10 Tips for Taking Your Kids Pictures

Over the past few years, I have had lots of practice taking pictures of kids. My poor kids have had to deal with having a paparazzi like mother from day one. They will thank me some day right!? Well, regardless if they see the importance now or ever, they grow up SO fast that I just can't imagine not taking every advantage to capture their sweet little smiles. I have also been very fortunate to have my friends, family and friends of friends entrust me with taking their little ones pictures over the last few years. Now that I am moving I have had lots of people ask me for tips since I won't be around to take their kiddos pictures anymore. While I still have TONS to learn when it comes to photography here are some helpful things I'd like to pass along that I have learned along the way.

1. Get down at their level! Seeing things the way your child does helps make for a great shot.

2. Don't make your child say, "Cheese!" You will always get a cheesy, canned smile that's not natural. Sing them songs they like, or use funny phrases that get their attention. My kids always like, "1, 2, BUCKLE MY SHOE!" to get their attention and my 3 year old loves a good knock, knock joke. Another fun one for babies is just the good ol' fashioned, "So BIG!" This is especially true with older kids where they have always been taught to give the canned picture smile. For a more authentic smile...just talk to them.

3. Don't take their picture near nap time....before or after. Give at a minimum, a 30 minute buffer in either direction. I'm not happy when I am sleepy either.

4. If you want to take naked baby pictures make sure your house is warm! Who's happy when they are cold?

5. Take pictures in shaded areas or with the sun to their back. No one likes a squinty face or the sun in their eyes. Natural lighting is always best so if your in your home, look for an area with the best light. Kids aren't really fans of the flash....especially babies.

6. Try not to pose them too much. Kids especially toddlers don't like to be too contrained. Give them an area to explore, get down at their level and start snapping.

7. Remember that just because they aren't looking at the camera doesn't mean you can't capture a great shot.

8. BE PATIENT! Kids are especially sensitive to stress. If you keep the mood happy and lighthearted the chances are so will they. If they are absolutely not cooperating don't push it! It will only lead to them resenting the camera and be more likely to act negatively next time you pull it out.
               - A side note to this is know when to throw in the towel. You aren't going to get good shots with a tired, frustrated little one.

9. If you have a DSLR camera, don't be afraid to experiment with the manual settings. That's what they are there for. You will never learn anything new if you're afraid to move outside of the auto setting.

10. Keep snapping...and snapping...and snapping! Most little ones move a mile a minute. Your best chances to get that one great shot is to keep up with them.

Hope that all you moms out there find these tips to be useful. A few seem pretty common sense but they can be easy to forget in the moment. Feel free to ask me any other questions you may have. I'd love to help! Happy Snapping!