Nhem Photo Top 5 Tips for How to Take Better Photos of Your Kids!

Do you ever wonder how some photographers can get the cutest pictures of the craziest kids? Well, it’s not just the camera they are using… IT’S THE PHOTOGRAPHER! Do you want to know the secrets of snapping great photos of your wiggly kids?

Julie Nhem of Nhem Photo is here to give us 5 tips on taking better photos!

Tip 1(A). Don’t over-pose the kids or try too hard to force a smile. My favorite photos of children are candid or semi-posed.

There are tricks you can use to get a smile… I like to bark or meow or moo! You know your kids best and you know what makes them laugh. With some kids bribery works well— the promise of candy can get older children to give a good smile. But a natural smile is the goal… and that is something you get when they are having fun.

Set up a space for them to play and explore. Have them involved in an activity and be prepared to take lots of pictures. You never know when those giggles will ensue!

 

Tip 1(B). With siblings, tickling is always a sure winner!

 

Tip 2. Groom the kids and take off their shoes. Clip nails and wipe off milk mustaches. Unless you are a photoshop whiz you will not be able to remove those things in your photos!

 

Tip 3: Look for the light. What direction is the light coming from? You don’t want to place your kids directly in front of, or behind the light source. If you are outdoors, watch for squinting. Look for shaded areas, or have the light hitting the side of their face for more drama.

 

Tip 4: Don’t shoot outdoors in the middle of the day when the sun is directly overhead, and likewise do not place your child directly under an artificial light source… harsh shadows make for unflattering photos.

 

Tip 5: If you, as the photographer, are having fun with the camera and smiling and laughing, your kids will enjoy having their photos taken and you will set a precedence for photo shoots for the rest of their lives.

I can always tell when a family has been through too many stressful, negative experiences when having their pictures taken. The boys almost always never want to be there. But if you can try to make it a fun experience you will not only enjoy taking photos/having photos taken, but your pictures will come out so much better!