Every millisecond matters when you are a mom, so a camera with a 3 second delay is not going to be your best option. You know what I am talking about, “Smile Kids!”
Flash flash flash….CLICK. Aaaaaand no kids left in the picture.
This is how I ended up with a Canon Rebel XS, my first Digital SLR camera. I liked how fast it clicked the photo, and the fact that I was no longer missing that special moment by half a crawling baby.
That leads me to my first point in Mommarazzi 101: 12 Tips for Moms with Cameras.
1) Settings Matter
Whether you have a point and shoot, or a DSLR camera, settings matter. It always makes me sad to see Mom’s with these amazing cameras, blasting their kids with the flash setting at brightly lit school functions. I know not everyone is prepared to use manual settings, and words like iso, f stop and aperture make you break into a sweat, so I have a simple piece of advice: Turn the flash off. Especially if you have a digital slr camera! There is a setting that shows a slash through the flash symbol, USE IT. Make sure each shot had good natural light, like dusk – outside, or by a window – inside.
If you are ready to upgrade your point and shoot, look at getting a Canon Rebel T2i or T3i model. They are wonderful, high end cameras that still allow the camera to make educated decisions for you. Also, some of these models have WONDERFUL video capabilities! Bonus, now you can get rid of that giant old camcorder too!
Your kids deserve more than just pixilated cell phone shots, right!?
2) The Art of the High Low Shot
When capturing your kids and their daily activities, remember that angles matter. The following photos would be way more boring, had I just stood and shot straight on.
Things like laying on the ground to see the blades of grass tickling sweet little feet, or standing on a chair to shoot down on family game night, will produce beautiful and unique shots.
3) Stop & Smell the Roses
So we have all had bad days. Permanent Marker on our dining room table, dog food dumped into the water bowl, and toothbrushes in the toilet. My tip for you is to STOP and smell the roses before you start hollering, I mean cleaning up. And when I say Stop, and smell the roses, I mean, go get your camera!
I will always remember the day my youngest, Paxton, decided to dump his entire bowl of Oatmeal on his head. Thankfully, I always tried to keep my camera nearby, because now my whole family can remember the story.
Stopping to Smell the Roses, does not always mean JUST capturing naughty behavior, it also means thinking ahead to special “First” moments and being ready with camera in hand.
4) Capturing the 4 Seasons of HOME
My kids have been privileged to grow up in the same home all their lives, but should we ever move, I think I will be so glad I spent the time capturing each Season of our Home for them. There is something so heartwarming about Seasonal photos! Whether this means rainy spring days in the puddles, leaf piles in fall, or snowy walks following your kids and hubby around taking photos of everyday things in all their snow covered glory…..
All things that will provoke memories in your children for years to come.
5) Reach Out And Touch Someone
As you can see, these are the same 4 kiddos in the same shot, I chose to make the second one into a canvas for my home. Why? Because it oozed cozy, happy kids, and lots of love. The only thing that changed was the placement of their arms.
6) Get In Front Of The Camera
I know you didn’t sleep last night, I know your hair is a disaster, and you can’t remember the last time you showered. I know you have snot on your leg and spit up on your shoulder, but GET IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA. Do you remember seeing pics of your Mom back in the day? You love them, right?! You aren’t thinking about her hair or her bell bottoms, ok, well maybe a little, but mostly, you are remembering the person that raised you. You most likely can flash back to that scene with great memories of your growing up years. I would much rather be behind the camera, but I want my kids to remember me, and have photos to show their children later of the Mom they grew up with.
You also need to make family photos a priority. I know it makes you sweat, I know there is yelling and spit baths, hair smoothing and lost shoes, but IT IS WORTH IT. Family photos should be done at least every other year, if not EVERY year. There are so many affordable options, save up and don’t let cost stop you from getting a session set up, and have FUN with it!
We will continue next week, with the next 6 Steps in Mommarazzi 101: 12 Tips for Moms With Cameras!
