My love and passion for photography started several years ago when I began taking photos of my own kids to document their childhood and our everyday crazy life.  I realized then that I could photograph them in ways that would help us all remember stories and experiences from their childhood that they would otherwise not remember. And I didn't need an expensive camera to do it! Now we don't ONLY have little "mug shots" from the first day of school every year, we have photos that have stories to go with them, as well.  A photograph can help me remember their laugh, or the way they smelled even.  It also helps to remind us all of the mischief they got into or the weird phases they went through as little kids.  Now, at 9 and 11, we document their ever-changing style and quirky little personalities as they grow into big kids.  I love that we have photos that have stories to tell!  

Here are 5 quick tips to taking great photos of your kids that will help them to remember their childhood, no matter what kind of camera you are using!

1. Gain a new perspective.

Try out different angles to shine a new perspective on what is happening. You could get down on the floor with your kids and get the shot at their eye level.  Or stand on a chair and hover over them to get the big picture of what the action is all about.  Crouch down in the grass and get the shot from behind the trees.  Experiment with getting new and interesting angles that add interest and show things from a different point of view.

2. Anticipate the moment and catch them in action.

Don't make them stop what they are doing to smile and look at the camera.  You have plenty of those pictures already!  Catch them doing something they love.  They could be building with Legos, reading their favorite book, playing soccer, or having a water balloon fight! Sneak up on them and take a photo from around the corner peaking in on them. Better yet, find a place to sit and watch the action happening and anticipate something funny or exciting and be ready to snap that photo!  You can capture true emotions and reactions when they are just playing and having fun. 

3.  Get close and capture the details.

Get up close and personal to capture the details.  The curls in their hair, their little feet, the freckles on their nose, or their favorite teddy bear.  These little details will help them (and you!) remember some of their favorite things from childhood.

4. Use negative space to make it more interesting.

Your subject doesn't always need to be front and center.  You can create some interest, and still tell the story, by putting your subject somewhere other than the center of the frame.  This is especially great to use when you have something beautiful in the background that you want to show off.  It also helps to tell a complete story when we can see a more of the surroundings.

5. Give them something to hold on to!

What ever you photograph, make it meaningful.  The best pictures are the ones that make you feel something or tell a story.  So just grab that camera (even if it's your smart phone!) and start clicking away. But don't forget to print them!  I love printing a set of square prints every month, or a paper back book after a fun trip or visit from relatives.  It's so easy to upload and order straight from my phone.

Want more tips for taking your best photos? Want to get in the frame yourself and ready to schedule your own lifestyle session?  Let's chat!  Contact me at [email protected] or www.amyliehr.com.