Tips for Photographing Kids on Vacation

Is it almost time again – vacation! This year, plan to take great photos of your kids while they are on spring break. Here are some kids’ photography tips for spring break:

Kid’s Photography Tip One: Themes for Road Trips

Road trips can be a bit of a drag for kids and parents alike; creating a “theme” for your drive can help pass the time and create an interesting photography project for your vacation. You can choose anything: landmarks, old cars, things on the side of the road, etc. Whenever you can, pull over for a sec and take a photo with your kids – at the end of the trip you’ll have a fun collage.

Bonus tip: Hand your kids a camera and let them capture their own theme. At the very least it will keep them busy for a while!

Kid’s Photography Tip Two: Famous Places

If, on your journey, you stop at a famous landmark (or few), don’t forget to take some photos. Putting your kids in the frame (or all of you together) helps to give it perspective and also makes for a more interesting image – one that you are more likely to hang on your wall or display on your mantle, rather than having a list of images that could belong to just anyone.

Experiment with different styles: up close or pulled back, landscape or portrait orientation, and remember your photography rules – particularly finding a focal point and using the rules of thirds to add more interest to your image.

Kid’s Photography Tip Three: Beach Images

On these cold, dreary days, it’s the thought of a trip to the hot, sunny shores that keep many parents sane. You can keep the warm memories alive by taking great images of your kids while you are away.

On sunny days, consider using fill flash to even out shadows on faces, or an umbrella to block sunlight – this will help to give you better portraits (as in, less squinting). If this is not a possibility then put the sun behind your subjects and boost your exposure to compensate.

Posed shots are great, but so are candid photos. Bring your telephoto lens so you can capture great candid images while your kids are playing in the waves or building a sandcastle. It doesn’t have to be hot, either, just get out there and have some fun!

Kid’s Photography Tip Three: Famous Places

If, on your journey, you stop at a famous landmark (or few), don’t forget to take some photos. Putting your kids in the frame (or all of you together) helps to give it perspective and also makes for a more interesting image – one that you are more likely to hang on your wall or display on your mantle, rather than having a list of images that could belong to just anyone.

Experiment with different styles: up close or pulled back, landscape or portrait orientation, and remember your photography rules – particularly finding a focal point and using the rules of thirds to add more interest to your image.

Tip Four: Underwater Kids’ Photography

If you don’t feel comfortable putting your DSLR underwater (with an appropriate case, of course), consider investing in a decent underwater camera. For under $200, you can get a great waterproof camera that can be used for underwater photos and can act as a backup camera for those times when you don’t want to carry your DSLR.

Using fill flash underwater is advised; it will help set your subject (whether fish or family) apart from the background. Start out in the hotel pool and practice with your kids so when the times comes you’re ready to get the perfect image.

Bonus Kids’ Photography Tips 

Pack extra batteries, even if you’re just going to be local! Especially when you are using flash, continuous auto focus, or shooting in burst mode, you’ll find that your batteries run out faster than expected. Having an extra on hand is a great idea for long days at the beach, pool, or wherever your journey takes you.

Finally, when you get home don’t forget to do something with your photos! Create a photo book or print out a few favorites. After all, there’s no point to taking great images of your family on spring break if you don’t share them once you return.