If you follow me around on Instagram, you know I like to take pictures and you also know I went to some really fun NYC events last week. You can imagine how excited I was when Kristin from My Strange Family invited me to meet photographer Ali Smith, author of the Award-Winning book Momma Love; How the Mother Half Lives and hear her tips for taking better photos of kids. I can’t think of many things more challenging than taking photos of kids who never sit still so I’m sharing her tips in hopes that we will all get better at capturing those Kodak moments at home and away.
Globetrotting Mommy Spotlight on Photography: Tips from the Experts with Ali Smith
1. Ban the word “cheese” from your photographic life.
You know that strained “picture face” that happens when kids (and grown ups) say “cheese?” Ali suggests thinking of something else to get people smiling. She told us about a woman who says “1,2,3, FART.” I’m saving that one but I did say “1,2,3, ELSA” to my daughter and her pals and that got them laughing.
2. Don’t get married to one result.
You know how you have the perfect photo in your head that you’re trying to get? Well, it turns out that’s a no-no for capturing those true moments. You’ll get much better photos if you can go with the flow even if that means your kids aren’t wearing the outfits you picked out. Also, don’t be afraid to capture some of their strange or unconventional expressions.
3. Look for the light.
This is a “rule” that is definitely meant to be broken. Maybe you want a little “motion blur” or a dim shot of a sleeping child. Look for areas in a room with natural light or a well lit outside space if you’re trying to capture a moving kid, especially on your camera phone.
4. Change your perspective
Getting down on your child’s level or taking pictures at unexpected angles are great ideas to try. Children don’t need to be looking at the camera to get good results. For a different perspective, shoot with a “shallow depth of field” by controlling the aperture/F-stop “open up” to a low F-Stop. This will give you those cool photos where the subject is in focus and the background is blurry. If you’re using a camera phone, try the BlurFX app to get this look.
5. Distract your subject.
Ask them about something they are interested in or point out flowers, airplanes, etc. What you want to capture is their reactions and the in between moments when you’re most likely to show who they really are.
6. Don’t let other parents interfere unless it’s REALLY helping
Sometimes parents jumping around like apes behind you is great, like when you’re taking photos of babies. But if adults are over directing the children to “behave,” “listen” or “smile,” try to discourage that. Also, if you’re shooting family photos, tell the adults to always look at the camera so that when the kids are ready, the grown-ups will be too.
7. Show the child the photo
Today’s kids are used to seeing their photos on the camera screen so let them take a peek. If they like what they see, they’ll want to take more photos.
I hope these tips will help you capture some amazing photos of your kids. If you still need a Mother’s Day gift idea, Ali’s book is full of amazing photos and stories of motherhood making it a great gift for any mom.
Ali was nice enough to take some photos of the bloggers (and kids) at the event too. Here’s my favorite shot she took of me.
Globetrotting Mommy Spotlight on Photography: Tips for taking better photos of kids
Thanks again to Kristin, a great hostess who thought of everything including Sensible Sitters and Ella’s Kitchen snacks so the kiddies were in good hands. What are your favorite photography tips?
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