you’ll have set up in a place where lighting is good, remember?) and snap away!
Keep it simple
A cluttered background can be distracting. Try using a tidy space, a bed, or a simple outdoor setting to make your child the focal point. Neutral or soft-colored clothing can also help keep the attention on them rather than on bold patterns or logos.
Use Burst Mode for Action Shots
Kids move fast! Using burst mode (available on most smartphones and cameras) increases your chances of catching the perfect moment. Sure, you’ll need to do some culling afterwards, but it’s definitely worth it to find the one perfect shot!
EMbrace Imperfection
Not every photo needs to be perfectly composed. Sometimes, the messy hair, the unexpected giggle, or the slightly blurry motion shot tells the most beautiful story. Don’t get too caught up in the technique, and shoot away! It’s the best way to get better at it.
Why Is It Sometimes Best to Leave It to a Pro
While taking your own photos is a great way to document everyday moments, there’s something truly special about a professional family photoshoot.
Let’s Connect
I hope this post helped you to understand how to take beautiful photos of your kids. If you love the idea of stress-free, natural family photos that truly capture your little one’s personality, I’d love to help!
