How to Take Better Photos of Your Kids

If you’re like most parents out there, you’re probably constantly snapping photos of your kids and collecting memories to last a lifetime. And like most, you likely struggle getting photos that you like without taking a million of them. But capturing great photos of your kids can actually be pretty simple!

Check out these tips to see how you can take your kid’s photos to the next level.

How To Take Better Photos of Your Kids

Pay attention to lighting

Lighting is key whenever you’re trying to take photos of your children. You’ll want to be a little strategic with where you photograph, especially if it’s a bright and sunny day. Despite popular belief, the sun isn’t always your friend when taking photos. You’ll want to avoid direct sunlight when you can because this will cast harsh shadows on your child’s face. Instead, look for a shaded area beneath a tree or nearby structure. If there is no shade, be sure their shadow is in front of them. Surprisingly, You can also take some awesome photos of your kids on a cloudy day when the lighting is even. This will help you avoid any harsh shadows and get an overall great shot of your child.

find some shade when photographing your kids during mid dayhow to photograph your child in harsh sun

Capture the moment

Photos are moments and memories of your little ones, so it’s a good idea to try avoiding the stuffy, posed images we tend to automatically drift toward. Of course, there’s a time and place for these as well. By capturing your child playing or doing something he/she enjoys you’ll find the photos turn out more genuine and truly capture their personalities. But, you may notice that your kids will stiffen up at even the sight of your camera. If this happens, encourage them to continue playing or even start up a new game with your child. This will help you get those candid photos that will be cherished for years to come.

capture the action when photographing your kidscapture your child in action to tell a better photographic story

Capture details that tell a story

Beautiful photos don’t always come in the form of cheesy smiles. Instead of focusing mainly on your child’s face and smile, try finding smaller details to photograph. Focusing on details like muddy feet after a fun day of playing in the backyard or little chubby hands holding a favorite toy can really round out your photo album. It’s details like this that really tell the story of life with your little ones.

how to photograph your kids - focus on the detalsfocus on the details when photographing your kids

Get on their level

One final tip to capturing better photos of your kids is to get on their level. Get creative and try viewing the world from their perspective! For example, if they’re playing on the floor, lay down on the floor and shoot from there. You’ll find that this tip will help you get unique and captivating photos of your kids.

get down on your kids level to take a pictureget down on your kids level for a new perspective when taking a picture

Have you considered having professional family photos made? Contact me and let’s chat about how I can capture beautiful memories for you and your family to cherish for years to come!

I'm Erika and I am a maternity, newborn, and family photographer based near Wilmington, NC. I'm also a mom to two cutie boys, lover of backyard gardening, candles, chocolate and Amazon Prime.

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