Well, hello again!  I’m just sitting down to write this post, and fill you in on some super sweet secrets to help you take candid pictures of your kids.  I’m actually really excited about this post because it’s one of my most favorite things to take pictures of.  But first, I had to pry a particularly needy wild thing off of me.  We have been together the entire day, and she just told me- “I miss-ed you.”  Hmm…  Someone is good at playing me.

Ok, on to the post.

10 secrets for taking candid

pictures of your kids

 

*for your convenience, there may be affiliate links throughout this post, so you can easily find the things i am showing you.  by using these links, your pricing stays the same, but i earn a small commission.  you can see my full disclosure here

Here’s a little list of fun activities that would make for sweet- directed (but still candid) pictures!

• bubbles!!  These are the BEST bubbles EVER!!  (and, yeah, I do believe there is a difference in the quality of bubbles)
• coloring- easy, and they will hopefully, stay in one spot!
• rhythm dance wands– goodness, hand each of your kids a wand, send them outside, and watch them from a distance with your camera.  So awesome!
• pillow fights!  I take no responsibility for any tears though, we all know these don’t always end well!
• looking at books.
• play doh.  Get a giant pack like this one, sit them in a well-lit area, and let them go to town.  Just think about all those colors!

Obviously, there are so many more ideas, these are just a few to get you started.  And now, here are those tips I promised you!

 

1. Turn off the flash.

   Kids are easily distracted.  The minute that flash starts going off, they’re either going to start posing, or refuse to do what they were doing in the first place that inspired you to start snapping!

   

2. Get ready.

   It’s not possible to get any pictures if you don’t have your camera out!  Try to remember to bring it with you if you know your wild thing is going to be having fun.  Remember to take it out on the days when nothing is happening too.  Some of my favorite pictures were made on the days when we were doing nothing special!  (Consider using a camera that fits into your pocket- here are 5 great choices!)

   

3. Take tons of pictures.

   Part of the beauty of digital photography is not having to worry about wasting film.  No one is going to force you to keep them all!  The more you take, the more chances you have to make something you fall totally in love with.

   

4. Photograph activities.

   When you’re children are actively engaged in something, they are less likely to notice you’re photographing them. I love a good thoughtful, quiet moment, but photographing activities is super fun too!

   

5. Move around.

   I just mentioned that you should tons of shots. You can take tons of shots from totally different angles.  You may be surprised to see that you love a perspective you never realized you would!

   

6. Pick the right location.

   Sometimes, you don’t get to choose your location, and that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use your camera.  Try to remove some clutter before you start taking pictures.  But, if you know you’re intentions are to take pictures, choose a location with plenty of room that is free of clutter or distracting backgrounds, and remember that lighting makes a difference!  try for open shade or morning or evening.

   

7. Photograph your kiddo interacting with others.

   There is something so special about the relationships children form.

   

8. Frame your subject.

   Drawing your subject in for the viewer makes the image more interesting. It also gives the viewer the feeling that they are witnessing a sort of secret moment.  Donya Luana guest posted here all about this.  It’s a great read, if you would like to learn more.

   

9. Pretend you’re not watching.

   When I have a shy client, I will often tell the parents to continue playing with their child while I walk away.  I stand back and pretend I’m not paying attention for a while, and then slowly inch back in. Once I am snapping again, they are usually having so much fun, they don’t even notice me!

   

10. Wait.

    Watch with your camera in your hand, and you will be ready to start snapping when the mood strikes.  You also give your wild things time to let their guard down.  (Never would have captured this next image if i weren’t waiting for something to happen).

    
    I hope this helps you to capture more candid images.  Now it’s your turn– what are your favorite activities to capture candidly??  Leave me a comment!!

    

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