As a photographer, it may seem obvious that I keep my camera within arms reach at all times. That’s just how I am. I have a tendency to focus on capturing all of my children’s many moments. Blog after blog, you’ll hear advice that says “Mom, make sure you step in front of the camera too!” and I 100% agree. I’m not in very many family photos. With the exception of the ones we pay for, I’m usually the one behind the camera at all times. That’s fine for me… and not what this blog is about.
Today I’m going to write about capturing your children’s moments. When I gave birth to my son eight years ago, I was determined to photograph every single moment. When my daughter came around three years later, I was like “OMG, I have two of you!! TWICE THE PICTURES!!” Very early on in my parenting, like most, I wanted to capture every little thing they did and post and share. I wasn’t so much focused on capturing the moment in story mode, then I was just capturing the moment.
Over the years, I have learned how to take *intentional* photos when it comes to capturing certain memories. I no longer just grab and snap. In fact, I look at not only what they are doing, but how they are doing it. To keep it short, let’s just say I started putting my wedding photography skill into practice in my personal life!!
When crafting a story, you want to start by leaving your camera out. No joke! Capturing routines and daily task are a great way to craft a narrative of your little one’s childhood, without using words. Keeping your camera out at all time will allow you to capture something immediately. Because we all know, if you try to get your children to repeat candid moments for the sake of a camera, they won’t do it. In fact, they will do the exact opposite. At least that’s been my experience.
The difference between shooting at home and on location is that you know your home. You know every room, every crayon marked wall and dog chewed carpet. Change your perspective. If it’s possible to add these into the story/photo DO IT!!
There’s nothing wrong with crouching down and getting eye level with your children. Photographing things from their perspective will also allow you to see things from their eye.
Don’t worry about the mess, THIS IS YOUR LIFE!! So many times we get caught up with having Pinterest worthy photos that we forget to embrace the chaos. Capturing your family in their element is the #1 way to capture your life authentically. Why pretend to be something you’re not? If your children choose to leave toys all over, capture a photo of them in their mess.
Remember, your capturing your family’s story. Tell it like it is!!
My Camera Gear:
I use a variety of digital and film cameras for my work and personal photography. If you are interested, my gear is listed below. I’ll discuss more my film photography in a later post.
Sigma Art 35 1.4 for Canon
Water, melanin, bones, blood. In route to death, while I’m here, might as well get shit accomplished.
Photographer, fitness enthusiast, blogger, and mother of two.
