5 Photography tips for Moms

1. Make a plan

Sometimes those lifestyle shots are my favorite, other times I look back on the photo and say, “Man, I wish that was different” and “Oooh, I should have added this.” This is why I think planning works best. If you notice that the light comes perfectly through the window everyday at 10am, and you want a shot of your daughter drawing or painting, plan the shoot from the get go. Plan what she’ll wear and dress her for the photo at the start of the day instead of making her go change her neon shirt. Add little details to the scene that will make it more interesting! Get your camera settings perfect and experiment beforehand! It will make your life so much easier instead of running around like a psychopath throwing all your dirty laundry out of the way! Trust me, I've done it!

2. Get them involved

Ask them about their ideas for a photo. They might have some really good ideas, or they might be completely crazy! You don’t have to post their crazy shots on social media, but you can show them what they helped create. If you let their ideas come to life, they will be more receptive to yours.

3. Make it fun!

If you are wanting to try a specific pose, you’re not going to get anywhere if you are FORCING your kids to do it. This will only bring on tears, red faces and a frustrated mama. Instead you need to come at it from a fun approach. Get them interested and make them want to do what you need them to do. For example, if you need them to sit on a stool and be still, don’t just yank them from their favorite movie, stick them on the kitchen stool, and say “Sit there, be quiet, look at me and say cheese.” That's a recipe for disaster. Instead, wait until their movie is over, or ask to pause it, and tell them your idea enthusiastically. “Mommy really wants to get this picture of you on the kitchen stool, because the light is shining so pretty there! Can you please jump up here, and look out the window at those crazy birds?” Then just start talking to them. “What color is the bird? What do birds like to eat?” They will relax, and start talking to you. "Then you can say something silly to get them to laugh. “Oh my gosh did you see that bird shake its little booty?” That’s when you get the best shots! When they are themselves!

4. When they ain't havin’ it

Bring out the snacks! Yeah, I know some people are against the whole bribery thing, but as a momtographer, I'm all for it! It's really a win, win! The kids get a little treat and Mom gets a cute picture!

So, what's my go to treat? Mini Marshmallows! Not the kind in the bag either, but the teeny tiny ones in a container, specifically “Jet Puff Bits”. They go into your hot chocolate, or on your ice cream. They’re just like the marshmallows in Lucky Charms, but they're tiny, white and will dissolve in their mouths, making it perfect for picture taking. You don’t have to worry about a messy clean up, sticky hands, or stained mouths.

Just shake a couple of those bad boys out and your kids will be begging to take pictures!

5. Knowing when to walk away

As a mom, you know your kids better than anyone, so you can tell when your kids are no longer interested. When they get that glaze in their eyes, are in a zone and their smile turns into a fake, it's time to call it quits! Take a break, stop for the day. Don't push them if they are truly “over it.” You don't want to make them hate taking pictures!