Here are 10 tips for taking great photos of kids that I’ve put together. In my early years of parenting it was more common to make appointments at department stores and wait to get photos taken in a little room with different screen backgrounds to choose from. Things have really changed since then. Today, just about anybody can take a decent photo with their camera or cell phone with a little practice. I have always loved taking pictures, but I too used to frequent the department stores, often to please well meaning relatives. I just thought that was something good parents were supposed to do.
As funny as that sounds now, I’m glad I stopped doing that many years ago. No shame intended if you enjoy that whole process. However, I have bad memories of trying to console crying babies/toddlers in little waiting areas while I waited for someone to finally be ready to take their picture. Then, when it was finally time, you only got a few shots to choose from that usually came down to choosing the better out of the worst. Of course I can’t forget to mention the costs. Today if I take a bad picture I can just delete it, back then I actually paid for it. Then there are the never ending package options!
Wow, that got stressful just thinking about it. Anyway, I’ve been enjoying taking pictures of my kids for several years now and I’ve learned a few things along the way. Mostly, I’ve learned to stop doing miserable things to please others (for the most part), and that my way is more than good enough for me. So grab a camera and go out and have some fun with the kids and use these tips if they help you.
1.) Make sure they are fed and well rested.
This may sound like a no brainer, but it is often overlooked. This isn’t just a tip for small children, it’s really a necessity for all involved. After all, a big advantage to taking your own pictures is doing it in your timing, when you’re all ready. Of course, right after you’ve had a big meal is not ideal either. Somewhere in between starving and stuffed is usually ideal. It doesn’t hurt if a child knows there may be a treat at the end of their efforts either. Am I suggesting bribing? If you want to call it that, but I’ll call it added encouragement. One thing is for sure, there are few things more stressful than a screaming, hungry/ tired baby or toddler.
2.) Bring along a helper.
We all need a little help sometimes, even if we can do things ourselves, it’s a nice bonus. This could be an older child, your spouse, a grandparent, or friend etc… Someone in the background making funny faces or someone to chase around kids and keep them happy while you’re preparing can be a great help. My older children are my best helpers. Make sure your helper is actually helpful. A well meaning grandparent or other relative may distract the children, or even take over the photo shoot.
3.) Take along items you need.
If you’re going out away from the home, this becomes more important. Grab a bag and put items you might need in it. Examples may include; comb/brush, wipes, diapers, a blanket, sunscreen, water and snacks (that are not too messy). You may also want a change of clothes, this is a necessity for babies or small children. Many times I take a different shirt along for older kids, in case I want to try photographing them in different colors. Depending on the season you may also want some bug spray! Also, think about small items that can be used as props, like board books, bubbles, or a favorite stuffed animal.
4.) Choose the right setting.
Natural settings often look best in my opinion. We love the outdoors and my current camera does best outside. Of course, any setting you like can work. However, make sure your setting is not competing with your child’s photo. The focus should be your child. Some settings can be too busy, like having a playground visible in the background for instance, or other people running around. A brand new place might be too much stimulus for a toddler if you want them to sit for any period of time. Where ever you and your children are comfortable and not too distracted is ideal.
5.) Choose the right time.
So I already mentioned making sure that they are not starving or in need of a nap. However, if you’re taking pics outside, keep mindful of the environment. Things outside are always changing and the change that perhaps has the biggest effect on the quality of your photos is the amount of light. It is my experience that later in the afternoon when you can get the sun behind whoever you’re photographing seems to work best. Don’t rule out a cloudy day with part sun, this can work as well. Other times of day may also work fine as long as your kids aren’t staring directly at the sun and you are mindful of your surroundings. If you have your heart set on them taking a picture directly in front of something like a barn or mountain that can’t be moved, you will really need to think about what time of day provides for the best light.
6.) Choose the right clothing.
There’s a saying “the clothes don’t make the man.” They can, however, make the man look better or worse. Clothing selected should not distract from the face of the child. Clothing with lots of patterns or words can look too busy and take the focus off of the child. I like plain clothes for pictures with no writing on them. A little pattern here and there is fine. My favorite clothing though, is simply solid colored t-shirts/ or collar shirts and jeans for my boys. One in particular loves bibs, so that works too. My daughter will usually where a dress or skirt with a little bit of pattern or design that complements the colors the boys are wearing. Personally, I like to pick colors that are not all the same, but come from the same color family or just work well together. If you’re one of those people who love to dress your kids all alike, more power to ya. Don’t, however, pick something that the child hates or is extremely uncomfortable in. You want to keep it a positive experience.
7.) Take several snap shots.
I like to take a variety of pics. Small kids need to be in motion, and when they are still it’s a rare thing. When you get the chance, take a lot of pictures. This is another advantage of taking pictures yourself, you don’t have to be on a time limit. If your kid needs a break, take a break. When they are cooperating, than take as many as you can. I find the toddler years to be the hardest to capture. Needless to say, my camera stays on active mode most of the time when photographing my “littles.” Your camera may also have a mode that can capture movement without blurring too much. I’ve learned to take as many snap shots as I can, because most just won’t work out and have to be deleted.
8.) Keep it natural.
Resist being too formal, unless need be. My favorite photos are of my kids just being themselves, even with silly faces. All of us have seen over edited and doctored photos, especially in today’s society with new technology. We should embrace the natural beauty in ourselves and our children. I’m not saying no make-up ever. I’m saying if your child or you resemble something otherworldly like an anime character or someone other than themselves, then there’s something wrong. Sure sometimes we have scars or boo boos to cover up. Or, sometimes we just want to bring out the natural beauty in us with slight touch ups, but I feel a lot of people have gone way off from doing just that. We should be teaching our children that the real beauty of a person is on the inside and they are perfect just the way they are.
9.) Keep distractions at bay.
Sometimes without knowing it, we stack the odds against us. If your setting selection is filled with too many toys or activities, it can overwhelm a child. Don’t get me wrong, a few props to get their attention is a good idea, but a favorite playground in view is not. Or maybe you’re taking photos with playmates around, not a good idea, unless they are part of the photo process. Little kids are naturally fascinated by the outdoors. Just plopping them down in the grass to explore a leaf or flower, can make for some of the best pictures. Older kids often need a little more to entertain them. Some of my favorite pictures are when we go out into the woods, there is enough stimulus to keep them interested in between photos, and there is no better background in my opinion then nature itself.
10.) Keep it fun!
We may be motivated to capture the perfect photos of our kids, but for the most part, kids don’t care much. It takes patience to photograph children, you’re on a mission and they want to abort it. It’s really important that we lower our expectations and remain flexible. Your attitude is a big factor in how successful your photo shoot is. If it’s not working out and you’re no longer having fun, chances are your kids aren’t either. Just try again another time. Sometimes, you really do need to know when to fold them. Like I said before, you want this to be a good experience. Be mindful of you and your child’s limitations and do what you can to make it fun. There’s few things better in my opinion then a photo that brings back good memories.
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