Cynthia specializes in Toledo Lifestyle Photos. She is an on location lifestyle and storytelling photographer serving the Toledo, Sylvania, Maumee, Holland, Perrysburg, Oregon and Northwest Ohio areas. She is available for maternity, newborn, baby, children and family portraits and documentary photo sessions.
You know that photographing your kids is important but sometimes the reasonability of memory keeper can get the best of you. Get ready to be re-energized to document all those fun moments with your kiddos!
7 Tips for Better Everyday Photos
1. Have your camera ready. Seems so obvious but if my camera battery wasn’t charged with a lens attached and memory card in the camera (I have tried to shoot before without one, doesn’t work…haha) I would probably have missed half the things my kids were doing. Keep your camera in a place that is easy to get to but where little hands can’t reach. Also, bring it with you when you leave the house. So many times I will be out with my child and wish I had my camera. Now that I actually take it with me more I can capture those spur of the moment activities.
This photo was taken while stuck in traffic. If I didn’t have my camera with me, I would of missed her being so cute in my sunglasses.
2. Think about your frame. Before pressing the shutter take some time to look through your viewfinder at what is being included in your frame. Do the dirty dishes on the counter behind your child add to the story? If not, don’t include them in your frame. Sometimes we only see things after clicking the shutter but try to train your eye to see distractions before so you can remove them or change your perspective to not include them.
I had to be very careful while taking this image, not to get any cars from the road behind them in the frame. Taking a few images back to back allowed me to get the shot without the distraction of a car on the road.
By using the car in the foreground, I was able to draw the viewer into the frame so the focus would be on my little guy.
3. Tell a Story. This is what lifestyle photography is all about. Sometimes you only need one photo to tell a story and sometimes you need a series of photos. Think about what your character is doing, what they are seeing and what you see. Focus on the details (their eyes, hands, or feet). I like to start far away and make my way closer to my subject as I include the who, what and why with my images. Also, change your angle. Get high, low and everywhere in between. Those different perspectives can really add to the message your sending.
This story is all about the messy room.
4. Look for the connection. Life is all about finding those we feel a connection. Photography gives us an unique chance to really focus on that in an image. There are a few ways your subjects can convey a strong connection. One is for them to touch each other. Hands will always show connection, especially when accompanied by looking at the person they are holding. Eye contact is another way for the viewer to feel connected to the subject.
Her gaze and head on his shoulder allow us to feel her love for her brother.
5. Find the light. Light is everything in photography. If you can find the light, you can create a magical image. Don’t limit yourself to “golden” hour. Life doesn’t happen in the last hour before sunset and you can learn to work with light any time of day with a little practice. Play with light indoors (side light, backlight, direct light) and try shooting outdoors at different times of day as well. You may be surprised at the results stepping out of your comfort zone can bring.
Using harsh and direct light can be a great way to frame your subject.
6. Create moments. This is probably one of my favorite tips for shooting lifestyle. It is okay to recreate a moment or plan activities in good lighting conditions. If you notice your kids enjoying a fun activity but the light is not ideal, it is okay to tuck that idea in the back of your mind and encourage them to do it again when you aren’t battling ugly light. The moments aren’t staged but you won’t be fighting the light and that will help produce wonderful images.
When we wanted to have s’mores, I planned the activity when there would be great light outside. It made documenting this first much easier.
7. Take chances. Sometimes you can recreate an activity in better light and sometimes you can’t. Don’t miss a chance to capture a fantastic memory because you don’t want to use flash or bump up your ISO. Play around with your camera and push your equipment and yourself. Sometimes those images end up being your favorites!
This was taken by bouncing my flash when there was no more natural light.
Got any tips you loved to share? I would love to hear them!
Interested in learning more about photography? Ask Cynthia about her mommarazzi workshops or mentorships. Use the contact tab for more details.
