Taking Best Photos of Kids

Tips for Improving the Art of Taking the Best Photos Kids

As a parent, I understand the desire to freeze in time each precious moment of our kids’ lives. You can’t have a professional photographer follow you around all day, every day, but you can take your own photos of all of the special day-to-day moments. Here’s how you can elevate your everyday photography game while taking the best photos of kids at those first days of school, ballet classes, and fun around the house!

Recognizing and Utilizing Natural Light

A great photograph starts with great lighting. Natural light, in particular, can enhance the beauty of a photo by casting soft shadows and highlighting details. When indoors, try to position your kids near a window or an open door (to the side, not right in front of the light source). The diffused light from these sources will cast a soft glow on their faces, enhancing their features beautifully. 

When outdoors, you can aim to capture images during the ‘golden hour’ –  the hour after sunrise or before sunset. This magical time provides a warm, flattering light that can transform an ordinary snapshot into a beautiful photo. But remember, great photos can be taken at any time of day as long as you understand how the light works. If you are taking photos in the middle of the day, just try to find some shade and position your child so that they are not blinded by the sun.

Those Cute Candid Moments

While posed pictures have their place, it’s often the candid photos that truly capture the essence of our kids. These spontaneous moments can reflect their personality, emotions, and spirit and one of the best photos of kids to take. Keep your camera or smartphone handy and wait for those unscripted instances, like your kids doing an art project, your daughter reading a book while twirling her hair, or your kids trying on their Halloween costumes. Remember, the goal is to capture everyday memories, not just a visually perfect picture.

Get Down to Their Level

One of the key factors in taking engaging pictures of your children is the perspective. Shooting from their eye level brings you into their world and makes for the best photos of kids more intimate and engaging. So don’t hesitate to kneel, sit, or even lie down to get that perfect angle! Not only does this bring a sense of personal connection to your photos, but it also allows you to capture the world from their viewpoint.

Learn Your Camera’s Features

Whether you’re using a DSLR, a point-and-shoot camera, or a smartphone, understanding its features and capabilities is important. Learn about exposure settings, focus controls, and composition rules. Believe it or not, most smartphones have advanced photo options now! Experiment with different modes, use built-in filters, and don’t be afraid to play around with settings. Remember, the more you experiment and practice taking the best photo of kids, the better you’ll understand what works and what doesn’t.

Exploring the Power of Editing

Once you’ve captured those special moments, the journey isn’t over yet. Editing is a powerful tool that can transform a good photo into a great one. Whether it’s cropping to improve composition, adjusting brightness and contrast, or applying filters to enhance mood, editing can add that extra touch of magic to your photos.

If you’re using a smartphone to take the best photos of kids, there are numerous editing apps available that are user-friendly and offer a wide range of features. Apps like Snapseed, VSCO, and Adobe Lightroom Mobile provide you with professional-grade editing tools at your fingertips. You can adjust exposure, tweak colors, add effects, and much more.

For those using a DSLR or a point-and-shoot camera, editing software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop can be a great investment. These platforms offer more advanced features, allowing you to fine-tune every detail of your photo. However, they may have a steeper learning curve.

Remember, the key to editing is subtlety. The goal is to enhance the photo, not to make it look overly processed. Start with minor adjustments and gradually increase them until you achieve the desired effect.

Keep it Fun and Relaxed

Taking the best photos of kids should be a fun experience for both you and your kids. Trying to force them into poses or situations they’re uncomfortable with can lead to stress and unnatural photos. Instead, keep the atmosphere relaxed, playful, and patient. That way, your kids aren’t groaning every time you point your phone or camera at them!

Print Print Print

Don’t forget to print all of those photos! Don’t let them sit on your phone or hard drive! You can make annual books of the best photos of kids and put a few in frames.

I hope these tips help you photograph the best photos of kids, and when you’re ready to document your family’s journey with a professional photographer, be sure to reach out! I can provide you with safe and caring maternity, newborn, and milestone photography to cherish forever. Let’s create heirloom artwork of your family to display throughout your home!