How to Create Candid Moments (When Photographing Your Children)

Creating Candid Moments (When Photographing Your Children)

I photograph what I love, and love what I photograph.  I always find myself looking at beautiful spaces, old fences, overgrown nooks and crannies seeing photographs in my mind.  I love being inspired by a setting or a child and can actually see myself taking the photo.  My friends will attest to me calling them with 20 minutes notice that I need their child for some crazy photo that I see in my mind!

Even my own children have started to recognize that look in my eye!

I never thought that what started as wanting to take a decent photo of my son could turn into a business that I love and could help care for my family.  My most sincere advice for new photographers is to just keep shooting, every day if you can.  Read, watch videos, join a forum or Facebook photography group.  Just keep shooting!!

Go ahead and turn that dial to Manual Mode and figure it out.  I promise you can do it!

Less than a year ago, I would have laughed if you said I would understand my camera that way I do today.  Find what you love - what your mind keeps wandering back to... and take a picture of it!

I adore shooting my own kids (which is not always easy), but I have found some tricks that have worked for me to create really nice candid moments to photograph.  These images usually turn out to be my favorites!  Here you go:

1. No "Cheese"

Try and find an alternative to "cheese!" Sometimes I can get a child laugh by saying other silly words, or even telling them No Smiling!  (A little reverse psychology, in a silly way).

2. Be a Photo Ninja

Don't say anything at all! Just get your camera and sneak, crawl, or pop out unexpectedly!

3. Set up an Activity

Set up something fun. Set the scene before your kids know you want to take a photo.  Open the windows, get your camera ready, set up some fun toys or activity and be ready.  Jumping on the bed is always a favorite with my kids!

4. Get in the Photo

Get yourself in the photo (you will be glad you did)!  Get a remote for your camera! I love the 2 second delay feature in my Nikon D750.  Don't wait for those last 5 pounds, or to fix your hair, just get in there with your kids!

5. Involve Your Children

Get your kids involved in photo decisions.  Ask them where they would like to take pictures, or even what they want to wear!  Let them take silly photos first, then ask for a few less silly ones when they are happy and cooperative.  You can even let then turn the camera on you!

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