by Kristin Eldridge
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Kristin is one of the Little Skye photographers.  We love her and her work.

As moms with digital cameras, getting from point A to point B isn’t always easy! Point A (owning a digital camera) and Point B (an amazing picture) are actually closer than you think. It’s a matter of using natural light to work for you instead of against you. I put together a list of tips that I’ve learned along the way. Practical tips that anyone can use to step up your photo game!

1. For a nice evenly lit photo, place your child at the very edge of the shade instead of at the back of the shade. Shady sidewalks are a great place to shoot because the cement acts as a natural reflector and bounces the light back up into your child’s face.

2. Place your child in a doorway or in front of a window. This bends the light at a 45 degree angle…the perfect formula for glowy, natural light.

3. Turn off your flash! Red eye and pasty white skin aren’t flattering on anyone. Instead find the light coming in the window…or just go outside.

4. Focus and re-compose. Most cameras naturally focus on what’s in the middle of the frame. Instead focus on your child’s eyes, press the shutter half-way down, the quickly re-frame the picture how you want it.  Then press the shutter all the way down.

5. Adjust your angle. As a general rule, children photograph best when you are no higher than their waist level. That means bend down or even sit on the ground!

6. Get close…even closer! Kids have perfect skin- they can handle a close up!! Most people make the
mistake of having lots of dead space around the child. Instead take a few steps closer or zoom in.

7. Recruit siblings. Natural smiles and expressions are best. Sometimes it takes a silly face, peek-a-boo or a song sung by big brother to crack a smile.

8. Be a fly on the wall. If your child isn’t into being photographed, take a photo-journalistic approach. Step back and quietly snap away as they are doing their thing. You’ll be surprised how much you love photos that don’t have direct eye contact.

9. Remember to focus on capturing emotion. Sometimes a beautiful picture breaks all the rules. It may not be in focus or perfectly composed, but you look at it and say that is SO my two year old right now.

10. Practice, practice, practice! Be thankful we live in the days of digital…it doesn’t cost anything to shoot away. And that’s how we get better!