Children Photo Tips – Capturing Authentic Smiles
We’ve all been there, the kids are being so amazing cute and then you break out the camera or phone to click a picture and they stop! They give you the “cheesy” or that silly “mom wants a picture” smile. Ugh!
You want to capture your little ones, just as they are, so you can remember those amazing smiles and even the quiet moments that stop in your tracks. The moments that make you fall in love with them even deeper than you knew you could. Even though I am a family photographer in Maryland, I still have moments where it is difficult to capture my own kids, but I remember these simple tips to help me stop time and remember my boys during this special time.
Children Photo Tips:
1. Be Silly! (yes you, not them!)
Kids think it is hiiiillllarious when you act silly. Something as simple as making silly faces or putting in different words to a song that they know by heart. When you let your guard down, even just a little bit, they won’t care if you are snapping a few photos in-between your monster face or your newly created new lyrics to the Frozen songs. (p.s. if you have boys, potty humor goes a long way too – especially since I don’t allow it in our house but fart or “daddy wears a diaper” jokes earn extra giggles)
2. Use a human prop.
Having a parent (or sibling) in the photo is an extra bonus, but you can also use them to play with your child and they forget the camera is there. They can fly them in the air, tickle or just have them grasp their leg for a hug. You don’t want to make them feel like they are putting on a show for you so have them enjoy the moment for a few minutes before you take a photo. The more authentic smiles usually happen after a couple minutes of said activity.
3. Find their Favorites.
By simply adding in a few of their favorite items from around the house, you are helping do 2 things: (1) adding depth to the meaning of the photo and (2) giving them something to focus on instead of giving you a cheesy smile. When you look back at photos of your kids with their favorite toy, lovey, musical instrument or even that grubby old blankie they carry around, it will instantly bring back memories of what they enjoyed at this age.
4. Play Games.
Play with your kids. It is really that simple. Back up a little and play a classic game of “Red Light, Green Light”, as they are stopping on red – snap a photo. Or who remembers a “Simon Says”, although they need to be about 3 or older for this one, but I’ve used this with middle schoolers and they love it! An older sibling or someone else can lead as you grab a few photos. Whatever games or fun things you like to do with your kiddos – play with them, enjoy the moment and they won’t mind if you grab a few photos.
5. Step back.
It is fun to capture the fun and games, but sometimes it is just as special to capture the quiet moments too. For this you need to simply just step back and try not to let them know you are there. Plus taking in more of the environment around them (the play room, the backyard, the park, your living room) will help tell the whole story of this time too. Years from now, it will be really neat to look back and just see the toys, furniture, clothing or parks that you enjoyed during this time.
Thank you for taking the time read through these tips. I hope they help you capture these fun summer days. Feel free to comment with any questions, I’m always happy to help.
If you would like to learn more, I host Photography 101 classes in the comfort of your home – call me at 443-686.9569 or email me at shayna@shaynahardy.com for more details. I would love to help you and your friends learn how to use your DSLR camera and get off Auto!
