5 Tips to Take Better Photos of your Kids
Now that we’re at home more often than ever, you may feel like it’s the perfect time to start taking more pictures of the kids. Sitting them down and having them say “cheese” rarely ever works (trust me, I’ve tried!), so I’m giving you some tips on how to start taking better photos of your kids.
Let me start by saying Christian LOVES the camera. He has since he was a teeny baby. When the camera comes on, he knows exactly what to do, he takes direction well, and loves doing it, so I hardly ever have to use these tips for him. Elle, on the other hand, is the exact opposite. It’s not that she hates the camera, she would just rather do things on her own terms. LOL. So I’ve had to learn how to get the best photos out of her when we have to shoot campaigns or just when I want to take photos of my pretty girl.
Tip #1:
Use props that they can have fun with!
At Elle’s age (2), she loves all things new. So prior to our shoot for H&M, I bought some blocks! I didn't show them to her or let her play with them before the shoot, so they were new to her, which means she was excited to play! Capturing them while they play is a great way to get candid photos (especially if there is someone off to the side - in this photo, her brother - to get them to engage and laugh) without having to ask them to say cheese or smile for the camera.
I also brought some colored pencils and paper, since she loves to draw & write. This was extremely helpful because it allowed our photographer to snap photos of her entire outfit while she concentrated on drawing. She wasn’t even thinking about the camera!
Tip #2:
Insert yourself while they are doing their activity
Because we all know, as moms, we’re never in the pics! You don’t want your kids to see memories from their childhood and you’re not in any of the photos, so do yourself a favor and get in a few of them! Sit on the floor and play blocks, pretend you’re feeding their favorite doll while they look on, hand them a pretty flower, etc. Anything to get your child to engage with you while your photographer can snap the photo.
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Tip #3
Get them to dance, jump and play!
I don’t know any kids on the face of the planet who don’t like to jump on beds and they love to dance! I know my kids LOVE it, so snapping pictures while they do either of those things is a sure-fire way to get some good shots. Christian is also crazy about his baby sister, so any opportunity he has to play with her, tickle her or take pictures with her, he is down to do it!
Tip #4
Have snacks ready!
My suggestion to have snacks isn’t just about taking photos of them eating the snacks, it’s about keeping the littles happy! My kids are snack monsters and will eat every snack in sight, if we let them. But it keeps them in a good mood, so I always make sure they are handy to prevent any meltdowns. Another key is making sure you’re shooting at an optimal time. Elle is in her best mood in the morning, between 9am and 11am. After 11 it’s a wrap because it’s too close to nap time. She’s fussy, annoyed and not willing to cooperate at all. So keep their schedules in mind when planning to shoot.
Their shoes were brand new, never worn.
Their shoes were brand new, never worn.
Tip #5
Do what you’d normally do.
Have the kids kiss you and give you hugs, put on their shoes for them or have them do it themselves, reach for their hands, say silly things to them to make them laugh. Do all the regular things! Those are the best moments to capture on camera because the love will jump through the lens.
So there they are… my 5 tips for taking better photos of your kids. I hope this was helpful! Try these tips out and comment below or meet me over on Instagram to let me know if they worked for you!