Children are the hardest subjects to capture with your camera. They don’t typically sit still (at least mine don’t—please write me with instructions if yours do) and they normally don’t smile on command.
But for most of you, children are probably your primary subject! So here are a few pointers for taking pics of kids:
To begin with, don’t ask them to say “cheese” (or any of those other annoying little words) In fact, I wouldn’t recommend asking kids to sit still or stop wiggling. This almost always results in an unnatural looking shot or, in my case, kids having a bad attitude.
Kiddos are the most photogenic when they are simply enjoying themselves. So rethink your tactics for taking their picture. Interact with them as you are shooting. Ask them questions that will make them laugh or smile. Have them play games or look at something that will capture their attention.
A photographer friend of mine took pictures for our little fam last year. Caly was three and MJ was not even one—tough ages for shooting. But she was fabulous! She had these little toy people (or maybe they were animals) that she would stick on her head. The kids loved looking at them and watching them fall off. She would snap away as they were completely engaged with the toy. Brilliant!
If I really want a child to look at the camera, I ask them to see if they can see my eye through the lens. This recent image of Tori (after some ice cream!) was taken while she was trying very hard to find Auntie Na-Na’s eye. They won’t be able to find it so you can usually get a few shots in before they give up.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. But try and think of ways to get your children (or others you are shooting) to enjoy an activity and forget about the camera and then start your picture-taking. Your images will improve, I promise. And you will never ask anyone to say “cheese” again.
“I had spoken on the topic of biblical womanhood and a college-age woman asked me a thoughtful question: How can I think biblically about my womanhood when I am constantly told that independence is power and that I should seek my own fulfillment and determine my own destiny? My answer: “Go to godly women in your church and ask them to speak the truth of biblical womanhood into your life. Ask them to show you how to live for God’s glory as a woman.” And moms with young kids, you won’t want to miss Jani Ortlund’s article “For the Young Mother: Ministry, Guilt, and Seasons of Life.” Right from the outset, Mrs. Ortlund identifies with the unique challenges facing young moms, and she goes on to offer wise counsel and biblical encouragement. We hope every young mom will take these words to heart:
“Ministry means being “all there.” It means rejoicing that you get to show your children how to peddle a tricycle, make their bed, build good memories, and share their toys with others. You serve your family, and ultimately your heavenly Father, by helping your child do that puzzle for the seventeenth time, by washing those sticky fingers, by planting a little garden, by acting out Bible stories and praying together, and by preparing for their daddy’s return as the highlight of your day!” Thanks to the folks at 9Marks for serving us with this oustanding journal!
I had the privilege of meeting Sono Harris many years ago when she stayed in my home during a women’s conference at our church. I enjoyed getting to know this godly woman. She was vibrant, witty, quick to smile.
After the conference was over, I fell on the couch, exhausted from leading such a large event. This kind woman—a guest in my home, no less—offered to give me a foot massage. I remember how humbling it was to let her serve me like this, to, in effect, wash my feet.
Sono was a servant. She followed in the footsteps of her Savior. She poured her life into her family, and the church is richer, stronger because of her.
Now she is with Jesus. Our prayers are with the Harris family today. May the God of all comfort fill your hearts with His love, peace, and resurrection hope.
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15
2010 at 5:12 pm | by Janelle Bradshaw
Filed under
Motherhood
Kristin’s middle son, Liam, was born with his Pop-Pop’s (Mahaney that is) competitive nature. He turns every ordinary situation into a contest, which must have a champion and a loser. And while his parents are working hard to channel this competitive drive toward godliness, as the auntie, I just get to smile and enjoy this little guy.
Liam’s latest competition has been between the Mahaney grandchildren. There have always been more grandsons than granddaughters and to Liam, that means the boys are “winning.”
But Liam’s winning streak has been threatened by the news that his mommy is having a girl. The birth of baby Claire will bring the boys and girls even. And you know what that means: my new baby is going to determine the new winner. That’s a lot of pressure when you consider that the self-appointed captain of the boy’s team has a fierce desire to “win” this one.
Well, I had my sonogram yesterday and the results are in.
“Liam, congratulations! Your team is going to remain in first place. Auntie Na-Na is having a boy. I know he is going to be proud to play on your team.”
Kiddos are the most photogenic when they are simply enjoying themselves. So rethink your tactics for taking their picture. Interact with them as you are shooting. Ask them questions that will make them laugh or smile. Have them play games or look at something that will capture their attention.
The latest 
