WHAT DAILY KID’S PHOTOGRAPHY CAN TEACH YOU
Too many of us get into the habit of pulling out our cameras only on those special occasions where we think there will be a chance for great kid’s photography: kid’s birthdays, first days of school, vacations, Christmas, etc. The problem is, when we only bring out the camera on rare occasions, we lose the opportunity to improve our skills and make even better photos. So what can you learn by taking out your camera on a daily basis?
Just Do It
Rather than looking for something to shoot, daily kid’s photography encourages you to just take photos. It helps you find the beauty and composition in everything you shoot – rather than finding something to photograph first. It takes just a few minutes per day; all you have to do is take out your camera for a few minutes each day.
Keep it Handy
When the mood strikes, you need to have your camera on hand. This might not always be possible with larger DSLRs, but you can always use your camera phone in a pinch (the newer smartphones have pretty impressive capabilities). If you are really having trouble remembering, try setting an alarm on your phone for the same time each day.
Photograph Any Moment
They grow up so fast, you don’t want to miss out on those little moments. By planning to photograph your kids daily you can catch all the moments that come in between the big events. It doesn’t matter what they’re doing: brushing their hair, tying shoes, or just starting off into space; each is a great opportunity to hone your photography skills.
Keep it Light
Carrying all of your gear is a hassle, you’ll never find the right setting or lens for the moment. Instead, pack a single lens with you each week – not only will you find it easier to get into shooting mode, you’ll learn how to make each lens work for you in a variety of situations. Stick with one lens and then change it up next week!
Try Something New in Kid’s Photography
It’s definitely okay to develop a personal style of shooting; nearly everyone has one. What you don’t want to do is get stuck shooting in the same way all the time – trying something new can help to teach you new angles, settings, etc. for stronger overall kid’s photography.
You can try shooting at night, experimenting with manual mode, try panning shots to follow the action, turn your camera, zoom in, zoom out. Try it all!
Kid’s photography is a journey, not a destination. You’ll constantly evolve (as your kids grow), so embrace the trip and remember to stop and check in on the way to admire your progress 🙂
