Tips For Photographing Children

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Wanting to dive into the world of photographing children? Thinking about ways you can take pictures of your own kids? I have a few specific tips to remember the next time you pick up your camera to help direct your session- major hint- you don’t need a lot of time either!

Tips For Photographing Children

Taking Your Own Family Photos

Houston Family Photographer

I’m always saying it goes so fast…but that’s only because its true! Hold on, mama, don’t blink!
And if you are anything like me, you want to try to capture every minute. Does that mean having a professional photo session several times a year? For some, yes. But it’s not always feasible or necessary. You can document your own children in meaningful ways even if you do not have a professional camera.

I do a lot of following my kids around, just trying to freeze time and hold on to moments before they are gone…I want a time capsule dangit!

If you are wanting to try your hand at documenting your kids, I’ve got a few tips for you. You can start in your own home, or go out to a local park. It only takes a few minutes- give yourself some credit, take the pressure off the moment and just have fun.

Here are some of my favorite tips to help you photograph your kiddos in your spare time!

  • have patience- don’t put too much pressure on the moment or expect something specific. If your child does something precious that you missed, sometimes you can get them to repeat the action by telling them how much you like what they did or how sweet it was.

  • be ready- decide when you want to start taking photos and be in the moment and ready to snap a photo during that dedicated time. Let the rest go.

  • get down to their level- interact with them, get down where they are and see the world from their perspective.

  • use natural light- think about the time of day you have chosen and make sure your lighting in’t too harsh (tip: avoiding midday outside can help with harsh shadows)

  • choose your focus mode carefully- if you have a professional or semi-professional camera, make sure your shutter speed is fast enough for your moving child, and your f-stop is around a 1.4-2.5. I love 2.0 as a sweet spot for photographing just one person.

  • be a goofball- get silly with them, engage with them, play with them and be a part of what they are doing. You know your child best and what can get a smile or laugh pretty quickly.

  • let them run the session- don’t try and control it or force them to pose. If you have a specific vision, consider creating a structured activity or bringing a specific toy to help facilitate that.

Check out this session that took only about 15 minutes to do. We played, sang songs and just had a blast making memories.

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Hi, I'm Ashley!

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About the Artist

Ashley Newman Photography is a Woodlands Family Photographer and Storyteller specializing in outdoor family photography. In addition to lifestyle family portraits, Ashley and her award-winning team offer day-in-the-life legacy sessions, outdoor maternity sessions, fresh 48 hospital portraits and in-home newborn photography. Ashley Newman Photography serves Montgomery county, North-Houston areas: The Woodlands, Spring, Conroe, Houston and Magnolia.

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