What’s the #1 photo tip moms need to know? First a little story…
We were standing in the middle of the most magical place on earth, also likely one of the most photographed places on earth for parents — Disney World.
Between the impeccable customer service, beautifully manicured grounds, lovable characters, and creative attractions, this destination is one that everyone kids and parents alike want to bottle up and take home.
Disney was a phenomenal teacher in learning to love my photos and my life. I’m sure there will be many more lessons from the mouse appearing on the blog here soon.
On this particular trip I ran into one of the most common struggles I experience behind the lens.
You know, that moment when you see a picture perfect opportunity and want to stop to capture it, but your requests to take pictures are met with eye rolls, whines, complaints and turned backs.
(unless of course the opportunity involves your daughter is meeting Elsa and Anna for the first time – you’ve got free reign to take all the photos you want!)
I’m sure Disney or not, you’ve experienced this challenge.
Think of all the times when you see your kids doing something adorable, so you go to grab your camera. But, your kids must have a super sixth photo sense, because by the time you arrive back at the scene they’re sticking their tongue out at you and running away.
::sigh::
Today I want to leave you with the #1 photo tip moms need to know when it comes to their photography.
It’s the solution of all solutions that’s helped me eliminate the struggle from my picture taking.
And it has nothing to do with your camera.
It actually has everything to do with your mindset.
In the words of Disney, you’ve got to “Let it Go….Let it Go….”
I digress…
In all seriousness though you need to stop making your photography journey about you and your expectations. Let go of your desired outcomes.
The photo tip moms need to know?
Make everything about your picture taking for and about your kids.
So many times I’ll see a perfect photo opportunity and that’s how it’s presented to my family.
Ask #1 (the wrong way): “Oh my gosh, that’s so <<<beautiful/adorable/precious/amazing>>>>. Everyone STOP, go stand together and SMILE!!”
No one wants to stop what their doing to pose. They’ve all got their own agendas, desires, and wishes.
If I can change my ask around to keeping everyone else and their desires in mind, the photo taking moment goes so much differently.
Ask #2 (the right way): “Those flowers and that wall over there look like so much fun! Let’s take a break to climb the wall and smell the flowers for a few minutes, ok?!”
See how I made it all about my child and what she might like to do?
I know my kiddo. Climbing anything is right up her alley. She willingly ran over to the wall with me and started playing.
As an added bonus I passed the camera off to a family member and got in the pictures too!
They key is to get your children so engaged in a moment that they forget the camera is out, giving you free reign to snap away.
My daughter may not be looking into the lens for many of the photos in this series, and I only get in a few quick snaps, but that’s what makes these candid moments special. They’re her doing what she loves to do most instead of a contrived moment of beauty I dreamed up in my mind.
Your Homework: Practice THE ASK during your next photo opportunity. How can you make picture taking more about the kids, and less about your expectations or desired outcomes? Go give it a try and report back in the comments when you’re done!
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