Where to Take Pictures

It’s time for new pictures of your kids. You don’t want school pictures with the blue background and the straight-on angle. You want real pictures. Ones that capture your child’s essence, and allows you to remember who they were at this time in their lives. You’ve got a camera, and you (pretty much) know how to use it. Now what?

If you’re looking to take some pictures of your own kids, you’re up for a challenge. It’s never easy, no matter how much training and experience you have. Your kids just won’t act the same around you as they will around any other adult. They know what they can get away with when you’re in charge.

You need a place to go where the kids will pay attention.

I would recommend a new place. Somewhere the kids have never been, or maybe they’ve been there only a time or two. The new situation often puts kids a little on guard so they’re a bit more likely to listen to instructions. Look for a place with natural wonder – not play structures. Of course you want your kids to have fun on their photo shoot, but playgrounds have lots of distracting lines and colors to make composition more difficult, and let’s not forget the other kids! Who wants to worry about keeping them out of the frame? Too much trouble when you have your own kids to deal with.

If there’s a beach near home – but maybe a little farther than you typically travel – that’s always a safe bet (it doesn’t matter what season). A forest with a hiking trail, a grassy field, or a local public garden would make a wonderful backdrop. Think like an out-of-towner – where might you go if you were just visiting your area? Travelers often choose to visit places of beauty.

Find a beautiful place near your home that you don’t often visit, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful photo shoot with your kids.