5 Essential Tips for Taking Perfect Pictures of Your Kids

-          Written By Rob James, owner of RCJFoto, Prairie Village, Kansas

We’ve all been there. The setting is perfect; you’ve picked out the perfect matching outfits; envisioned how your little models will be arranged; and, miraculously, your kids are even smiling back at you! Your brand new camera is at the ready; the batteries are charged – you’re nearing photo-nirvana. Taking a deep breath, you raise the camera and begin to snap the picture that will define your summer. But, as fast as that miracle pose presents itself, it vanishes as your kids suddenly shift their attention to a fuzzy squirrel. Watching them race across the yard, you’re left wondering: what now? That pose will never happen again!

Courtesy of Rob James

In my career as a family and portrait photographer, this scenario has replayed itself countless times. No matter how hard we try, our kids seem to be a little faster and smarter than we. So, to help you gain the edge over your kids, I’ve developed my Top 5 tips to help you capture the perfect photo!

5. Capture your kids in “their” environment

As parents, we often forget that are kids are not tiny clones of ourselves. After all, when it’s portrait time, we expect our kids to dress up like little soldiers, participate in our vision and listen to our every instruction. But, that’s simply not realistic. To help level the playing field, try to understand their motivations. First, kids would rather do anything than sit for a photograph – and I mean anything! To make it feel less like a chore, divide your session into small five or ten minute blocks of time. Second, get down on their level. Kids will be more likely to let down their guard when you play at their altitude. So, get dirty and be a kid for a few minutes. Seriously, get up on the play-set or lay down on the ground. Make fun of yourself, laugh with your kids and simply forget about your desire to capture the perfect photo. Let the portrait come to you.

Courtesy of Rob James

4. Equipment, equipment, equipment

When I’m on a shoot, the most common topic of conversation is: What kind of camera should I buy? My answers is fairly simple: buy all that you can afford. If you’re serious about getting better shots, you need to purchase a basic SLR like the Canon Rebel XS. These are the cameras with detachable lenses. Now, if your kids are sitting still, you can absolutely get a great shot with a good point-and-shoot. The benefit is not necessarily in quality (though there is a quality difference), but in the speed at which you can photograph. A basic SLR can shoot approximately 3.5 pictures per second whereas a good point-and-shoot will only capture 1 per second. This doesn’t sound like a lot; but, when your kids are on the run, it makes a huge difference. Face it, kids are faster than a point-and-shoot!

3. Technical Stuff

As a professional photographer, I try to consider quite a few technical factors every time I shoot. But, all of those things can be broken down to just a few rules. First, stay out of the  direct afternoon sunlight! Overhead sun causes squinting and harsh shadows, so try to shoot in the shade or on the North side of a house or building. Second, start shooting…keep shooting. I can’t stress this enough! Shoot everything, even if you think it won’t make a good picture. I admit that many of my greatest portraits were caught completely by accident. But, this is part of my overall strategy. When I’m on a shoot, my finger stays on the trigger. If you focus on only one photograph at a time, you’re bound to capture more blinks and crazy smiles than you intended. So, keep the shutter moving, just like your kids!

Courtesy of Rob James

2. What to wear?

First, match the children, not the background. Always try to build contrast between your subject and the background. By choosing light Earth tones, you will likely create a pleasing contrast between your kids and the background. Second, avoid shirts with patterns, stripes and prints. Finally, if you’re photographing multiple kids, try to match their clothing as closely as possible. Clothing should help create a palette of color, not a distracting sideshow.

1. It’s all in the smile

This is the smile I get when I ask my son to say cheese!

"Cheese" Courtesy of Rob James

Every parent can relate to this odd contortion. It’s kind of cute the first time but it can be a frustrating exchange. Again, try to put yourself in your young child’s place. Doing anything on demand is uncomfortable, especially smiling. So, rather than demanding something and then showing them your frustration, try coaxing a smile out of them by making jokes and lightening the mood. Photograph their laughter instead of something resembling a smile. Be a part of the photo, not just a by-stander. 

About Rob James

Rob is a veteran of over 200 weddings and countless portrait sessions he’s photographed. His specialty is Wedding Photojournalism and Editorial Portraiture. He got his start as a kid because his dad was an avid wildlife photographer. Check out Rob’s bio on his website RCJFoto.