Several times a year, I do what I call "Daily Life" photos of my kids. These are simply photos that capture the age, moments and interests of each child that year. Our children grow so fast, and the uniqueness of each age can fade in our minds. It is that reason that spurs me on every year to take the time to document, with photographs, the little things that one day will become foggy. We may remember they loved trains, but do we recall the joy or intensity in which they created their own little world? We may recall how much our child loved dressing in fairy tale costumes, but do we remember with clarity the abandon he/she had as they acted out the part? That is why I encourage you to photograph these moments! You don't need fabulous photography skills. You just need a camera and let it capture what you see. Below, I have listed a few tips to help make these photos ones you will treasure! Photo tips for "Daily Life" photos: 1. Think about your child's favorite toy, favorite activity, or a favorite book they love to read- something that represents this specific season they are in. These photos are all about capturing them engaged in the moment, and to recall some of their favorite things. 2. If your child is younger, make sure to attempt these photos when they are rested and have eaten-this ensures better (not perfect) cooperation. 3. Encourage normal play or quiet time. Don't make it about the photos. And don't tell them what to do. Let them play naturally. Letting them play on their own will give you so many real moments to capture! 4. Set the toys, or activity, up outdoors or if inside-in a room with plenty of natural light. Living room windows create beautiful natural light. As do garages! 5. Photograph little details. If you have a macro lens use that. If you don't, no worries! Just focus on the little things-their hands, just the toy, turning pages, the title of book, a close up of snuggling their favorite doll or stuffed animal. 6. Try to capture expressions but don't stress over getting smiles or the perfect picture. 7. Be present. Enjoy the process. Enjoy watching your child do something they love. Maybe even get in a few photos yourself! I'm so often behind the lens, that I forget to be in the photos so that my children will have those memories of us together to cherish as well. My kids love when I turn the camera over to them and they get to take the pictures! They end up being some of my favorites! 8. Think outside the box. Photograph from different angles. Up high. Down low. Get down on their level and into their world. Shoot from behind them. Get photos of the big picture too. 9. Tell a story with your photos. This is one of my favorite things about photography! The way it can tell a story like nothing else can. Use before and after photos, or a series of the activity from start to finish. This is where those details are so important as well! 10. Don't forget to print them! In this digital age it is easy to download them to our computers where they stay indefinitely. Or get lost. Or we forget about them. Print them out, you won't regret it. I love this particular photo series (below) of my boys. They weren't really reading the words on the pages, but instead made up numerous stories themselves to fit the pictures. The laughter and giggles that ensued was contagious! I hope these images inspire you to take your own "Daily Life" photos! I would love to hear about what "Daily Life" moments you were inspired to photograph!
Blessings, Elizabeth
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Meet ElizabethWife. Mother. Writer. Photographer. Child of God. Encouraging others in faith through a lens of grace and seeing beauty in the ashes. All images and content belong to me (Blue Jean Gypsy), unless otherwise noted. You may use an image ONLY if it is linked back to this blog! Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!
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April 2020
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