A good friend of mine recently told me that one simple 'tip' to photographing her kids has helped her get better photos of her children consistently. I thought. Wow! I did that?! That is awesome! So, I thought... why not share. Maybe a few of my tricks will help you capture better daily photos of your own kids too. Here are three SIMPLE tools that I think are important in photographing your own kids.
1. Get down on their level. Towering above them is one viewpoint yes. But getting down on their level, you begin to see them in a whole new light. Lay on the floor. Crouch, squat. You get the idea.
2. Connect with them. Let them forget that you have a camera in your hand (however have it on and in your hand). Don't make a big deal out of 'taking photos'. Make it fun. Sing songs, play games and connect first. Shoot next. Stop trying to make them stop what they are doing and smile. Do anything to get a laugh. Saying "SMILE" or "CHEESE" may work for some, but my favorite photos are the real laughs and the ones that are truly in the moment. Bryce always hated having his photo taken (poor guy ended up with a photographer) and I can recall a time while I was taking his photo with Maisie he admitted that he didn't like it because he didn't know what to do. I felt truly silly. I told him to ignore me, and just "be" with Maisie. Now, he gets it, and photos are rarely painful (anymore) for him... I think. Having a great expensive camera is awesome, but not if you can't let everyone relax and have a good time and have fun taking photos of your life. Tickling, songs, counting... anything.
3. Keep your camera (your "good one" if you have one) somewhere that is easily accessible, with charged batteries and a memory card in it. You are FAR more likely to take photos if your camera isn't tucked away in it's safe little hiding spot. I keep a camera out all the time. I find it is easier when she is being super adorable to just grab the camera and take a few photos.
My last 'tip' is to photograph it all. Document your lives. But PLEASE back up all of your photos onto external hard drives or cds/dvds something! No one wants to loose precious photos, and believe me... it can happen to anyone, at any time.
Help? A bit? Hope so! Happy Easter Weekend!!!!
Here are a few favorites of my girl at the beach in her birthday tutu. xo
