This is ‘Part I’ of a multi-part series on my ‘philosophy’ behind taking better photos. This post is also the beginning of my new snap with intention movement on Instagram where the beautifully lit styled shot and the everyday snapshot are both celebrated and valued. Come follow me on IG here and start using the #snapwithintention hashtag in your next post! Curious about ‘Part II’ of this series? Click here to learn how to find your photo friends
Most of the emails I get in my inbox these days are from parents or grandparents asking me how to take better photos.
They genuinely want advice on how to enjoy the photography journey with more ease, purpose, and intention. So today I’m starting a multi-part series that will break down some of my core philosophies when it comes to photography and family.
This first post however, is actually inspired by an anonymous email I received other day that questioned why so many of my photos look like snapshots. This person was trying to criticize my photography skills, but I’m actually taking their words as a compliment.
How to Take Better Photos? Snap with Intention
You see, if there’s one lesson I can impart to the many families I’ve taught on their photography journey it’s to be in the moment and not solely focused on capturing it. Our lives aren’t set up to be a highlight reel of Pinterest worthy professional quality moments and my goal here in this space is to show the wide variety of images that get woven into the framework of our days.
Just as we have seasons of our lives that ebb and flow and shift and change….I see seasons in my photography journey too.
In fact, this summer I’ve barely taken out my DSLR camera. In the past I would’ve felt a level of guilt over the fact that I’m not using my fancy equipment enough. But I’ve reached a point now where I’ve realized that all photos have value, so instead I’m loving capturing our life in a more carefree, present, and mindful way. And I’m fairly certain my DSLR camera will come back out again soon when seasonal change strikes again.
This is the nature of my own photography journey and I’m choosing to honor it, instead of fight it. I think this message is SO important to share because I see mom after mom questioning her choices from the bigger life choices of ‘what is my purpose in this world’ to the smaller ones of ‘what camera should I use today’.
The question isn’t, “What should I want” it’s “What do I want”
Professional photography is at the fingertips of anyone who wants to learn these days, but the truth is not every mom desires to become a professional photographer 24/7.
Even so, I absolutely see value in anyone being given the opportunity to learn the technical basics of photography. I want those who desire it, to understand how to plan for a spectacular series of professional quality images that add elements of amazing light, depth, texture, and emotion to a scene. But learning those skills does not mean every shot from that point forward has to then be a high quality one.
I see value in releasing the pressure of capturing a perfect scene for the sake of allowing a real, present, spontaneous, intentional moment unfold too.
It all boils down to knowing your purpose for a picture and embracing it. Are you going for a professional frame worthy image? Or are you snapping a quick moment for posterity?
That’s what I call ‘snapping with intention’.
It’s about making beautiful memories, yes — but it’s also about using those memories as a means to building richer, deeper, bonds and connections with the people that mean the most in our lives.
As a momtographer I want you to capture all your memories and I’m here to help you do that more easily and confidently.
If you’re looking to both snap with intention AND capture photos with less effort, struggle, and frustration, check out the Momtography Community!
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