Taking Photos of Kids Being Kids
Taking natural, authentic photos of your children doesn't have to be hard! The key is taking photos of kids on their timelines, which might not necessarily be the same as yours, and to try to catch them in their true element. If you photograph your kids doing the things they love to do, their real smiles and cute expressions won't be far behind.
For the best chance at capturing cute, candid expressions, take your camera with you to extracurricular activities, sports and dance practices, and other activities your kids look forward to. Simply make it about them and what makes them unique, showcasing their individual interests. They'll feel special, and the pictures will show that. Here are five examples I've taken of my kids recently to show you what I mean.
Photo 1: My Little Painter
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My Little Painter Little kids' photography isn't just about cute smiles and eyes gazing directly into the camera. Art class gives you some great opportunities for those fun, "from behind" photographs. Photo specs: SS 1/100, f2.5, ISO 800, Canon 50mm 1.4 lens |
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My daughter Addie loves to paint. As soon as that little art apron goes on, she means business when it comes to her creative expression. And she is usually standing still for more than 5 minutes at a time, which is a rarity for her. So I seized the opportunity and took a few photos of her creating her latest masterpiece at preschool.
Photo 2: Cool at the Pool
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Cool at the Pool Taking photos of kids playing at the pool gives you a chance to capture them in their happiest, most relaxed mood. Photo specs: SS 1/800, f2.8, ISO 125, Canon 50mm 1.4 lens |
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Many happy memories have been made at the pool each summer, and when I called Emily over to ask her to show me how she could jump off the diving board, I snapped this quick photo, then a few of her jumping, of course. She was all smiles being at the pool, playing with cousins, and was okay with a quick interruption from mom for a photo. If you can be quick in between bouts of play, you'll find your kids are often far more willing to cooperate than if the whole point of an outing is for a photo session.
Photo 3: Happy Hopping
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Happy Hopping Photographing kids when they're learning a fun new game or skill gives you a chance to capture those cute expressions of intense concentration. Photo specs: SS 1/500, f 2.8, ISO 125, Canon 50mm 1.4 lens |
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Especially for candid photos, I’m not always concerned about my kids looking at me. When they’re busy having fun, I like to capture them in their element, just being kids. These kinds of photos tell as much or more about them than a smiling portrait photo does. I love this shot of my son, Carson, playing hopscotch. It was a new game to him, and you can see how carefully he was concentrating. This photo instantly brings back memories of us out on the driveway after dinner playing together—rather than memories of us out on the driveway taking photos of us playing together. And there's a big difference between the two.
Photo 4: Sun and Sand
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Sun and Sand One of my favorite tips for photographing kids is to call out their name while they're busy having fun, and have my zoom lens ready to snap their picture the moment they look up. Photo specs: SS 1/3200, f2.5, ISO 500, Canon 50mm 1.4 lens |
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Three-year-old Addie was engrossed with her sand toys when I quickly called her name and asked her what she was doing from a distance. I had my zoom lens on me when she looked up with a smile, ready to describe all the fun she was having in the sand. It's helpful to catch your child off guard, before he or she can protest that there's a camera pointed in their direction. (Some kids are more resistant to photos than others, so I like to use surprise tactics every now and then, making sure I'm quick with the shutter.)
Photo 5: Soccer Boy
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Soccer Boy Taking photos of kids just before an important sports practice or game is a great time to capture expressions of excitement or anticipation. Ask them to show off their equipment or props! Photo specs: SS 1/2500, f3.2, ISO 200, canon 50mm 1.4 lens |
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When it comes to soccer, Carson is all smiles. He loves to play soccer, he loves to talk about playing soccer, and so when I asked for a quick photo of him looking so handsome in his uniform and to show me the ball he was going to use to score a goal—he was all over it. If your goal is to document things that are important to your kids, they'll cooperate happily. I can't imagine Carson being quite so eager for a photo if I'd asked him to show me how well he was going to clean his room, or the outfit he was going to wear to do his homework. Context is everything.
I hope you've enjoyed these tips for photographing kids! Remember, in between all the posed portraits you're taking of your kids on their first day of school, or on an outing to the zoo, or grouped on grandma's front porch—make sure to also photograph your kids on their turf, so to speak. And that might mean a soccer field, or a skate park, a library, or a dance studio. If you get smiles and good eye contact, great. If not, learn to say “good enough." It’s a recent motto I adopted, and it’s been so freeing when it comes to my photography and many other situations in life.
A memory captured, even if it's a little blurry or includes a quirky expression, is better than a memory not captured at all. Let there be some photos where technical details and the ideal just don’t matter at all. Embrace the imperfections and just allow your kids to have fun and enjoy the moments—and make sure you enjoy it with them, too.
For more tips for photographing your children and capturing their best, most natural smiles, get a copy of my newest eBook Don't Say Cheese: Capture real smiles with 247 tips for photographing kids. You'll also love my previous eBook, 40 Top Tips for Better Photos.