Let me start by saying that I am not a professional photographer. Like at all! I just got frustrated with being quoted an arm and a leg for pictures that I felt like I could take myself.
On the other hand though, taking pictures of kids is no joke.
Honestly, to my kids, telling them to sit still and smile feels like the end of the world. To them and to me.
What’s even worse though than struggling to get good pictures out of your kids, is struggling and then failing to get anything!
I’ve come up with some tips that I use to get great pictures of my kids at home!
Side-Note: The camera that I use is the Canon 80D
At the end of the day, kids are gonna be kids. trying to get them to be anything but that is gonna be nothing but a headache for you.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been almost hyperventilating because my kids won’t cooperate and sit still!
So I figured I’d get on their level.
For their Easter picture, I let my oldest Kaia play with the Easter eggs! I had her look for a specific egg and then show it to me. That way I got a genuine smile!
Also, every picture doesn’t necessarily need to be them smiling directly at the camera! I love this picture of my youngest, Ava, looking fed up with getting kisses from her big sister! It’s just as magical as a picture of them both smiling directly at the camera. (Which I never got…)
2. Natural Lighting And Interesting Backgrounds
These two things can be the difference between blah and a-ha!
What I used in this picture was my front door, which is painted a beautiful red. and had them sit on a comforter.
I made sure it was sunny outside, because I don’t necessarily have a lot of super harsh direct light hitting there, and voila! Gorgeous pictures of the new big and little sisters!
Basically the more natural light you have, the less your camera will have to compensate, which makes for crystal clear images you’ll cherish forever!
3. Use A Prime (50mm) Lens
This one is just my preference, but using the 50mm lens I have tends to naturally blur out the background of the photo and really focus on the subject you’re trying to photograph.
Technically, you could get the same effect with a different lens, but in order for a regular lens to give that effect, they’re usually really pricey.
The lens I have was only $125 and was a canon lens. You can pick it up HERE.
What actually creates the blur is called the f stop. (*nerd moment*)
Basically the lens needs to be able to reach appox. between an f stop of f/1.8 and f/2.7. The lower the better.
They also let in a lot of light which means, once again that you don’t have to compensate in the settings of the camera to get a brighter photo.
A con of the prime lens is that it can’t focus and is stuck at 50mm. So, you have to be relatively close to your subject.
It’s honestly up to you if you want to shell out the coin for the more versatile lenses.
Also, I’d only use this lens for indoor portrait photography, because it’s not very versatile. If you were outdoors, or the kids were moving a lot, then a different lens might be better.
4. Know Your Kids' Schedule
Nap time is a scary time to have things to do. So I would avoid it at all costs when it comes to picture day!
I wouldn’t try to take pictures of the kids during any times where they might not be in the best mood.
Make sure they’re fed, had their nap, and whatever else puts them in a great state of mind, or else trying to take pictures will be hell on earth. Believe me.
The great part about taking the pictures yourself is…you can reschedule!
5. Lightroom (Or Some Photo Editing Software)
Pictures rarely come out of the camera in perfect form. That’s where editing comes into play!
Even if it’s just a small adjustment like above, it can really make a difference in the final product.
I use Lightroom on my iPad, but Facetune or any other editing software can work just as well. Just tinkering with a few settings like clarity, exposure, or vibrance can take your photos to the next level.
With all these tips in mind, at the end of the day, just have fun with it! Kids can sense your fear lol so just loosening up and enjoying the process makes for great pictures. If not great pictures then at least great memories to laugh at later!
These are all such great tips for getting good pictures. This is so helpful since others do not have the opportunity to get professional pictures right now.
I know right! I ended up taking the Easter pics because their spring photos at school got cancelled! This might be the better bet anyway lol
Ahh love this post. Definitely useful for us mamas while we’re home. I’ve been meaning to do a similar post!
Yes! I can’t wait to read yours!
coming from a photographer these are great tips!
Thank you so much! That’s an awesome compliment!
Love this article ! Such great tips.
Thank you!
Wow amazing photography tips. I barely could take a picture of my boy. Will surely try these
Thank you! I was the same way! Glad these tips can help 🙂
These tips would be real easy to apply because my oldest loves pictures! awesome tipssss
You’re one of the lucky ones then! Lol My kids aren’t the biggest fans of pictures! Thanks so much!
Yes! Taking pics with my kids is an ordeal sometimes! I agree with Lightroom and schedule – also sometimes I have to resort to bribing! Lol
Same here! You gotta do what you gotta do! Lol
every tip helps, even if it’s just with our phones – thanks mama!
No problem! Thank you!
Oh my! Your babies are gorgeous! Thank you for the great tips! I’m no pro either but love taking pics!
Thank you so much! And no problem!
Yes I love these tips! I need all the help I can get with my girl!
I’m glad you enjoyed them! Thanks for the feedback!
Lightroom is my all time favorite!! Loved these tips. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for the feedback! 🙂
Working toward kids schedule is the key.’ Great tips. Thanks for sharing
Definitely! Thank you for the feedback!
These are great tips! I loved taking pictures of my kids when they were little. Now that they are older they run from the camera.
Thank you! And believe me, I feel you mama!
These are awesome tips, especially right now! I’ve been trying to do pics at home and only lay a professional once a year for my little dude’s birthday!
Thank you! Same here, sometimes it is nice to sit back and let someone else do the dirty work lol!
These are all so important and I learned them all over time , many many many years… Great tips
Thank you so much for the feedback!
I’m all about the natural lighting! These are great tips. it is nice to get some great candid shots.
Absolutely!
These are great tips.. I love babies. Getting kids engaged can be difficult but it is worth it.
Thank you! It really is worth it!
Such great tips! I love my Nikon so much and Lightroom is a great tip.
Thank you!
Great tips. It is very hard to take pictures of kids especially if you’re trying to do it during their nap time. And lighting makes a huge difference.
I totally agree!
Great tips and beautiful photos. Kids are definitely not the easiest to take pictures of. My older one is in the stage where he makes faces and all the pics are ruined by that. But I guess, at least they are authentic.
Hahaha my daughter is doing the exact same thing lately! Makes me want to pull my hair out lol
I am a professional photographer and you’ve got some great tips and GORGEOUS pictures!!!! Great job!
Thank you so much! Your pics on your blog are absolutely gorgeous!