We’ve all been there.  Your kiddo is being super cute, sweet and like the angle you know they are, so you want to take a picture to remember this sweet moment, because you know in 5 minutes you’ll want to pull you’re hair out. 

So you pull out your phone (or if you’re like me it’s already in my hand) open the camera app and point.

But damn, he moved.

Oh wait, can you do that sweet smile again. NO no no not the cheesy one.  Your natural one.

{kids proceed to put their hands in their face and smile with their eyes closed}

Damn.  So not what I was going for.

Raise your hand if that’s you….cause it’s definitely me too.  What is it with kids putting their hands in their face for a picture?

Ok I think I may need to rethink this and figure out a better way.

I know I’m not the only one, so I’m sharing the little secrets I learned with you.

1. First things first, avoid eye contact.  The camera comes out and suddenly they’re all crazy and weird and not at all what you know they are.   So wait a moment and let them do what they’re doing then quietly take your phone out. If my kids notice me and they stop, I just ask them nicely to do whatever it was they were doing again.

“Can you show me how you were sharing with your brother again?”
“That was a great twirl, can you show me again?”
“I love how you’re playing with your cars, can you show me how to park them?”

Things like that will get them engaged back in play long enough to snap a couple shots.  

{For the picture below they were so absorbed in play they didn’t even know I was there.  The big window over the couch and the window behind the bare tree provide a lot of light, but it’s still tough to get an action shot in this room even.}

2. Avoid dark rooms.  Especially if your kids are running, jumping, dancing, etc. Unless you have a super bright room it’s really hard to get a good picture of these inside.  Head outside to get these high activity type pictures.

   *personal tip is to leave the overhead lights off too.  You’ll get racoon eyes. Lamps are ok though.

{The first picture below is full action of D on the swing.  I held the phone up and pointed it down and shot at least a half dozen photos before I got this one.  Sometimes it’s just luck!  The second photo the kids are running away from me in a space that *should* be bright enough, but they’re still blurry.  TIP; when you know there’s not a ton of light, make sure you’re as still as possible.  The kids may be blurred but at least it’ll look more intensional.}

3. When you’re inside use your window light to your advantage.  What the heck does that mean Rach? Stand between you and your kids, so the window is illuminating your kids.  This will be the spot with the most light and the most likely place to get a picture that’s not blurry. Tap your screen where you want it to focus and boom, pretty picture.  

BONUS TIP:  Take LOTS of pictures.  Later go back and delete the crummy ones that didn’t work.  

{Remember that big window over the couch a couple pictures back?  I’m sitting on the couch so it’s behind me and giving pretty light.  Notice her hands up in front of her face again?  I’m mean seriously is this just my kid?  Kids are so weird sometimes.}

This is just the tip of the iceberg folks.  I’m soooo freak’n excited to be teaching another Workshop to learn your camera in April!!  WAHOOO! If you’re struggling to get good pictures either on your phone or big camera this is the place to be.  I’ll be sharing tips on organizing your pictures too so there’s no more overwhelm of to many pictures.

There are only 9 seats left, so book your seat today before they’re all gone.  Click HERE to find out more details and book your seat.  All attendees are placed in a drawing to win a FREE session fee.  So don’t miss this if you’ve been on the fence to do a session.  You have nothing to loose and a whole lotta fun to gain!

Can’t wait to see you in April!

Xoxo – Rachael