Jaquilyn Shumate and her husband have their own photography business with a great following in the Seattle area. Jaquilyn specializes in just about everything, from nature to the nursery and nuptials. Not only is she an amazing professional, but she knows personally how to photograph kids. She is a busy mom of two toddlers herself and has had plenty of practice. We were lucky enough to have her give us tips on how to get busy toddlers to cooperate in pictures and how to capture the special everyday moments a little bit better. -Megan
I am often asked how I am able to get photos of my children. And the truth is, half the time they don’t know I’m taking photos. (The other half of the time I am not opposed to bribes!) The most important thing is to not really have any expectations and have fun! Kids mirror us, so the last thing you want to do is get worked up while trying to capture a sweet moment.
Most toddlers are either too wiggly, or use a fake smile when you tell them to look at the camera and smile. They also lose that “pure joy” look on their faces, because well, mom has a big camera in their face! If we’re out having a fun day or a quiet day at home, I try to keep my camera phone near, to sneak those moments, just briefly. I know someday it will mean so much to them.
When I pull my DSLR out or photographing children professionally, I try to make it as fun as possible. It’s easy to feel frustrated when we have a specific idea in our head, and the child isn’t sticking to what we dreamed up. But the important thing to remember is that they mimic us! So if we’re being silly and having a good time, chances are they will too. I ask my clients to bring a toy, blanket, or book to help the child feel comfortable. No mess snacks always help too!
Capturing candid moments really can be easier than it seems. A child interacting with a sibling or playing with a toy can be a golden moment! Sometimes we get so caught up in Look at the camera! Say cheese! that we forget to capture the essence of our children! If your goal is to get a nice photo of them looking directly at the camera, try getting close to them, and just have a silly conversation with them. Say something that you know will make them giggle, and make sure they know there’s a magical dragonfly that only flaps it’s wings inside the lens if they’re looking and smiling! (I always use that and when my shutter fires. It works like a charm!) I just snap away, and hope there’s one good shot in the dozens I take in that instant. If you’re using a camera phone, get a fun phone case so you can tell them to look at it. Mine has cacti, hearts, eyes, and arrows on it! I ask my kids “Can you see the cactus?” etc.
When photographing younger children/babies, holding a little toy just above the lens always helps direct attention. (I told you, I get really silly and totally make a fool of myself — all in the name of getting a great photo!) I’ll lay on the floor to get that perfect low angle of a small child sitting and playing.
I often hear “My photos are always blurry!” and my first question is what’s the light situation? Are you outdoors? Inside? Near a window? Artificial Light? Natural light is almost always the best answer. If I’m indoors, I always try to be next to a window. If I’m on the wall of the window, it will give me perfect direct light. Shooting from the side of a window gives great light with nice shadows. Shooting against a window (subject is in front of the window) will give a silhouetted photo. All of these are good. The same goes for the sun outside. Less light means your photos are more susceptible to blur, so if they’re moving and you’re lacking light, there’s not a lot you can do, except change your setting, or change what the child is doing. But you can get creative! Don’t be afraid to experiment with lamps, small LED lights or any other available light.
Don’t stress if your child’s face isn’t showing perfectly or if they’re not smiling. Since having my own children, I have tried to document our day-to-day. Whatever we’re doing (even if it’s just the library or grocery store), I try to make it enjoyable and a little adventure. I like capturing those candid moments when they’re not looking at me. Sometimes it’s just their little stature against a wall of books or a fun mural we came across. Or maybe we stopped on the way home to throw rocks in the sound. I want to remember those moments, and I don’t want to interfere too much. I don’t want my children to always remember me with a camera or phone covering my face. They know how important it is to me to document our life, and the privilege I have to document so many others. They know I want to remember them in the here and now, but I also want them to see me engaged in activities with them, not always concerned with taking photos.
If you’re taking a portrait, remember that in most cases eyes should be the focus. Minimize background distractions the best you can, and frame it nicely. There’s no one perfect way to take a photo, so do not be afraid to experiment! If I’m taking a photo where I want the background to be a part of it, I don’t worry so much on having their eyes/face be the focus. Images can tell stories, spark memories, and fuel the imagination.
The beauty of time we’re in is that we can document like never before. Don’t be afraid to experiment! You’re not spending money on rolls of film. You can see your photos instantly. But that also means remembering when to put your phone down and just enjoy moments with your children. Children trust us when we are playful and involved. Use that trust to document and capture memories, but know when to stop and just have fun!
~Jaquilyn Shumate~
Check out more of Jaqui’s work on her website, blog and Instagram feed!