How to Photograph your Own Children

One of the most difficult things I have come to find out over the past 5 years being a photographer is that the most difficult subject is your own children. Don’t get me wrong, she’s not terrible, but it’s definitely not a walk in the park.

One thing that’s different about children of a photographer is that they put up with a camera being pointed at them SO much and to be honest, kids are either in the mood or not so I’m going to share a few tips for photographing your own children on a regular basis and share a couple of ideas for you to do too!

1. Don’t expect them to ‘perform’ when they’re tired. All you will get if they’re tired is a bunch of “UGHH” faces. If they’re not in the mood…it’s just that, let it go. Sometimes when this happens for me, I use this opportunity to capture some candids of whatever she decides to do instead.

2. Stealth mode…keep a watchful eye on their activities when they’re alone. My daughter has a ‘quiet’ time everyday, she usually reads books or plays quietly in her room so I sneak to her doorway and snap a few quick ones. Personally…these are some of my favorites and the ones that I will look back on and remember those quiet moments, completely innocent, and unaware of the rest of the world.

3. If you’re in the mood for a styled shoot instead of candids, let them help you plan it. That way it’s their idea too. For the photos included in this blog, I told my daughter that I wanted to take her to a place that had beautiful, white flowers and a dress would look beautiful, so she went to her closet and chose the blue ‘fluffy’ dress. Luckily it was one I had in mind but even if she had picked one of her incredibly original ensembles, I would have been just as pleased. Embrace their individuality, later on, you’ll be happy to see the little person they once were.

4. Let them take your picture! I got a small point and shoot camera for my daughter last year and she really enjoys doing it herself. Kids often times like to show you how independent they can be, I mean we’ve all heard “I can do it myself!” right? So, go ahead and let them. You never know…it may turn into something 😉

5. Be inspired, challenge yourself. A friend of mine, also a photographer, decided to do a 365 project this year. I highly encourage you to check out her blog and Facebook page to follow along each day. She captures her children in their most pure form, it’s so fun! This is a project I intend to do someday, after seeing her do this I let myself be inspired. When it comes to your kids, these are things you’ll be so happy you did. They will become a treasure. You can start small too, if you’re afraid to commit to 365 days, just do a 30 day challenge. Some other ideas are 30 days of things you’re grateful for, or here’s another blog that gives out a new ‘Photo a Day’ challenge each month, fun things, and all totally doable.

6. Lastly, you don’t need a big fancy camera for this stuff, use your phone, point and shoot, whatever. Just do it!