The images below are some of my favorites. No my kiddos aren’t in fancy outfits, they surely haven’t brushed their hair (Actually, I haven’t brushed their hair because really, what 4.5 year old can do that well?) They aren’t sitting in a gorgeous field awash in sunset tones. They are however living their lives, and I captured what they did today. The way she holds a pencil and begins to write her name, and the last little bit of hand chub my 1.5 year old has that is quickly dwindling away.  Do you have similar images? Ones that help you to remember the everyday? The ones of him in his little boy undies running around the house with a pirate hat on? These will be the images you cherish, the ones you look at and all those feelings bubble up to the surface and run down your face.  When they are all grown up they will want to see these snapshots too. I love looking through my grandparents old photo albums.  It’s one of my favorite things to do when I get the chance to visit. (They live in Florida…me in Ohio, so that happens maybe once or twice a year.)  All of that to say…let’s improve our snapshots so that they capture more of what is happening, not just having the kids smiling cheesy smiles but document their full little lives.  I grabbed my camera this morning and captured my two littlest ones to share some tips with you!

Tip #1 Use window light

Do you see the orangeish tone to my cabinets in the left picture? That is what happens when you don’t turn off your overhead lights. Even though the light wasn’t near her, it shows up in the background of the image. Blahhhh.  Turn off those lights! Have you kiddo sit near a window and let them do what ever they love to do.

Tip #2 Declutter the scene

Ok, don’t roll your eyes just yet.  I’m not saying clean the whole house.  Just move those sippy cups, gatorade lids, and extra papers off to the side.  The clutter can be distracting, simple scenes are always ideal.

Tip #3 Find some details to focus on

Those little baby hands, so sweet.  Hand dimples! Pick something to concentrate on, and take a bunch of different angles of the same thing.  The best angle might be from behind the child, on their level.

Tip #4 Get closer

I’m not taking about cropping your image after you take it, but actually getting closer to your sweet baby. It eliminates the stuff in the background that is distracting and makes a better connection with your sweet little one.

Tip #5 Try a profile

See that cute little button nose?! Adorbs.  Although I did have to tuck her hair behind her ear or there wouldn’t have been a nose to see!

Tip #6 Fake a scene

When all else fails, and they won’t sit still for 3 minutes, or 5 seconds for that matter, ask them to look for the birds outside, or butterflies, or fairies (can you tell I only have girls?) I’m loving their reflections in the window. Just precious.

 

And just because I cannot believe how big this sweet girl has grown, a few of just her.

Happy snapshot shooting!